Creating Fragrant Bath Salts: Oil-Based Aromatics

Creating bath salts is a fun and simple DIY project that can be done at home. They are a great gift idea and can be customised with different scents and colours. Essential oils are commonly used to fragrance bath salts, but can be harsh on the skin. So, can perfume or fragrance oils be used as an alternative?

The short answer is yes, fragrance oils can be used to scent bath salts. However, it is important to ensure that the oils are bath-safe and to use them in small quantities. Additionally, a solubilizer such as poly-80 can be added so that the oil disperses in the water. It is also worth noting that some fragrance oils may be too strong and cause irritation, so it is important to test a small amount on the skin first.

Essential oils vs fragrance oils

Yes, bath salts can be made with fragrance oils. In fact, you can use either fragrance oils or essential oils to scent bath salts.

While essential oils and fragrance oils are both used for scenting products, there are some key differences between the two.

Essential oils are potent oils extracted from the seeds, flowers, leaves, roots, stems, or bark of plants. They are typically obtained through steam distillation, expression, or extraction. Essential oils are considered natural products and are commonly used in aromatherapy and therapeutic baths. They have been identified to have medicinal properties, such as providing natural assistance during pregnancy and helping with headaches. They are also used in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, household cleaners, and medicines.

When creating fragrances, essential oils are often used for top notes as they tend to be more volatile, providing a fresh and uplifting initial scent. However, they may fade faster compared to fragrance oils.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are manufactured in a lab and are a combination of essential oils and synthetic aroma chemicals. They are designed to mimic natural scents and can create unique aromas that cannot be achieved with plant-derived materials alone, such as the scent of fresh-baked cookies or a crackling fire. Fragrance oils are commonly used in candles, soaps, scented laundry detergents, and perfumes.

Fragrance oils are often used for base notes in fragrances as they tend to have a longer-lasting scent. They are also more inexpensive compared to essential oils and are beginner-friendly.

Precautions

It is important to note that both essential oils and fragrance oils should be handled with care. Work in a well-ventilated area and use protective equipment like eye goggles and gloves. Additionally, essential oils can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, so it is recommended to perform patch tests and consult a healthcare professional if needed. Fragrance oils may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients, so checking the ingredients list and choosing reputable brands is important.

How to mix bath salts

Mixing bath salts is a fun and easy DIY project that can be made to your personal preference. The basic ingredients are coarse dead sea salt or pink Himalayan salt crystals, essential oils, and dried herbs.

Ingredients

To make bath salts, you will need:

• 1 cup of coarse dead sea salt or pink Himalayan salt crystals
• 40-60 drops of essential oil (or fragrance/perfume oil)
• 4-6 tablespoons of dried herbs (optional)

You can also add:

• 1/4 cup of dry goat milk for its moisturising qualities
• 2 tablespoons of regular oats, blended for exfoliating qualities
• Vitamin E tablets for antioxidant qualities and to relieve scrapes and cuts
• 1/4 cup of dried bath herbs of your choice, or a few drops of essential bath oil

Method

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Break up any clumps that develop from essential oils.
• Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.

Usage

Add 1/2-1 cup of bath salts to your bath just before getting in.

Tips

• You can pulse your herbs in a blender to break them down and make clean-up easier.
• If you want to add baking soda to your bath salts, add it directly to the bath rather than to your bath salt mix. Baking soda can mix with the essential oil blend (especially citrus oils) and cause your container to explode.
• If you are making bath salts to sell, use weight instead of volume for measuring so you get consistent results.
• If you are making bath salts in a humid environment, consider adding baking soda and citric acid to your mix to prevent clumping.
• To prevent your bath salts from losing their fragrance, avoid baking or dehydrating them as this will get rid of the essential oils.
• To prevent clumping, use a very fine salt to absorb the essential oils and blend it with regular salt.
• If you are making bath salts as gifts, you can package them in a mason jar or other glass container.

Preventing clumping

Adding fragrance oils to bath salts is a great way to enhance your bathing experience, but it's important to prevent clumping. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Baking:

Baking your bath salts is an effective way to eliminate clumping. After mixing your chosen oils and salts, spread the mixture on a cookie sheet lined with heavy-duty foil. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. This process will leave you with a smooth, dry, and clump-free texture.

Glycerine:

Glycerine is a secret weapon against clumpy bath salts. Add 1 tablespoon of glycerine per cup of your bath salt mixture. Combine your essential oils or fragrance oils with the glycerine first, and then mix this blend into the rest of your bath salt mixture.

Fine Salt:

Using a fine salt can help prevent clumping. Grind your coloured salt in a coffee grinder to achieve a finer texture. This ensures that the salt dissolves easily and doesn't sit in clumps at the bottom of your tub.

Airtight Containers:

Proper storage is key to preventing clumping. Store your bath salts in durable, airtight containers, such as clear, uniquely-shaped glass jars. This will help maintain a useable, well-protected product that stays dry and clump-free.

Dendritic Salt:

Dendritic salt is known for its ability to absorb fragrances and colours effectively. If you're struggling with clumping due to fragrance oils, consider using dendritic salt in your mixture. However, do note that the availability of this salt may vary depending on your location.

Reducing Oil Quantity:

In some cases, reducing the amount of essential oil or fragrance oil used can help prevent clumping. If your mixture is too moist, it can lead to hardening and clumping over time.

By following these tips, you can create beautifully scented bath salts that remain clump-free!

Choosing the right container

When choosing a container for your bath salts, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a durable, airtight container that will protect your bath salts from moisture and direct sunlight. Bath salts are sensitive to their environment, and improper storage can result in clumping, loss of fragrance, and colour fading.

The best containers for bath salts are glass jars, PET plastic jars, and quality cellophane bags. Glass jars are non-porous, meaning they will effectively prevent the escape of fragrance. They also come in a variety of beautiful shapes and designs, and can easily be found in most homes or grocery stores. However, glass jars should not be used for bath salts containing baking soda, as the combination of baking soda, moisture, and citric acid can create gas and cause the jar to explode. Additionally, glass containers can be fragile and expensive.

If you are looking for an alternative to glass, high-density PET plastic jars are a great option. These containers are resistant to essential oils and will prevent the escape of scent. They come in various sizes and shapes, and the crystal clear variety is perfect for showcasing your bath salts.

Another option is to use cellophane bags, which can effectively preserve the fragrance of your bath salts if properly packaged. This option is also the most cost-effective of the three. However, it can be challenging to ensure that the bags are completely airtight.

When choosing a container, it is also important to consider the ingredients of your bath salts. If your bath salts contain baking soda, avoid using glass containers to prevent the risk of explosion. Additionally, if your bath salts contain essential oils, be aware that these can damage or melt certain types of plastic containers and bags.

Safety considerations

When making bath salts with fragrance oils, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of oil. While essential oils are commonly used, they can be harsh on the skin, and some types, like peppermint, can cause a burning sensation. Fragrance oils and essential oils that are bath-safe can be used, but only in small quantities. To prevent skin irritation, it is recommended to use a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, in combination with the fragrance oil. This dilutes the fragrance oil and helps protect the skin.

Another important consideration is the storage and shelf life of the bath salts. Essential oils tend to lose their fragrance quickly when added to water-based products, so it is advisable to store the bath salts separately from the oils. This can be done by creating a large batch of the salt blend and then adding the oils to a smaller amount for immediate use. The shelf life of essential oils in bath salts is typically two weeks to a month before they start to oxidize, so it is important to use them within this timeframe.

Additionally, not all essential oils are safe for bath use. Some oils, such as ginger, black pepper, clove, and cardamom, can create a warming sensation when mixed with water, which may be uncomfortable. Oils with ether constitutes, such as tarragon, anise, nutmeg, and fennel, are also not suitable for baths. It is crucial to research and select oils that are known to be safe for bathwater, such as lavender, citrus oils, chamomile, and rose.

Furthermore, it is important to use the correct ratio of ingredients when making bath salts. Adding too much carrier oil can cause the mixture to clump, while adding too much fragrance oil can be overpowering and potentially irritating. It is recommended to start with a small amount of fragrance oil and adjust as needed.

By following these safety considerations, you can ensure that your homemade bath salts are both enjoyable and safe to use.

Frequently asked questions