Making DIY lavender orange bath salts brings a spa-like moment to your home routine. The calming floral scent of lavender complements bright, uplifting orange notes for a balanced, soothing aroma. This simple homemade blend uses natural ingredients you may already have on hand and takes minutes to prepare. It’s an affordable way to personalize bath time, create thoughtful gifts, or relax after a long day.
DIY lavender orange bath salts blend relaxing lavender with bright citrus to create fragrant, calming soaks. They’re easy to make, natural, and ideal for gifting.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy and economical: This DIY uses unscented Epsom salts as a base and a few simple additions to create a luxurious soak without the price tag of commercial blends. It’s quick to assemble and stores well when kept dry and sealed.
Delicious scent: The combination of lavender and orange essential oils provides both relaxation and a bright, cheerful lift. Powdered milk adds a softening, comforting quality to the water.
Customizable: You can change the essential oil blend, add other salts like sea salt or Himalayan salt, or adapt the recipe for different scent profiles. It’s a versatile base for experimenting.
Homemade Bath Salts Ingredients
The full ingredient list and quantities are included in the recipe card below.
Epsom salt: A soothing base that helps relax tired muscles and softens skin.
Lavender buds: Dried lavender adds a spa-like touch and visual appeal.
Orange zest or orange essential oil: Adds fresh citrus aroma and a mood-lifting scent.
Lavender essential oil: Promotes calm and helps reduce stress during a soak.
Powdered milk (optional): Adds creaminess and a gentle moisturizing effect.
Baking soda: Helps soften water and contributes to a silky bath feel.
How to Make Bath Salts
See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements and servings.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine unscented Epsom salts with powdered milk, dried lavender buds, orange zest (or a small amount of orange essential oil), and baking soda. Break up any clumps so the texture is even.
Add essential oils: Stir in a few drops of lavender and orange essential oils, mixing thoroughly so the scent is distributed evenly through the mixture.
Package: Use a funnel to fill glass jars or containers. Seal jars tightly to keep moisture out. Finish with a label, ribbon, or a sprig of dried lavender for presentation.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap ingredients: Use orange essential oil instead of zest if you prefer a stronger citrus note, or add a small amount of sweet almond oil for extra skin softness. Coarse sea salt or pink Himalayan salt can be mixed with Epsom salt for different textures and mineral content.
Alternate scents: Replace or combine oils—eucalyptus, peppermint, or chamomile create entirely new aromatherapy experiences. For a vegan option, replace powdered milk with powdered coconut milk or omit it entirely.
How to Use Homemade Bath Salts
Add a scoop or two of bath salts to warm running bath water. Adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the scent and how concentrated you prefer the soak. Stir the water to dissolve the salts, step in, and soak for 15–30 minutes to enjoy the calming benefits.
How to Store DIY Bath Salts
Storage tips: Keep your bath salts in an airtight jar away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A cool, dry cupboard or pantry works well. Always reseal the jar after use to prevent moisture from clumping the mixture.
Top Tips
Combine salts and buds: Mix Epsom salt and dried lavender in a large bowl so the floral pieces distribute evenly.
Add oils carefully: Start with a few drops of each essential oil, mix, then add more if needed—essential oils are potent.
Blend thoroughly: Ensure the fragrance and any oils are evenly mixed to prevent concentrated pockets.
Jar and label: Transfer to jars with tight lids and label them with the scent and date for easy gifting and use.
Homemade Bath Salts FAQs
Baking soda softens bath water and helps create a smoother, slightly effervescent feeling in the tub. It can also help balance skin pH and adds a gentle, silky finish to the soak.
Yes. Replace powdered milk with powdered coconut milk or another plant-based powdered milk alternative, or omit the powdered milk entirely for a fully vegan blend.
Bath Salts Printable Tag
Create a simple printable tag to label your jars with the scent and date. A small sticker or cardstock tag tied with twine completes the homemade gift presentation.
Lavender Orange Herbal Bath Salts Recipe
DIY Lavender Orange Bath Salts
A simple, fragrant blend of Epsom salt, dried lavender, orange zest, powdered milk and baking soda. Makes a lovely gift or a relaxing bath treat.
Supplies
- Glass jars with lids (5 oz or similar)
- Mixing bowls
- Funnel (optional)
- Spoon or fork for mixing
- Sticker paper or gift tags and twine (optional)
Ingredients (makes about 3 jars)
- 1 cup unscented Epsom salts
- 1/2 cup powdered milk (optional)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (or 10–15 drops orange essential oil)
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Lavender sprig for decoration (optional)
- 6–12 drops lavender essential oil (adjust to preference)
Instructions
- Zest one whole orange, then blot any excess juice from the zest with a paper towel so it is dry before mixing.
- Combine the Epsom salts, powdered milk, orange zest, dried lavender, and baking soda in a large bowl. Break up any lumps with a fork or your fingers.
- Add lavender essential oil and, if using, orange essential oil. Stir thoroughly so the oils are evenly distributed.
- Use a funnel to fill your jars with the salt mixture. Pack gently but avoid compressing too much.
- Apply a label or sticker to each jar. Wrap twine around the lid and tie a small dried lavender sprig if desired.
Notes
Adjust essential oil amounts based on strength preference. Store finished jars in a cool, dry place and use within 6–12 months for best scent. These bath salts make thoughtful handmade gifts and can be customized with different oils or salts.
Transform plain Epsom salt into a fragrant, thoughtful present or a relaxing addition to your bathroom ritual. These lavender orange bath salts are easy to customize—add essential oils, different salts, or floral accents to suit the recipient’s tastes. For those who prefer showers, a similar scent can be incorporated into shower steamers for a quick, aromatic experience. Homemade bath salts are practical, pretty, and a lovely way to share a moment of calm.
Other Crafts to Try
- A DIY BBQ rub recipe makes a great gift for grill lovers.
- Mason jar cocktail gift sets are creative and practical presents.
- A chocolate popcorn DIY kit is fun for movie-night gifts.
- A boozy hot chocolate gift kit is a cozy, indulgent present.
- Homemade stovetop potpourri simmer pots make an aromatic, reusable gift jar.
