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The best bath oils for a decadent soak in the tub
Turn bath time into a spa-worthy experience
What could be lovelier on a cold winter’s night than a long soak in the tub? Whether you’re looking to destress after a hectic day, soothe muscles that are suffering after a workout (or rigorous shopping trip!), enjoy some well-deserved me-time or prepare your body for a good night’s sleep, a bath is simply the perfect way to unwind.
To really maximise the benefits as you lie back and relax, you’ll want to add an excellent bath oil into the mix. Choose one that soothes your senses as well as your body, and you’ll create a spa-like environment with just a few drops. What’s more, the benefits of your bath oil will continue even once every drop of water has drained from the tub, thanks to the hydrating boost it gives your skin.
As Aromatherapy Associates global education and wellbeing director Christina Salcedas explains: "The two elements of bath oils offer far reaching benefits. The essential oil blend helps deliver a physical and emotional change within the body, while the base oil helps to nourish and soften your skin."
When it comes to making the most of your bath oil, creating the perfect environment is key, advises Christina, recommending you burn a scented candle, add some relaxing music and switch off the lights.
To really make the most of your bath oil, Christina recommends you light a scented candle, play some relaxing music, and gatekeep the bathroom for plenty of time. Don't feel guilty. You need to make sure you spend enough time in the tub to really enjoy the full benefits of your bath oil, she says. "We always say that a soak should be no less than 20 minutes for your mind and body to fully disconnect." So get that Do Not Disturb sign on the door!
As for choosing the best bath oil for you, it's all down to how you're feeling. If you want a bath oil to help you switch off, then it's worth looking beyond the most obvious ingredient. While lavender is famed for its soporific qualities, Christina also recommends looking for blends "with vetiver which is known to have sedating properties, as well as chamomile, which can be calming to mind and body, and sandalwood to ground you". Let your senses lead you to the combination that feels most relaxing to you personally.
And, if you're feeling anxious right now, Christina recommends looking out for frankincense and petitgrain, which are both "known for their ability to clear the mind".
Looking for more bath oil inspiration? We asked Good Housekeeping's in-house beauty experts to reveal their ultimate bath oil recommendations. Happy soaking!
“The concept of Dry January extends to more than just our drinking habits – during winter our skin is sapped of most of its moisture by the low humidity, indoor heating and harsh, chilly temps. Enter: this sumptuous, sensory shower and bath oil that envelops you in a sense of calm more than any body wash can,” explains GH senior beauty writer Florence.
“It comes from Arket’s brand new bodycare range and notes of sandalwood, cashmere and wild fig (these work together just as well as you’d imagine they would, wow) fold you into their comforting embrace, whether you’re grabbing a quick body shower before work or luxuriating in the bath.
“This one transforms from a rich oil to a milky foam, so your skin is left feeling clean, plump and hydrated – and smelling seriously delicious – with no greasy residue in sight. For £15, you won’t find a more perfect bath partner. Trust me.”
Bath products don't come much more iconic than this. The essential oil blend with natural plant extracts of Siberian fir needle, eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary is formulated to soothe and revive weary muscles. Tip a capful into a hot bath before bed to coax yourself into deep slumber.
"Very, very occasionally I'm lucky enough to stay (for work) at hotels with a Cowshed spa and matching products in the rooms," says GH beauty director Lynne Hyland. "My own bathroom certainly doesn't match up the palatial standards of Babington House but if I glug this zingy mood-brightener in the tub, light a candle and muster every bit of my imagination, I can wallow in the fantasy."
GH's former beauty director Eve Cameron is a fan of Ren's signature rose oil. "I like to soak and contemplate life with a few drops of this in the tub," she tells us. "It has a delicate rose scent, leaves skin feeling soft and the cap and bottle are recyclable. Just lovely."
"Good, effective aromatherapy is worth spending the money on, especially when a little goes a long way, as this does," says senior beauty editor Alexandra Friend. "Breathing in the green, peppery scent feels like a total mind and body reset. It’s bracing in the morning, soothing at night, and such an incredible treat."
A real all-rounder for soothing mind, body and soul. The relaxing fragrance is an aromatherapy blend of organic lavender, geranium, bergamot and cypress essential oils, and the silky-soft skin feel comes courtesy of almond, sunflower, and soya oils. For extra wellbeing points, Neal's Yard's has a host of ethical credentials, from powering all of its stores and offices with fully renewable energy to being certified carbon neutral and approved by Leaping Bunny as cruelty free.
If you're going to be splash out (or splash into) a Jo Malone London bath, you might as well make it THE iconic Pomegranate Noir scent. "Rich, smoky and spicy, it's one of the most famously sensual scents in the world so dare I suggest saving this one for date night prep rather than your average night-time dip? If there's an LBD involved somewhere, limbs will appreciate being enriched by the blend of sweet almond, jojoba seed and avocado oils," says Lynne.
If you prefer milk baths, this almond blend by L'Occitane is a must-try.
"Fans of L’Occitane’s cult-favourite Almond Shower Oil will love this bath milk. You only need a little amount to create a big impact and like its shower counterpart it leaves skin soft and silky. I adore it," says Gillian.
"As a beauty addict, I love poking around people's bathrooms, and spotting products I've not tried," admits Lynne. "If you think your guests might be as nosey as me, pop this by your tub for something that's a) glorious and b) likely to win you 'I had it on my beauty radar first' points. Grove England is a lovey new small-batch brand created by award-winning interior designer Laura Butler-Madden, and just having this parked by your bath upgrades your style credentials. If you can bear to actually use it, you'll love the airy white floral scent and skin-nourishing blend of rosehip, raspberry seed, oat and evening primrose oils.
Ok, this isn't going to be a real sensory treat like the others in our edit, but it is a bathroom essential for sensitive skin. For those with a dry, compromised skin barrier, languishing in the bath for a while can leave skin feeling tight and uncomfortable as soon as you step out. A good glug of this protects the delicate skin barrier, coating it lightly in a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. A smart buy.
Former beauty writer Medina Azaldin's newest discovery is this CBD-infused oil that promises to help you drift off to sleep. "This Works has done extensive research into scents that aid sleep and relaxation, and this definitely did the trick," she says.
Simply pop a few drops in your bath and bask in the grounding scent of woody vetiver, chamomile and lavender (which appears subtly here; great if you're not usually keen on lavender).
This affordable find is a go-to for former beauty editor Gillian Davies, as it does wonders to soothe post-workout muscles (she also throws in a handful of Epsom salts!)
"You only need a few drops and the whole bathroom is filled with the most delicious, aromatic scent. It’s not a relaxing scent per se…. More like a very pure, wholesome spa that’s up in the Austrian Alps," says Gillian.
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