How to Use Essential Oils in the Bath

light skinned female presenting person relaxing in the beautiful vintage bath full of foam in the retro bathroom decorated with candles

Are essential oils safe to use in the bath?

Essential oils are an everyday aromatherapy pleasure as well as an easy-to-use self-care practice. As is the nature of essential oils, all NOW essential oils are highly concentrated and are not water soluble, making it necessary to dilute them for dispersible use in spa-like applications such as a relaxing soak in the bathtub. Using essential oils directly in bath water will result in them sitting on top of the water which will very likely cause irritation. For those with extremely sensitive skin, it may be advised to simply diffuse essential oils in the bathroom during a bath instead of using the oils in the water. Simply inhaling their scent can offer plenty of aromatherapy benefits. At NOW, our in-house chemists and scientists recommend a few essential oils that can be utilized in bathing routines and suggest exercising caution or complete avoidance with others (see full lists below or see our essential oil infographic).


What can I use to safely dilute essential oils for bath use?

Before adding essential oils to bath water, make sure you efficiently disperse them in a vegetable oil or combine with an unscented foaming product to effectively emulsify them. Carrier oils like fractionated coconut and jojoba are a great place to start when indulging in aromatherapy in the bathtub. In general, add about 9-12 drops of the recommended essential oil mixed in a tablespoon of carrier oil (please refer to a dilution chart for exact ratios). The properly diluted blend should then be swirled into the water before entering the bath.
We do not recommend mixing essential oils directly with bath salts, as many pre-packaged mixes have not been pre-tested to ensure dilution ratios. Mixing essential oils first with a carrier oil and then with bath salts is the proper way to go.


What oils do you recommend for bath use?

Several essential oils are approved by our in-house chemist for bath use when mixed in the proper dilution with a carrier oil including Chamomile (Roman), Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit*, Jasmine Absolute, Lavender, Lemon*, Lemongrass, Lime*, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange*, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tangerine*, Tea Tree, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.
*Avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after dermal use


Are there any essential oils that I definitely should AVOID using in the bath?

Our in-house chemist does NOT recommend using some essential oils in bath applications including Basil, Black Pepper, Camphor, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Ginger, Hyssop, Marjoram, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen and all pines (Juniper Berry, Pine Needle, Balsam Fir Needle).


More essential oil bath use tips:

  • Always first dilute recommended essential oils in approved carrier oils (coconut, olive, and jojoba).
  • For essential oil and bath salt combinations, always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before mixing with bath salts.
  • Add blend to water and swirl before entering the bath.
  • Tub may become slippery so exercise caution.
  • Some essential oils can make skin extra sensitive to the sun, so read the label closely before using an essential oil topically and spending time outside.
  • Review more info about Essential Oil Safety.

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