Bath oil is a body care product that is designed to be added to a bathtub. It is readily available in body care and bath stores, and people can also formulate their own relatively easily for a specific blend of oils or scents. Using this oil regularly will help to soften and nourish the skin, eliminating dry and rough patches, because the warm water of the bath opens up the pores to help the skin absorb the oil. Users can follow a bath with a toner or cold water rinse and then moisturize thoroughly to keep the skin healthy.
The base of a bath oil can be made from coconut, olive, sesame, nut, jojoba, or vitamin E oil. The cost of the product will vary depending on the base; vitamin E based oils, for example, tend to be quite expensive. Nut oils such as sweet almond are very common, so if consumers have nut allergies, they should read the ingredients of each product carefully. A plain, unscented product will often contain a blend of oils formulated to improve the condition of the skin.
Most bath oils are scented with the addition of essential oils. In addition to smelling good, a scented product can also be used for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy oils can be used to relax after a long day, energize for a night out, or support immune system health. Common aromatherapy ingredients include lavender, ylang ylang, rose, citrus, lemon verbena, bergamot, and yarrow. Most of these oils do not use potentially irritating essential oils, like clove and black pepper, although these ingredients are safe to use in small, measured amounts.
In some cases, a product will also contain dried botanical elements like rose petals and lavender. These additions add to the bath experience, but they can be difficult to clean out of a bathtub, as they tend to cling to the sides. People who do use products with dried flowers should make sure to use a hair trap when it drains so that the drain does not become clogged with petals, and try rinsing down the sides of the tub with a detachable shower head to remove the stubborn flowers.
Many people choose to make their own bath oil as well. Base oils are available from bath product suppliers and in some department stores; it should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place when it is not in use to prevent it from going rancid. In a clean container, individuals can mix one or more carrier oils, and then add several drops of the essential oil or oils of their choice. They should use approximately 1 fluid ounce (30 milliliters) in each bath.
