The Best Bath Oils

Buying Guide for Bath Oils

Why buy bath oils?

Taking a warm bath is already a great way to unwind after a long day, and adding bath oils to the equation can bring some extra benefits. They’re great for increasing your skin’s moisture, which can help prevent dryness and flaking and help your skin feel softer all day. Certain bath oil formulas can help relieve muscle aches post-workout and improve circulation by maximizing blood flow. Many bath oils are enriched with essential oils that boast fruity, minty, or floral scents that can help to improve mood, energy levels, focus, and even sleep.

What should you look for in bath oils?

• Ingredients: Look for bath oil products made with natural ingredients, ensuring that they don’t include any harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin. For dry or sensitive skin, look for a formula rich in nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and olive oil. Something lighter with ingredients like aloe vera or peppermint might be better if you have oily skin.
• Scent: You want something that will help you relax and unwind while remaining gentle on your skin. Consider what scents work best for your personal preferences. Some people love relaxing smells like lavender or vanilla; others prefer something more invigorating, like lemongrass or grapefruit. On the other hand, high-quality unscented bath oil options are also available if you’re sensitive to strong scents.
• Features: Many quality bath oils emphasize various features that support good skin health and eco-friendliness. Check labels to learn if your choice is certified organic, free of parabens and sulfates, and cruelty-free. You may also find bath oils that are vegan-friendly and dermatologist-recommended.

How should you clean your tub after using bath oils?

Bath oils can be a great way to relax after a long day, but if you don’t clean up after your bath, you’ll end up with a slippery mess that can stress you out all over again! If you’ve used a bath oil that leaves traces of oil on your tub, mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste. Then, using a sponge or cloth, rub the paste over the surface of your tub and let it sit for several minutes. The baking soda will absorb the oil residue and help lift it off your tub. If you notice that the baking soda paste needs a little extra help to cut the oil, you can add some dish soap or a stronger bathtub cleaner to it. After scrubbing the tub with the mixture, rinse with fresh water and then dry off your tub with a towel.

Our Picks for the Best Bath Oils

Pros: Avon is a trusted heritage brand in the cosmetics world. The brand’s Skin So Soft segment is a fan favorite as well. One of the main ingredients in this bath oil is jojoba, a natural oil that’s perfect for moisturizing and softening the skin. Plus, many users swear by using this oil to effectively repel mosquitos.

Cons: Some people don’t like that the bottle doesn’t come with a pump or a small hole to dispense the oil; it’s a simple screw-off cap with a large opening, so it can come out fast.

Bottom Line: By picking this foaming bath oil, you’ll get a trusted product that leaves your skin feeling oh-so-smooth.

 

Pros: Whether you’re feeling stiff, sore, and achy from working out or just from everyday life, Kneipp Arnica Herbal Bath Oil is here to help. This bath oil is infused with arnica, an herb that has been used medicinally for many centuries. It’s still widely used today to alleviate muscle pains, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds when applied to the skin as a cream, ointment, tincture, or in this case, bath oil. This product is dermatologist tested and contains plant-based ingredients without preservatives or animal testing.

Cons: It can be expensive for the 3.38-ounce size.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking to soothe aching joints and stiffness, this arnica bath oil from Kneipp may be just the drug-free solution you need to boost the pain relief factor of your already relaxing bath.

 

Pros: There’s nothing like a bubble bath. This foaming avocado oil bath product from Dr. Teals is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. The avocado oil works to deeply hydrate the skin while the bubbles give you a gentle cleanse. You’ll get 34 fluid ounces that work to nourish your skin. You’ll also like the citrus scent to help calm your mind.

Cons: While people with normal skin types might find this moisturizing, anyone with very dry or sensitive skin may still need to follow up with a traditional moisturizer.

Bottom Line: Kick back, unwind, and luxuriate with this foaming bath oil.

 

Pros: Here’s another multipurpose bath oil, but this time, it’s unscented. That’s great news for those who are sensitive to fragrances but still desire a moisturizing bath oil soak. This oil is blended with organic extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil along with sweet almond, jojoba, grape seed, sunflower, and vitamin E oils to saturate and rehydrate dry skin. This oil can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a face, hair, or nail oil.

Cons: This is not the most lightweight oil. If you’re using it as a bath oil, it should be okay since it’s diluted with your bath water. But if you plan on using it undiluted as a face or hair oil, you may want to start out sparingly to determine if the consistency works for you.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for unscented bath oil, you’ve found it here with this chemical-free blend of oils from Ancient Greek Remedy. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in a convenient spray bottle.

 

Pros: If dry skin woes are getting you down, this Hempz bath and body oil is designed to give you exactly what you need. It features a tropical scent that blends pineapple and honey melon. But the added shea butter gives you a much-needed burst of hydration. Still, this is a great pick because it’s non-greasy and absorbs well into the skin.

Cons: Some reviewers noted that the actual bottle you receive could be smaller than what’s advertised.

Bottom Line: People with dry skin will rejoice that this pick features shea butter for an ultra burst of hydration.

Final Thoughts

If you want a way to treat yourself to a luxury spa treatment in the comfort of your own bathroom, quality bath oil can do just that. With so many great options available, you’re sure to find one that suits your desires. Whether you need to soothe aches and pains, moisturize dry skin, get a relaxing start on a good night’s rest, or simply want to treat yourself to some self-care, one of our picks would be perfect for your needs.