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DIY AROMATHERAPY SHOWER MELTS: 4 EASY RECIPES

Discover how to create your own aromatherapy DIY shower melts using essential oils! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make and use shower steamers, featuring four delightful homemade recipes: invigorating citrus fizzies to wake you up, eucalyptus shower bombs to soothe colds, relaxing rose shower tablets, and lavender melts to promote restful sleep. This post is a guest contribution from Country Hill Cottage and includes helpful tips for packaging, along with free printable labels for gift-giving!

We all need a bit of wellness now and then, and aromatherapy shower steamers are the perfect way to create a spa-like experience in your own bathroom. Personally, I often opt for a quick shower instead of a long bath, making homemade shower melts an ideal choice for a refreshing aromatherapy boost. Whether you’re showering in the morning for a revitalizing lift or winding down in the evening after a stressful day, these little luxuries can transform your everyday routine into a relaxing wellness retreat. Sound good? Let’s dive into making DIY shower melts!

Benefits of shower melts

Bath bombs, bath soaks, and milk baths are well-loved products for enjoying the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils in the tub. But what about using essential oils in the shower? Enter DIY shower melts! When activated by water, these shower melts fizz away, releasing delightful fragrances that indulge your senses and soothe your mind.

Aromatherapy shower melts—also known as shower tablets, shower bombs, or shower steamers—are effective for balancing your mind and emotions, relieving stress and tension, and alleviating symptoms of headaches or sinus congestion.

Materials and supplies for shower melts

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients for making basic shower melts:

  • Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and citric acid: These two ingredients are crucial for creating the fizzing effect. The reaction begins when baking soda and citric acid come into contact with water.
  • Arrowroot powder: This ingredient stabilizes the shower melts and helps control the fizzing reaction. Cornstarch can also be used as an alternative.
  • White kaolin clay: Incorporating clay helps extend the longevity of the shower steamers. If you prefer a recipe without clay, check out these DIY shower melts for colds.
  • Essential oils: The aromatherapy benefits of shower tablets come from the essential oils used. Keep reading to discover various shower melt recipes featuring essential oils.
  • Silicone mold: I used a simple round mold, which is the perfect size for creating single-use melts that last for one shower.

How to make DIY shower melts – step-by-step tutorial

DIY shower melts are simple to make! For precise measurements of each ingredient, be sure to consult the recipe card at the bottom of this post. For a detailed, step-by-step tutorial with process photos, check out this guide to DIY shower steamers.

Let’s get started on making shower melts:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a large, non-metallic mixing bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and mica or natural colorant (if using). Whisk until well combined.
  2. Add Essential Oils:
    Drop the essential oils into the mixture and give it a quick stir. This helps distribute the oils evenly and prepares them for the next step.
  3. Spritz with Water:
    Lightly spritz the mixture with a small amount of water, alcohol, or witch hazel, and immediately incorporate it to prevent a reaction. If you don’t have a spritz bottle, you can sprinkle water using a teaspoon.Tip: Wear nitrile gloves to protect your hands during this process, as citric acid can remove nail polish and irritate sensitive skin.
  4. Tips for the Best Consistency:
    Achieving the right moisture level is crucial for perfect homemade shower melts. The mixture should resemble damp sand and be wet enough to hold its shape when pressed together.
    • Too Dry: If the mixture is too crumbly and falls apart, break it into a bowl, reconstitute with a little water, and mold it again.
    • Too Wet: If the mixture is too moist, it will expand, affecting the fizzing reaction. You can tell if there’s too much moisture if you hear a fizzling sound, indicating premature reactions. To fix this, add more arrowroot powder, one teaspoon at a time, until the fizzing stops.
  5. Fill the Mold:
    Fill a silicone mold with the shower melts mixture, pressing firmly with your fingertips, especially at the edges.Tip: If you’re using dried herbs or flowers, add them before filling the mold. Keep larger decorations, like dried rose petals, away from the edges to prevent breakage.
  6. Dry and Unmold the Aromatherapy Shower Melts:
    Allow the shower melts to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours until they feel hard and solid. To unmold, carefully peel back the silicone and gently push the melts out.Tip: Humidity can affect the drying time of shower tablets. If you live in a humid area, be prepared for a longer drying period.

And there you have it—beautiful homemade shower melts infused with essential oils! Now that you know the steps, let’s explore four different recipes designed for energy, relaxation, sleep, and sinus relief.

Energising citrus wake up shower melts

Imagine waking up in a fragrant citrus orchard, surrounded by blooming lemon, orange, and grapefruit trees. Lovely, isn’t it?

My homemade wake-up citrus shower melts have a bright, uplifting aroma that will energize you and help you start your day on a positive note.

Essential Oils for Citrus Wake-Up Shower Melts
A refreshing blend of citrus essential oils gives these morning shower fizzies an invigorating fragrance. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 100 drops lemon essential oil
  • 80 drops sweet orange essential oil
  • 80 drops grapefruit essential oil

Other Materials for Citrus Shower Melts
I chose not to add color to the wake-up shower melts but used dried calendula petals as a decorative touch. Their cheerful yellow hue reminds me of a sunrise, making them simply perfect for this uplifting shower bomb recipe.

DIY eucalyptus shower bombs with menthol

Eucalyptus shower bombs with menthol crystals are one of my favorite natural remedies for colds, stuffy noses, headaches, and respiratory issues. Inhaling eucalyptus essential oil provides a soothing effect and acts as a decongestant for the sinuses and airways.

Essential Oils for Eucalyptus Shower Tablets
Here are the essential oils you’ll need for this eucalyptus shower melts recipe:

  • 100 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 50 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 30 drops pine essential oil
  • 15 drops thyme thymol essential oil

Kid-Safe DIY Eucalyptus Shower Tablets
While eucalyptus, peppermint, and thyme thymol essential oils are effective for easing respiratory issues in adults, they aren’t suitable for children due to their high camphor content.

To create kid-safe decongestant shower tablets, use the following essential oil blend:

  • 80 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
  • 50 drops spearmint essential oil
  • 20 drops pine essential oil

Other Materials for Shower Melts with Menthol Crystals
The decongestant effect of this homemade shower melts recipe is enhanced by adding menthol crystals. These crystals are a solid compound derived from mint oil, and their strong aroma helps open the airways.

Since menthol crystals are highly concentrated, please do not exceed the amount specified in the recipe card below. Additionally, it’s best to omit the crystals for children under seven.

I colored the eucalyptus shower bombs with a small amount of green mica and added a sprinkling of dried herbs for an extra touch.

Uplifting shower tablets for relaxation and stress relief

The scent of these rose shower tablets is both calming and balancing, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. I love using these shower bursts before meditation or after a workout.

Rose absolute essential oil imparts a floral and sensual aroma to the relaxation shower melts, making them perfect for unwinding and de-stressing during your shower.

Essential Oils for Relaxing DIY Shower Tablets
To create a calming and relaxing essential oil blend with rose, you will need:

  • 100 drops rose absolute oil
  • 60 drops ylang ylang essential oil
  • 30 drops vetiver essential oil

Other Materials for Homemade Rose Shower Melts
For a delightful touch, I chose dried rose petals and pink mica to enhance the rose-scented shower melts. I can also imagine how lovely white shower bombs with rose petals would look.

If desired, you can color your steamers with beet powder for an extra pop of color.

Homemade lavender shower melts for sleep

Here’s another relaxing DIY shower melt recipe, this time featuring essential oils that promote sleep and deep relaxation.

These soothing tablets are perfect for calming your mind before bedtime, helping to encourage a restful night’s sleep.

Essential Oils for Sleepy Shower Bombs
Let’s explore the essential oils needed for lavender shower tablets:

  • 100 drops lavender essential oil
  • 40 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 40 drops neroli essential oil

Other Materials for DIY Lavender Shower Melts


These stress-relief shower melts are customized with blue mica and dried cornflower petals. This shower steamer recipe for sleep would also look beautiful with violet mica and dried lavender buds.

Alternatively, you could use blue spirulina powder as a natural colorant.

How to Use Shower Melts

Here are some tips for using shower tablets:

  1. Place the DIY shower melts away from direct water and the drain. Ideally, only the bottom of the tablets should get wet. A soap dish is a great option for holding the shower melt.
  2. Breathe deeply as the essential oils vaporize into the air, and enjoy the aromatherapy experience.

How Long Do Shower Melts Last?
Small shower melts, like the ones I created for this post, typically last for one shower, and possibly two, depending on their placement and the duration of your shower.

How Do You Make Shower Melts Last Longer?
To extend the life of your shower melts, keep them out of direct water flow. If they get too wet, they will fizz away quickly, and the essential oils will dissipate too fast.

Using kaolin clay in the recipe also helps prolong their duration by slowing the reaction between the baking soda and citric acid.

Can You Use a Shower Bomb as a Bath Bomb?
No, it is not safe to use shower melts as bath bombs. Shower steamers are designed to infuse the air with essential oils and are not meant for skin contact.

Essential oils are not water-soluble, meaning that if you add them to bathwater, they will pool on the surface, which can lead to irritation and skin rashes. Bath bombs typically contain an emulsifier that safely distributes essential oils in the water, whereas shower steamers do not include such agents.

For more information about essential oil bath safety, check out this article by the Tisserand Institute.

Homemade shower melts: a lovely beauty and wellness gift idea

Shower Steamers as Unique Homemade Gifts

Tips for Packaging Shower Melts for Gifting
When preparing your DIY shower melts as gifts, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their quality. Here are some packaging tips:

  • Airtight Containers: Keep your shower melts in an airtight container or jar to protect them from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. A dry cupboard is an ideal storage location.
  • Cute Packaging Ideas: Consider using 4oz quilted mason jars or flip-top jars for a charming presentation. These containers not only look appealing but also ensure that your shower melts stay fresh.

Shower Bomb Favors for Weddings and Parties

Shower bombs make for thoughtful and budget-friendly favors for weddings and parties. You can easily package two to three shower melts in a small organza or muslin bag, then attach a thank-you tag for a beautiful and memorable wedding favor!

Wellness Gift Set

Incorporate your shower bombs into a wellness gift set! They make a delightful addition to a pamper hamper and are a unique gift idea for natural beauty enthusiasts.

For more beauty and wellness gift inspirations, consider adding chocolate rose bath truffles, a luxurious milk and honey bath soak, or refreshing pink lemonade tub tea to your collection.

Printable labels and gift tags

This homemade shower melts recipe comes with free printable labels and gift tags, perfect for packaging and gifting!

The round printable labels are specifically designed to fit the lids of 4 oz mason jars. The gift tags feature thoughtful sayings for various occasions and holidays.

To access the free printable PDF, simply sign up using the email form below. Once you confirm your email, you’ll receive immediate access.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own aromatherapy shower melts is not only a fun and rewarding DIY project but also a fantastic way to enhance your daily shower routine. With simple ingredients and customizable essential oil blends, you can create shower tablets tailored to your mood, whether you’re seeking energy, relaxation, or relief from colds. These delightful shower melts can also serve as thoughtful gifts for friends and family, packaged beautifully with the included labels and tags. So why not indulge in a little self-care and create your own shower melts today? Transform your showers into a soothing escape and elevate your wellness experience, one melt at a time!

How Can Bath Beads with Oil Elevate Your Daily Soak?

Are you looking for a way to relax and unwind after a long day at work? Look no further than bath beads with oil. These small, fragrant beads are perfect for adding to your bathwater, providing a luxurious and soothing experience.

What Are Bath Beads with Oil?

Bath beads with oil are small, spherical capsules that dissolve in water, releasing aromatic oils and other ingredients into the bath. They are typically made from natural oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint, among others. These oils are known for their therapeutic properties, which can help ease tension, soothe sore muscles, and promote relaxation.

How Do Bath Oil Beads Work?

When added to a warm bath, bath beads with oil release their fragrance and oils, filling the air with a relaxing aroma. As you soak in the bath, the oils penetrate your skin, providing a range of benefits. Some bath beads with oil contain ingredients that exfoliate and moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Bath oil beads provide a spa-like experience right in the comfort of your own bathroom. They allow you to unwind, relax, and pamper your skin while enjoying the soothing scents and visuals of your bath.

Benefits of Using Bath Beads with Oil

Soothes Sore Muscles

If you’ve been hitting the gym hard or have a physically demanding job, you know how sore your muscles can become. Bath beads with oil can help alleviate muscle pain and discomfort, thanks to the therapeutic properties of essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint.

Promotes Relaxation

The aroma of bath beads with oil is enough to promote relaxation on its own. However, the oils themselves also have properties that can calm the mind and body, helping you achieve a state of relaxation and stress relief.

Exfoliates and Moisturizes Skin

Many bath beads with oil contain natural exfoliants, such as sea salt or sugar, which can help slough off dead skin cells and reveal smoother, softer skin. The oils also moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and nourished.

Helps Improve Sleep Quality

Using bath beads with oil before bed can help promote better sleep, thanks to the relaxing properties of essential oils like lavender. Soaking in a warm bath before bedtime can also help regulate your body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Bath Oil Beads vs. Other Bath Products

When it comes to bath products, there are many options available. Here’s how bath beads with oil compare to some other popular products:

Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are similar to bath beads with oil in that they dissolve in water, releasing fragrant oils and other ingredients. However, bath bombs are typically larger and fizzier than bath beads, providing a more dramatic effect. Bath bombs are a great option if you’re looking for a luxurious and spa-like experience.

Bubble Bath

Bubble bath is a classic bath product that creates a rich foam when added to running water. While bubble bath can be fun and nostalgic, it doesn’t offer the same therapeutic benefits as bath beads with oil. Additionally, many bubble bath products contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a type of magnesium sulfate that is often added to baths to alleviate sore muscles and reduce inflammation. While it does provide some benefits, it doesn’t offer the same aromatherapy benefits as bath beads with oil. Additionally, some people find that soaking in Epsom salt can dry the skin.

How to Make Bath Oil Beads

Ingredients

Wax Beads or Pellets: These are essential for forming the bead’s outer shell. 

Carrier Oil: Choose a skin-friendly carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. 

Fragrance: Select scents you enjoy and find relaxing.

Colorants (Optional): If you want your bath oil beads to have color, you can use skin-safe colorants or mica powder.

Equipment

Double Boiler or Microwave: To melt the wax.

Bath Bomb Molds or Ice Cube Trays: These will be used to shape your bath oil beads.

Mixing Bowl and Spoon: For mixing the ingredients.

Instructions

Cover your workspace with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent any mess.

In a double boiler or microwave, melt the wax beads or pellets. Be cautious not to overheat; follow the package instructions for melting. It’s typically best to melt the wax in small batches.

Once the wax is melted, add the carrier oil to the mix. The ratio of wax to oil can vary, but a common starting point is about 1 part wax to 2 parts oil. Adjust as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Stir in your chosen fragrance oil or essential oil. Add colorants if desired. Remember that essential oils are potent, so use them sparingly to avoid overpowering scents.

Pour the mixture into your bath bomb molds or ice cube trays. Fill each mold or compartment, pressing down to compact the mixture.

Allow the bath oil beads to cool and harden completely. This may take a few hours or overnight, depending on the size of your beads and the temperature of your workspace.

Once the bath oil beads are fully set, gently remove them from the molds. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.

Tips 

  • Use warm, not hot, water. Hot water can be drying and irritating to the skin.
  • Experiment with different scents to find your favorites.
  • Try mixing and matching different bath products to create a personalized spa experience.
  • Be sure to rinse your tub thoroughly after using bath beads with oil to prevent any residue buildup.

FAQs

  1. Are bath beads with oil safe for sensitive skin? Most bath beads with oil are made from natural ingredients and are safe for all skin types. 
  2. How many bath beads with oil should I use? The number of bath beads with oil you should use will depend on the size of your bathtub and your personal preferences. As a general rule, we recommend using one or two beads per bath.
  3. Can I add other bath products, like Epsom salt or bubble bath, to my bath when using bath beads with oil? Absolutely! Bath beads with oil work well with other bath products. In fact, combining different products can help you create a personalized spa experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.
  4. How often should I use bath beads with oil? You can use bath beads with oil as often as you like. However, we recommend limiting your usage to once or twice a week to avoid drying out your skin.
  5. Can I use bath beads with oil in a Jacuzzi or hot tub? We don’t recommend using bath beads with oil in a Jacuzzi or hot tub. These products are designed for use in a bathtub, where the water is contained and won’t circulate through a filtration system. Using bath beads with oil in a Jacuzzi or hot tub can clog the filters and cause damage to the equipment.

Final Takeaway

Bath beads with oil are a simple yet luxurious addition to any relaxation routine. They offer a range of benefits, from soothing sore muscles to promoting better sleep, and can be easily customized to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day at work or simply want to indulge in a little self-care, bath beads with oil are the perfect choice.

So next time you’re in need of a little R&R, why not try adding some bath beads with oil to your bathwater? Your mind and body will thank you.