tea tree oil bath

DIY BUBBLE BATH BLISS: CREATE YOUR OWN SOOTHING SOAK

There’s something incredibly calming about immersing yourself in a warm bath filled with soft, fragrant bubbles. Unfortunately, many commercial bubble baths contain chemicals and artificial ingredients that can irritate the skin. This homemade bubble bath recipe offers an all-natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative for a truly relaxing experience.

Who Doesn’t Love a Soothing Bubble Bath? We all enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath from time to time—I certainly do! I cherished them as a kid, and my love for them has only grown.

What I don’t appreciate, however, are the unnecessary toxic chemicals often found in store-bought bubble baths. Many of these products contain sulfates and synthetic fragrances, which have been linked to issues like endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to non-reproductive organ systems.

What concerns me the most is that many of these bubble baths are marketed toward children and babies.

Below are the ingredients from a popular, expensive store-bought bubble bath:

“aqua/water/eau, sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl betaine, ppg-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide, glycerin, glycol distearate, parfum/fragrance, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, panthenol, tocopherol, tocotrienols, trilinolein, triolein, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, camellia sinensis leaf extract, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10, maltodextrin, methyl gluceth-20, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, buteth-3, tributyl citrate, citric acid, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfite, polysorbate 20, potassium sorbate, disodium edta, maleic anhydride, sodium hydroxide, methylene di-t-butylcresol, phenoxyethanol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, fd & c yellow no. 5 (ci 19140), fd & c red no. 40 (ci 16035)”

Not only is this an overwhelming list of ingredients, but many of them are toxic. For instance, methylisothiazolinone can lead to immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs. Meanwhile, polyquaternium-7, an anti-static agent, poses risks for non-reproductive organ system toxicity and ecotoxicology.

This particular bubble bath isn’t just harmful to your health; it also negatively impacts the environment. And this is just one example—many other store-bought bubble baths have ingredient lists that look alarmingly similar.

That’s why I’ve stopped purchasing store-bought bubble baths and started making my own. It’s incredibly easy to create, all-natural, and significantly cheaper than the average store-bought option.

How To Make Your Own Bubble Bath

To create your own homemade bubble bath, gather the following ingredients and supplies.

BOTTLE

You’ll need a bottle or bubble bath dispenser that can hold 14 to 18 ounces, like the one shown here. The recipe below will yield approximately 18 ounces of bubble bath. If you opt for a larger soap dispenser, feel free to add a bit more castile soap.

I always prefer glass bottles over plastic because essential oils contain powerful chemical compounds that can break down and react when they come into contact with plastic.

UNSCENTED CASTILE SOAP

Castile soap serves as the base for this bubble bath, providing the bubbles you love. This vegetable-based, natural product is suitable for all skin types, including those of babies.

I always choose unscented castile soap so I can customize the fragrance to my liking.

NATURAL BODY WASH (OPTIONAL)

If you have hard water, you might find that the castile soap doesn’t create much lather. In this case, I recommend adding a body wash to your bubble bath.

Opt for a natural option, like Everyone unscented body wash. Even if you don’t have hard water but want an abundance of bubbles, adding the body wash is a great idea. It significantly enhances the sudsing when combined with the castile soap.

VEGETABLE GLYCERIN

Vegetable glycerin helps thicken the bubble bath, enhancing its suds and bubbles while also offering additional moisturizing benefits.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils provide the delightful scent for the bubble bath, as all the other ingredients are unscented. If you want your bubble bath to smell amazing, be sure to add essential oils.

Below, you’ll find various combinations of essential oil scents.

It’s crucial to use only 100% pure essential oils, as some are synthetic. Fake essential oils can be just as harmful as the toxin-laden store-bought bubble baths.

For tips on how to identify fake essential oils and to discover some of my favorite brands, check out my post titled Fake Essential Oil Brands You Should Avoid.

Homemade Bubble Bath Recipe

To create this homemade bubble bath recipe, simply add the following ingredients to your jar or bottle. I typically use an 18-ounce glass bottle for this bubble bath. If you’re using a larger or smaller container, be sure to adjust the quantities of each ingredient accordingly.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup castile soap
  • 1 cup body wash (if you choose not to use body wash, add an additional cup of castile soap)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
  • 30-40 drops of essential oils (see scent combinations below)

Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly and shake well before each use.

Simple Essential Oil Scent Combinations

You can create any scent combination you like with essential oils. If you prefer something straightforward that doesn’t require too many different oils, I recommend the following combos:

Simply add the essential oils to the recipe above, keeping in mind to adjust the amounts if you’re using a larger or smaller dispenser than I suggested.

Combo #1: 15 drops lavender + 15 drops lemon
Combo #2: 15 drops peppermint + 15 drops orange
Combo #3: 15 drops grapefruit + 15 drops lime

Homemade Christmas Bubble Bath

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to create some festive scent combinations for the holidays.

Candy Cane

30 drops peppermint + 10 drops spearmint

Christmas Cookie

20 drops ginger + 5 drops clove + 5 drops cinnamon + 4 drops nutmeg + 10 drops vanilla

Christmas Tree

30 drops fir + 5 drops vetiver + 5 drops cypress

This DIY bubble bath makes a great homemade gift—especially the Christmas-scented bubble baths.

You can sign up to receive free homemade printable gift tags below.

Alternatively, you can sign up to receive the colored bubble bath labels instead.

How To Use Homemade Bubble Bath

To use this homemade bubble bath, simply pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup into the bathtub while the tub is filling with water. Feel free to add more if you’d like it to be bubblier or sudsier.

For extra-large bathtubs, you may need to use more than 1/2 cup of bubble bath.

Keep in mind that homemade bubble baths typically don’t create as much suds as store-bought varieties. This is because store-bought bubble baths contain surfactants, which are responsible for producing those giant, foamy bubbles.

However, surfactants are harmful to the environment, so I prefer my homemade bubble bath.

I’ve heard that whisking an egg white into the bubble bath mixture can help create fluffy, long-lasting bubbles, but I haven’t tried that yet.

How To Store DIY Bubble Bath

This homemade bubble bath should be stored in a sealed container. The glass bottle I recommended earlier is perfect for storing this DIY bubble bath.

Just make sure to keep the pump tightly sealed at all times to prevent contamination from bacteria.

How Long Does Homemade Bubble Bath Last?

This homemade bubble bath can last for 1 to 2 years when stored in a sealed container.

How Often Can Homemade Bubble Bath Be Used?

You can use this homemade bubble bath as often as you like since it contains only natural ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing soak without worrying about harmful chemicals.

However, keep in mind that castile soap can be drying for the skin, so be sure to moisturize well after bathing. If you notice your skin becoming excessively dry, you may want to reduce your usage.

NEED ESSENTIAL OILS?

Make sure to use 100% pure essential oils when putting together this recipe. High-quality oils don’t have to break the bank.

I recommend brands like Simply Earth, Plant Therapy, and Far & Wild, as they all offer high-quality oils at affordable prices.

If you decide to buy from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive an essential oil recipe box, a bonus box, and a $45 Simply Earth gift card, all for just $29.99 (new customers only)!!!

If you’re unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes [here].

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, creating your own homemade bubble bath provides a natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought products.

By selecting your own ingredients, you can ensure that your bath is free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary additives, making it gentle on your skin.

Moreover, you can tailor the scents, textures, and moisturizing properties to suit your preferences and specific skin needs.

I truly hope you enjoy using this homemade bubble bath! If you have any questions about the recipe, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

15 TOP ESSENTIAL OIL BRANDS OF 2024

Essential oils have exploded in popularity in recent years, offering natural ways to promote relaxation, improve mood, and enhance your well-being. But with so many brands on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide explores the top 15 essential oil brands of 2024, helping you find high-quality, effective products to experience the true potential of aromatherapy. We’ll consider factors like purity, sourcing, variety, and brand values to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. So, get ready to embark on a journey of aromatic discovery!

WHAT CRITERIA ARE USED TO DETERMINE THE POPULARITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL BRANDS?

Several key criteria come into play when determining the popularity of essential oil brands. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors:

Quality and Purity: This reigns supreme. Reputable brands prioritize high-quality essential oils, free from adulterants, fillers, or harmful synthetics. They ensure their oils are obtained through careful sourcing and meticulous distillation processes.

Transparency and Sourcing: Popular brands are transparent about their sourcing practices. They often disclose the origin of their plants, ensuring ethical and sustainable harvesting. This resonates with consumers who value eco-friendly practices and fair trade principles.

Accessibility and Availability: Top brands make their products accessible to a wider audience. This might involve having a strong online presence, partnerships with reputable retailers, or offering a variety of purchase options, including single oils and pre-made blends.

Reputation and Brand Values: Popularity is often built on a foundation of trust and positive brand image. Popular brands cultivate a reputation for excellence through consistent quality, positive customer experiences, and clear communication of their values. They might emphasize organic practices, aromatherapy education, or giving back to communities.

LIST OF TOP 15 BRANDS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

NOW ESSENTIAL OILS

NOW Essential Oils is a strong contender in the essential oil market, ticking many of the boxes for popularity. They prioritize quality, offering a wide range of 100% pure, undiluted essential oils obtained through methods like steam distillation. NOW is transparent about their sourcing and highlights their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The brand boasts a vast selection, catering to various needs and preferences. With their accessible online presence and readily available products in stores, NOW makes it easy for consumers to experience aromatherapy. Finally, NOW has cultivated a positive reputation for quality and value, making them a popular choice for those seeking effective and affordable essential oils.

EDENS’ GARDEN

Edens Garden stands out as a consumer-friendly brand in the essential oil world. They champion affordability without sacrificing quality, ensuring their 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils are accessible to a wider audience. Edens Garden prioritizes rigorous third-party GC/MS testing to guarantee the purity and safety of each oil. They stand out for their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability practices. Unlike some multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, Edens Garden offers their products directly to consumers, eliminating markups and keeping costs reasonable. They boast a diverse selection of single oils and expertly formulated blends, along with diffusers and other aromatherapy accessories. Edens Garden’s focus on quality, affordability, and education makes them a popular choice for beginners and experienced essential oil users alike.

AURA CACIA

Aura Cacia occupies a solid position in the essential oil market, catering to those seeking good value and decent quality. They offer a broad range of essential oils and pre-made blends, including popular options like lavender, peppermint, and citrus varieties. Aura Cacia emphasizes affordability, making them a good choice for those new to aromatherapy or looking to experiment with different scents. While they might not offer the same level of meticulous sourcing or in-depth educational resources as some higher-rated brands, Aura Cacia provides a reliable and accessible entry point into the world of essential oils. Their user-friendly blends can be a good option for those seeking specific aromatherapy benefits without the need for extensive research.

REVIVE ESSENTIAL OILS

Revive Essential Oils positions itself as a brand focused on offering effective and potent essential oil solutions. They highlight the therapeutic benefits of their products, promoting them for uses like boosting immunity, reducing stress, and improving sleep. Revive emphasizes the purity of their oils, claiming to use 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and plant extracts. While independent verification of these claims might be beneficial, Revive focuses on creating user-friendly products like roll-ons and blends that cater to specific needs. Their subscription options offer a convenient way to stock up on favorites, and their satisfaction guarantee demonstrates confidence in product quality. Whether Revive lives up to its claims of high potency depends on user experience and independent testing results, but they cater to those seeking convenient and results-oriented essential oil solutions.

PURA D’OR

PURA D’OR carves a niche in the essential oil market by prioritizing quality, ethics, and variety. They’re known for offering a diverse selection of 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and pre-made blends. PURA D’OR emphasizes quality control through meticulous sourcing and distillation, ensuring their oils are free from adulterants. They also prioritize transparency, working with certified organic farms and highlighting sustainable harvesting practices. This commitment to ethical sourcing resonates with eco-conscious consumers. PURA D’OR’s extensive range caters to various needs, from popular picks like lavender and peppermint to more unique botanicals. They complement their selection with pre-made blends designed for specific purposes like relaxation or sleep. Finally, PURA D’OR’s reputation for quality, sustainability, and fair trade practices aligns with the values of many consumers seeking responsible brands. This combination of high-quality products, ethical sourcing, and a diverse range makes PURA D’OR a popular choice in the essential oil market.

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

Aromatherapy Associates is renowned for its expertise in harnessing the natural healing powers of essential oils to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Founded on the principles of aromatherapy, the brand offers a wide range of luxurious products designed to address various concerns, from relaxation and stress relief to revitalization and skin rejuvenation. Each product is carefully formulated with blends of pure essential oils, selected for their therapeutic properties and aromatic qualities. Aromatherapy Associates is dedicated to promoting holistic health and beauty through the transformative effects of aromatherapy, providing effective solutions that nurture both body and mind.

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

Mountain Rose Herbs stands out for its commitment to organic, ethically sourced, and meticulously handled botanical products. Founded in 1987, they’ve grown into a trusted supplier for those seeking high-quality herbs, spices, teas, and essential oils. Mountain Rose Herbs prioritizes organic certification and sustainable sourcing practices. They ensure their essential oils are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and residues, appealing to health-conscious consumers. They offer a vast selection of essential oils, encompassing popular choices like lavender and tea tree alongside more unique botanicals. This caters to a diverse range of needs and preferences, allowing users to explore the world of aromatherapy.

GARDEN OF LIFE

Garden of Life is a company known for its focus on organic and plant-based nutrition products. They offer a wide range of supplements that are designed to support various aspects of health, such as vitamins, probiotics, protein powders, and more. Their products are made from natural, non-GMO ingredients, which are carefully sourced and rigorously tested for purity and potency. Garden of Life emphasizes transparency in their manufacturing process, ensuring that consumers can trust the quality and integrity of what they’re putting into their bodies. Overall, Garden of Life strives to promote health and wellness through their commitment to organic nutrition and sustainable practices.

YOUNG LIVING

Young Living is a company known for its focus on essential oils and wellness products. They offer a wide range of essential oils made from natural botanicals, each carefully distilled to preserve its therapeutic properties. Young Living promotes the use of essential oils for various purposes, including relaxation, skincare, and home cleaning. In addition to oils, they provide personal care products, nutritional supplements, and household cleaners, all crafted with natural ingredients. The company emphasizes purity and quality, using rigorous testing methods to ensure their products meet high standards. Young Living aims to empower individuals to live healthier lives through the benefits of essential oils and natural wellness solutions.

NEOM

NEOM Organics is a well-known brand specializing in natural products that promote well-being and relaxation. They offer a range of luxurious home fragrances, skincare, and bath products, all crafted with a focus on natural ingredients and essential oils. NEOM’s products are designed to enhance mood and reduce stress through aromatherapy, blending therapeutic scents like lavender, citrus, and chamomile. The brand prides itself on using ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable practices in their manufacturing process. NEOM Organics aims to create a holistic experience that helps customers feel calmer, happier, and more balanced in their everyday lives.

NEW DIRECTIONS AROMATICS

New Directions Aromatics is a company specializing in essential oils, natural ingredients, and raw materials for various industries. They provide a wide array of products including essential oils, carrier oils, butters, waxes, and cosmetic bases. New Directions Aromatics sources their ingredients from around the world, focusing on quality and purity to meet the needs of their diverse customer base. They cater to aromatherapists, cosmetic formulators, and artisans who create skincare, haircare, and personal care products. The company emphasizes transparency and sustainability in their sourcing and manufacturing processes, aiming to deliver reliable and ethically sourced ingredients to their customers. Overall, New Directions Aromatics is committed to supporting the creation of natural and effective products for health, beauty, and well-being.

NATURE IN BOTTLE

Nature in Bottle is a company that specializes in natural ingredients and essential oils for various applications. They offer a wide range of products including organic oils, herbal extracts, floral waters, and cosmetic bases. Nature in Bottle focuses on providing high-quality ingredients sourced from sustainable and ethical suppliers around the globe. Their products cater to industries such as skincare, aromatherapy, and natural cosmetics, aiming to promote wellness and beauty through natural solutions. The company prioritizes transparency and integrity in their sourcing and manufacturing processes, ensuring that customers receive pure and effective ingredients for their formulations. Nature in Bottle is committed to supporting sustainable practices and empowering businesses to create products that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

WHOLESALE BOTANICS

Wholesale Botanics is a company specializing in providing bulk botanical ingredients and raw materials to various industries. They offer a diverse range of products including herbs, spices, teas, and botanical extracts sourced from around the world. Wholesale Botanics caters primarily to businesses such as herbalists, apothecaries, tea companies, and manufacturers of natural products. They focus on ensuring the quality and purity of their ingredients through rigorous testing and sourcing from reputable suppliers. The company emphasizes affordability and customer service, aiming to support businesses in creating high-quality products while maintaining competitive pricing. Wholesale Botanics strives to foster partnerships with their clients by offering reliable and sustainable botanical solutions for diverse applications.

PLANT THERAPY

Plant Therapy is a company that specializes in providing high-quality essential oils and natural products for aromatherapy and wellness. They offer a wide selection of essential oils, including single oils and blends, each crafted to promote specific therapeutic benefits such as relaxation, immune support, and mood enhancement. In addition to oils, Plant Therapy offers a range of natural body care products, carrier oils, and diffusers.

The company prides itself on transparency and purity, ensuring that their oils are free from additives and synthetic ingredients. Plant Therapy is dedicated to providing education about essential oils and safe usage practices, empowering customers to incorporate natural solutions into their daily lives. They emphasize customer satisfaction through responsive service and detailed product information, making them a trusted choice for individuals and families seeking natural wellness alternatives. Overall, Plant Therapy aims to promote health and well-being through the power of plants and essential oils.

ROCKY MOUNTAINS OIL

Rocky Mountain Oils is a company known for its focus on providing high-quality essential oils and natural products. They offer a wide range of essential oils sourced from around the world, ensuring purity and potency through rigorous testing and ethical sourcing practices. Rocky Mountain Oils emphasizes transparency in their manufacturing process, providing detailed information about the origin and quality of each oil they sell.

In addition to essential oils, the company offers natural personal care products, diffusers, and blends designed to support various aspects of health and well-being. They cater to individuals seeking natural alternatives for relaxation, skincare, and overall wellness. Rocky Mountain Oils is committed to promoting education about essential oils and safe usage practices, empowering their customers to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle. Overall, Rocky Mountain Oils aims to enhance the lives of their customers through the therapeutic benefits of natural oils and products.

CONCLUSION

The world of essential oils offers a vast array of options, and selecting the right brand can be overwhelming. This list of the top 15 essential oil brands in 2024 provides a starting point for your exploration. Remember, the “best” brand depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like sourcing, organic certification, variety of oils, and price point when making your decision.

No matter which brand you choose, prioritize quality and purity to ensure a safe and effective aromatherapy experience. Happy smelling!