DIY Hawaiian black lava bath salts are a treat for all senses and perfect to relieve stress and tension! See how to make aromatherapy bath salt that contains minerals and antioxidants to cleanse and detox the skin.
The 5-minute homemade bath soak recipe is made up of Hawaiian black lava salt, a Pacific sea salt infused with activated charcoal, dried flowers, and fragrant essential oils. The easy tutorial comes with free printable gift labels for packaging.
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Hawaiian Black Lava Bath Salts–An easy aromatherapy bath salt recipe
Sprinkledinto your bathwater, my easy homemade Hawaiian black lava bath salts recipewill create a wonderful, spa-like wellness experience in the comfort of yourown bathroom. And best of all? You only need 5 minutes prep to make thisall-natural herbal bath. I have a feeling this homemade black salt bath soakwill be a new favourite in your collection of easy bath salt recipes.
In thispost, I discuss the potential skincare benefits of Hawaiian black lava salt anddried flowers in bath salts, share 3 different aromatherapy essential oilblends for a relaxing bath soak, and explain how to use essential oils safelyin bath salts.
If youjust want the recipe, scroll to the DIY box towards the end of the post. Theingredients and steps for how to make detox bath salt can be printed out,too.
Hawaiian black lava sea salt
A friendgave me a cooking salt gift kit with three different salts, one of them beingHawaiian black lava salt. Being a beauty crafter, I thought about a black bathsalts recipe soon as I saw the sparkly dark salt crystals. So, what is blacklava salt, and how can it aid in skincare?
What is Hawaiian black lava salt?
Hawaiian black lava salt was traditionallymade from volcanic lava, harvested in salt ponds on the island Kauai. Today, it’susually a sea salt blend and comes in two varieties: black and red. The redsalt is enriched with clay, the black salt is infused with coconut shell activatedcharcoal, which lends the salt its characteristic black colour.
The saltis mainly comprised of sodium chloride and over 70 trace minerals, likemagnesium and potassium, electrolytes and natural elements.
Benefits of black lava salt
Although“Hawaiian black lava salt” is often used as a marketing term for sea salt enrichedwith activated charcoal, not true Hawaiian black lava salt, there are still severalbenefits to making a sea salt bath soak and taking a bath with activatedcharcoal.
Skincare benefits of Hawaiian black lava salt
It’s nosecret that activated charcoal has a plethora of skincare benefits. Activated charcoalhas excellent cleansing properties and is said to extract impurities from theskin and body, to remove excess skin oils and to clear acne and other skinblemishes.
Muscle relaxing bath salts recipe
Taking asalt bath is not only a wonderful way to promote relaxation, but also provides relief for muscle pain,joint aches, and tired feet by replenishing the body’s electrolytes. However,note that scientific evidence supporting mineral absorption through the skin isstill inconclusive.
Detox bath soak
Activatedcharcoal binds and traps toxins and chemicals, therefore detoxifying the skin. Thematerial also helps to eliminate bad body odours.
With somany skin benefits, I already have ideas to use this salt for a salt scrub andsalt soap recipe. Stay tuned!
Other black salts
Hawaiian black salt isn’t the only black salt available, a type of Himalayan black salt and Cyprus Mediterranean black salt exist as well. On the image below you can see Hawaiian black lava salt next to Mediterranean black salt.
The saltslook quite different, the Hawaiian black lava salt is made up of fine grains,while the Mediterranean salt consists of large, pyramid-shaped salt flakes.
Youcould make this muscle relaxing bath salts recipe with Himalayan black salt,but I don’t recommend using Cyprus Mediterranean black salt as it can stainyour skin and tub.
Herbal bath soak with dried flowers
Dried flowers add colour to our DIYaromatherapy bath salt and turn this herbal bath salts recipe into a truewellness experience and elegant skincare treat. Any type of dried flowers willlook beautiful, I chose bright blue cornflower petals and fragrant red hibiscus.
Theflowers add a natural floral scent to the detox bath salts that will remind youof fresh summer flowers. And steeping dried flowers in warm bath water can alsobe beneficial for your skin and body. Without going into great detail, let’s take a quick look at the potential benefitsof dried cornflower petals and hibiscus.
Benefits of blue cornflower petals
Dried cornflower petals have a mesmerizing bluecolour and a calming floral scent. The herb is rich in minerals and flavonoids,and has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that are excellent tosoothe the skin. Blue cornflower may also be helpful to help with eczema and tostrengthen hair and nails.
Benefits of hibiscus
Dried hibiscus flowers have an incrediblyfruity and floral smell. Hibiscus and ispacked with powerful antioxidants that could reduce the risk of skin damage byfree radicals and premature skin ageing. Studies also suggest that hibiscus mayfight bacterial infections, which could help heal small cuts or injured skin.
Essential oils for aromatherapy bath salts
Whilethe dried flowers provide some fragrance and skincare benefits, we can useessential oils to create a therapeutic bath salts recipe. However, if you havevery sensitive skin, it’s best to EOs and make bath salts without essentialoils. The benefit of this floral bath salts recipes is that the dried still providea relaxing wellness experience.
You canuse whatever essential oils you have at hand, like lavender, sweet orange, or chamomile.And if you’re interested in new essential oils for bath salts ideas, here are 3relaxing aromatherapy essential oil bath salt blends.
The essentialoil blends are safe for kids if made with the linked products.
Muscle relief
A restorativeblend to soothe joints and muscles after a long day or an intense workout,perfect for a homemade bath soak for sore muscles and also a great essentialoil blend for men.
- 5drops balsam fir – Balsam fir providesaid for sore muscles and achy joints and is said to be emotionally balancing.
- 3drops spearmint* – Spearmint is revitalizing and feels cooling onthe skin.
- 2drops fragonia – Fragonia calms musclesand joints and supports respiratory health.
- 1drop citronella – The soft citrusy, slightlywoodsy fragrance of citronella is very relaxing and refreshing and rounds outthe other scents.
*I used spearmint instead of other mint essentialoils because spearmint is safe for kids. If the bath salt will be used byadults only, peppermint is fine, too.
Floral relaxation
An upliftingyet soothing floral blend that will help produce a calm and tranquilenvironment, perfect for relaxing in the tub.
- 4drops sandalwood – Sandalwood will calmyour senses and is excellent for meditation.
- 3drops jasmine absolute – Uplifting jasminecreates a relaxed, positive atmosphere and is said to be skin-rejuvenating.
- 3drops blue tansy – Blue tansy has a fresh,sweet scent and skin-soothing properties.
- 2drops vetiver – Vetiver promotesrelaxation and balance, particularly before sleep, and can help to reduce skinblemishes.
Clear mind
This refreshingblend combines citrus and woodsy scents, wonderful for relaxation and a happymood.
- 5drops cedarwood* – The sweet, woody scentof cedarwood creates calm, positive surroundings and can balance oily skin.
- 4drops blood orange – A little stronger thansweet orange, stimulating blood orange lifts the mood and eases nervous tension.
- 2drops amyris – Amyris is excellent forrelaxation and said to improve skin texture.
- 2drops lime – The invigorating fragranceof lime clears the mind and may support the immune system. To make it kid- andskin-safe, use steam-distilled lime essential oil.
*While Atlas cedarwood essential oil is a greatchoice, I used Himalayan cedarwood as theEO is particularly useful to relieve respiratory problems as they often occur duringthe winter months.
Pre-made essential oil blends
Sincebuying and blending singles can add up quickly, you can also make thisaromatherapy bath salt recipe with pre-made essential oil blends. I like the Relax, Tranquil,and Clarity synergy blends from PlantTherapy.
Essential oil safety in homemade bath products
Essentialoils aren’t water-soluble, meaning if you add them to bathwater they will poolon the surface, which can cause skin irritation and even rashes. To useessential oils safely in a bath salt, we have to use an emulsifier that safely dilutesand disperses the essential oils in the water.
Lately, Ihave been trying a couple of new natural emulsifiers for essential oils, and usedPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, a coconut emulsifier,for this aromatherapy bath salt recipe.
PEG-7Glyceryl Cocoate is made from fractionated coconut oil and glycerin. This naturalemsuifiying agent has excellent emulsifying, emollient, and re-fatting properties.The ingredient also has a conditioning effect and will make your skin smoothand soft.
How to make black lava bath salts
Making blackdetox bath salts is surprisingly simple. Seriously. Don’t you just love easybath soak recipes? Here’s how to make aromatherapy bath salts in just fourquick steps:
- Ina small mixing bowl, stir together the PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and essential oils.
- Putthe black lava salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the essential oils from step 1and mix until well incorporated.
- Addthe dried flowers, stir to combine.
- Transferthe detox bath salts recipe into glass jars or storage containers.
How to use aromatherapy bath salts
Here arethe simple steps to make a bath with this aromatherapy bath salt recipe:
- Use1/3 to 1/2 cup bath salt for a standard-size bathtub.
- Addthe homemade bath salt into warm, running water and stir with your hand to helpthe salt crystals dissolve faster into the bath.
- Soakin the tub for 15 to 20 minutes
Easy cleanup
Thedried flower petals will not dissolve in the water and have to be cleaned upafterwards. To make cleanup ease, fill the DIY detox bath salt recipe into asmall cotton bag and throw the bag into your bath.
Safety tips
- Don’texceed the amount of 1/3 to 1/2 cup per bath.
- Ifyou are pregnant, suffering from any medical condition, or taking medication,please consult a doctor or health care provider before using bath salts andessential oils.
How to store Hawaiian black lava bath salts
Storeblack lava bath salt in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. Salt canreact with metal so store the bath salt in a glass jar or non-metalliccontainer. Products containing essential oils should never be exposed to heator direct sunlight, as both will deteriorate essential oils.
Shelf life
Theshelf life of this DIY aromatherapy bath soak recipe is 1 year. As essentialoils are volatile and can evaporate over time, you may have to top up the seasalt bath salts with fresh essential oils after a couple of months.
Gift giving and printable labels
Black bathsalts and herbal bath soaks are unique DIY Christmas gift ideas and will put asmile on everyone who receives this skincare treasure. Since the salt is black,I think this would also be an excellent bath salt for men.
To giftwrap, fill the detox bath soak into a pretty glass jar and use our freeprintable bath salt labels to decorate your homemade gift. The printables featureour new winter design and can be downloaded at the end of the post.
More DIY bath salts recipes
If youlike DIY bath salts and homemade bath soak gifts, check out these DIY skincare ideas:
- lavender bath salt – This pretty homemade bath salts recipe is made with lavender essential oil and a pretty gift idea.
- easy Epsom bath salt – A quick and easy bath salt DIY made with baking soda and dried roses.
- pumpkin spice bath salt – This relaxing fall bath salt idea is made with spices, dried calendula, and magnesium flakes.
- DIY foot bath – A soothing Epsom bath salt for feet, made with milk powder, dried herbs and essential oils.
More homemade winter skincare ideas
Whetheryou need more winter skincare ideas or just enjoy making natural products, thefollowing homemade beauty recipes will make your skin looking and feeling great!
Bath& Body:
- moisturising snowflake bath bombs
- body lotion for dry skin with cornflower and chamomile
Face:
- 6 blue clay mask recipes
- exfoliating cleansing balm with jojoba beads
- hydrating eye cream with birch sap
- lip repair cream with berry wax and pomegranate seed oil
- face moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin
Tab orclick the links below to shop the products used to make this relaxation bath saltsrecipe:
- mixing bowls – Glass mixing bowls are a staple for mixing beauty products. This set is heat-proof, microwave-safe and won’t react with essential oils.
- rubber spatula – This spatula set is perfect for mixing the ingredients and won’t scratch your mixing bowls.
- 10-oz flip-top jar – This versatile round glass jar is perfect to seal and store the Hawaiian bath salt recipe and will fit the entire batch.
- 4-oz clip-top jars – Small jars are perfect for gift giving. The detox bath salt recipe is enough to fill 2 to 3 jars.
Hawaiian Black Lava Bath Salts Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: easy
DIY Hawaiian black lava bath salts are a treat for all senses and perfect to relieve stress and tension! See how to make aromatherapy bath salt that contains minerals and antioxidants to cleanse and detox the skin.
The 5-minute homemade bath soak recipe is made up of Hawaiian black lava salt, a Pacific sea salt infused with activated charcoal, dried flowers, and fragrant essential oils. The easy tutorial comes with free printable gift labels for packaging.
Materials
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and essential oils.
- Put the black lava salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the essential oils from step 1 and mix until well incorporated.
- Add the dried flowers and stir to combine.
- Transfer the bath salts into glass jars or storage containers.
Notes
How to use aromatherapy bath salts
Here are the simple steps to make a bath with this aromatherapy bath salt recipe:
- Use 1/3 to 1/2 cup bath salt for a standard-size bathtub.
- Add the homemade bath salt into warm, running water and stir with your hand to help the salt crystals dissolve faster into the bath.
- Soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
Easy cleanup
The dried flower petals will not dissolve in the water and have to be cleaned up afterwards. To make cleanup ease, fill the DIY detox bath salt recipe into a small cotton bag and throw the bag into your bath.
Safety tips
Don’t exceed the amount of 1/3 to 1/2 cup per bath.
If you are pregnant, suffering from any medical condition, or taking medication, please consult a doctor or health care provider before using bath salts and essential oils.
How to store Hawaiian black lava bath salts
Store black lava bath salt in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. Salt can react with metal so store the bath salt in a glass jar or non-metallic container. Products containing essential oils should never be exposed to heat or direct sunlight, as both will deteriorate essential oils.
Shelf life
The shelf life of this DIY aromatherapy bath soak recipe is 1 year. As essential oils are volatile and can evaporate over time, you may have to top up the sea salt bath salts with fresh essential oils after a couple of months.
Recommended Products
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Printable bath salts label
Tab or click the button below to download free printable bath salts labels!
Download printable
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