How we pick our products
Welcome to our big bath oil test 2023. Here we present all the bath oils we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best bath oil for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a bath oil.
Contents
Summary
- Just a few drops of bath oil turn the bathing experience into a little holiday for body and soul.
- Bath oil is particularly gentle on the skin and protects it from drying out. The essential oils contained have a positive effect on the mood and the individual sense of well-being.
- Depending on your needs, there are different types of bath oils that have a supporting and regenerating effect on extremely dry skin or tension, for example.
The Best Bath Oil: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a bath oil
Who are bath oils suitable for?
The different compositions are suitable for different skin types and life situations. Depending on the fragrance, an invigorating or relaxing effect can be achieved.
Bath oils can have a nurturing and regenerating effect on atopic dermatitis, pregnancy or other physical stresses.
Our skin is heavily stressed by external environmental influences. Bath oil has a healing effect on dry skin and neurodermatitis in particular. It supports the natural protective layer of the skin and thus protects it from drying out.
The special active ingredients in the bath oil can have a supportive effect in certain life situations such as pregnancy or illness. In the case of physical stress or even injuries, certain bath oils have a relaxing and anti-inflammatory effect.
What effect do I want to achieve with the bath oil?
The essential oils contained in the bath oil provide the appropriate scent. The different fragrances can have a positive influence on physical and mental well-being:
| Essential oil | effect |
|---|---|
| Rosewood oil, arnica oil and jasmine oil | pain-relieving and antiseptic |
| Orange oil and lemon balm oil | uplifting and muscle-relaxing |
| Lavender oil | calming |
| Rosemary oil | invigorating and gets the circulation going |
| Eucalyptus oil | increases concentration and has a stimulating effect |
Depending on the skin type, a suitable solution can also be found in terms of bath oil. The so-called carrier oils form the basis for the bath oil and have a positive effect on the skin:
| Carrier oil | skin suitability |
|---|---|
| Avocado oil and almond oil | for dry and irritated house, e.g. with neurodermatitis |
| Jojoba oil | for acne, rheumatism and psoriasis |
| Evening primrose oil | for oily skin, dandruff and eczema, but also with neurodermatitis |
| Soybean oil | counteracts skin ageing |
How do you apply bath oil correctly?
- Run a warm bath and add a few drops of the bath oil to the water. Some packages also indicate that you can use the bottle lid as a quantity guide.
- The water should have a temperature between 36°C and 38°C.
- Enjoy the bath for about 15-20 minutes.
After using bath oil, you do not need to apply any additional cream to your skin, as the oil already forms a protective layer around the skin to prevent moisture loss
Important note: Rinse your bathtub well and as soon as possible with clean water after the bath. This prevents the oil from sticking to the surface of the bathtub.
How can I make bath oil myself?
When making bath oil, the following quantities should be observed to prevent skin irritation:
- 100 ml base oil (e.g. cold-pressed olive oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, almond oil or avocado oil)
- 12.5 ml emulsifier (Mulsifan or Fluid Lecithin)
- 10 ml essential oils (e.g. lavender oil or lemon balm oil)
Mix the ingredients together in order and pour into a sealable container. Done!
What alternatives are there to bath oil?
Bath balls
Bath balls dissolve in water and leave behind fizz, a scent and sometimes colour.
Bath bombs
Bath bombs work in principle like bath balls. However, due to the higher concentration of citric acid and bicarbonate of soda, bath bombs bubble more.
Bath chocolate
Bath chocolate, often found in the form of chocolates, consists of shea butter or cocoa butter combined with essential oils and herbs. The combination of ingredients has a nourishing effect on the skin.
Bath pearls
Bath pearls are filled with oil on the inside. When the pearl dissolves in the water, the oil is released and leaves the skin feeling velvety soft.
Bath salts
Bath salts consist of inorganic salts such as sodium chloride or sodium phosphate. Due to the osmotic effect on the water, fewer salts are removed from the skin and the formation of wrinkles is reduced.
Foam baths
Bubble baths cleanse the skin and create a fragrant atmosphere. Unfortunately, they also remove moisture from the skin and are therefore rather unsuitable for dry skin.
Decision: What types of bath oils are there and which one is right for you?
When looking for the right bath oil, you should be guided by your personal needs.
Depending on the skin situation, the composition of the bath oil can support and care for your skin.
- Bath oil for dry skin and neurodermatitis
A bath oil can also have a supporting effect in life situations in which the body is exposed to particular strain.
- Bath oil for muscle tension
- Bath oil for pregnancy
In the following section you will learn more about the benefits of the different bath oils.
Which bath oil is suitable for dry skin and neurodermatitis and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Dry skin and neurodermatitis are very unpleasant. The skin becomes cracked, starts to feel tight and itches.
Due to its high oil content, bath oil protects the skin from drying out and can relieve itching.
Bath oils containing evening primrose oil, avocado oil or almond oil as base oils are recommended. These have a particularly regenerating and soothing effect on the skin.
Certain bath oils are explicitly designed for this skin problem. To avoid irritating the skin, the bath oil should be free of artificial colours, fragrances and preservatives.
Which bath oil is suitable for muscle tension and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Tension can occur after physical exertion such as sports or long periods of sitting at work. A warm bath with the addition of bath oil can help to relax the muscles. This effect can last for hours after the oil bath.
The essential oils contained in the bath oil have a positive effect on tension and the mind.
Mint oil, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil are particularly suitable for this purpose. The oils have a revitalising and relaxing effect on the muscles.
Here, too, there are special bath oils that are designed for muscle relaxation.
Which bath oil is suitable in pregnancy and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
A warm bath during pregnancy has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. With frequent bathing, bath oil protects the skin from drying out and also helps it to regenerate after birth.
Bath oils should be chosen carefully, especially during pregnancy, because not all essential oils are suitable for pregnant women, as they can also trigger early labour pains.
Bath oils containing juniper, cinnamon, marjoram, verbena, camphor, rosemary, nutmeg, bay leaf, ginger, clove and cedar are not recommended for this reason. All other bath oils should only be used in small quantities.
Before using a bath oil during pregnancy, it is advisable to ask a midwife or doctor for advice.
Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate bath oils
In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many possible bath oils.
The criteria you can use to compare bath oils are as follows:
- Ingredients
- Skin compatibility & seal of approval
- Effect
- Quantity & Packaging
In the following paragraphs, we will explain what the individual criteria are.
Ingredients
Bath oils are composed of a base oil and one or more essential oils.
When buying a bath oil, you should make sure that it does not contain any colourants, preservatives or synthetic additives. It should also not contain paraffin oil, as this clogs the pores. It is therefore better to use products with vegetable oils.
Vegetable base oils are best tolerated. Wheat germ oil, almond oil, jojoba oil or evening primrose oil are often used as a base. These are particularly gentle and caring for the skin.
The additional essential oils give the bath oil its fragrance. The various essential oils differ in their effect on our mood and body. For example, they can have an invigorating or relaxing effect.
Skin compatibility & seal of approval
When it comes to skin compatibility, you should first make sure that the bath oil is pH-neutral.
Furthermore, product packaging often contains information on special skin compatibility such as “suitable for dry skin” or “suitable for baby skin”.
Further information on skin compatibility is provided by statements such as “dermatologically tested” or seals of quality such as the “BDIH seal of quality for controlled natural cosmetics”. Skin compatibility is often confirmed by certificates or institutes.
Effect
The effect of the bath oil depends on the ingredients it contains. The combination of different oils has a relaxing or revitalising effect on the body and mind.
The mostly vegetable base oil nourishes the skin and protects it from drying out. The added essential oils give the bath oil its fragrance and have a positive effect on the mind.
More detailed information on the different types of oils and their effects can be found in the section “What effect do I want to achieve with the bath oil?
Quantity & packaging
Depending on the manufacturer, bath oils are filled in resealable glass or PET bottles. The bottles are usually also packed in paper boxes with more detailed information about the product.
Most bath oils are found in 100-200 ml bottles. Since only a small amount of bath oil is needed for a bath, the bottles will last for a while. Larger quantities of bath oil can also be purchased in canisters.
Some manufacturers offer gift sets or tasting sets that contain several different bottles of bath oil. The containers often contain 20 ml of bath oil and are available together in one package.
Image source: unsplash.com / Roberto Nickson
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