As Chandler Bing proves in his ill-fated attempts to create the optimal relaxing bath moment, there are many elements that can go wrong.
The Friends character learnt immediately that all the components have to go together in harmony, from the temperature of the water to complementary scents.
Ambience is everything - so the right lighting is crucial. Opt for an array of beautifully scented candles instead of the dreaded Big Light and block out the stresses of the world by firmly cutting off anything that can interrupt you from your me-time. Close the door, pull down the blinds and give firm instructions to your partner, housemates and family members that you are not to be disturbed under any circumstances.
A glass of wine and a bath tray for your soaking entertainment (maybe a good book, or your laptop if you’re feeling brave?) are optional, but an absolute must, is a bath soak.
These formulas are designed to infuse the water with skin-loving, scent-giving feels that will elevate the simple act of bathing to the next level. While we’ll never turn down bath oil, there’s something more show-worthy about pouring the crystals into the water and watching as they dissolve in front of your eyes.
Bath salts of the past had a bad rap for drying out skin, but that’s all changed now. The newer, modern formulations include hydrating ingredients that will nourish, while providing the aromatherapy benefits from their fragrance. There are also specialised formulas for muscle pain relief and recovery.
See the best bath salts below
Ortigia Florio bath salts
If you’ve ever caught a whiff of the Ortigia aromas, whether in candle or diffuser form, you’ll be able to appreciate their transportive effects. The Sicilian soap and fragrance company will send you to the isle known for its vineyards, beaches and cuisine, while transforming the aesthetic of your bathroom with its beautifully illustrated packaging.
The tin is filled with salts that infuse the water with the relaxing aromas of narcissus, wild iris and jasmine.
Buy now £30.00, Selfridges
ESPA Fitness Bath Salts
After a particularly big gym sesh when your limbs are crying out for TLC, call on this relaxation vessel to heal you back to fighting form. The Fitness Bath Salts employ the blend of Deep Sea Magnesium and Dead Sea Salt to soak the muscles, placed alongside the benefits of arnica, comfrey, seaweed and kind-to-skin oatmeal. There’s eucalyptus for rejuvenation, clove bud for a warming sensation and lavender for its relaxation properties.
Buy now £33.00, ESPA
Westlab Pink Gin Bath Salts 1kg
Here to take your bathtime to the next level is Westlab, a label known for its muscle-soothing Epsom salts. With this creation though, the brand has a unique formula that takes it scenting inspiration from pink gin. As such, there are notes of juniper berry, pomegranate and lime, alongside the traditional Himalayan and Epsom salts. Bringing the club to your tub, this is a playful concoction that will also help to re-energise you when you’re feeling run down.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
OSKIA Moon Salts 500g
OSKIA created this combination of salts to help calm and recharge with every dip in the tub. The blend of oils and active ingredients has a soothing effect, all while treating the skin and body with nourishing and hydrating benefits. While salt in texture, as you add these to your bath, they transform into a luxurious foaming bubble bath. Great for gifting.
Buy now £68.00, Face the Future
anatomē Relax + Sleep Chamomile Bath Salts
Feel restored from head to toe with the pick-me-up that these anatomē bath salts provide. With magnesium flakes, they have been designed first and foremost to encourage sound slumber, which is enhanced by the inclusion of sage.
To ensure that the formula remains every bit as invigorating and calming as you would hope for in a bathtime experience, there are chamomile, lavender, mint and rose for a floral, herbaceous soothing effect.
Buy now £30.00, anatomē
Neal’s Yard Remedies Lavender Bath Salts 350g
Sink into the warm water at your most Zen with these bath salts from Neal’s Yard Remedies that have lavender as the star component. The ingredient is known for its effect on the nervous system with its ability to calm anxiety, encourage sleep and reduce restlessness. Sign us up. The salts are also rich in minerals so it’s not just a therapeutic experience for the mind, but it has a nourishing effect on the body too.
Buy now £19.00, Neal’s Yard Remedies
Bamford Geranium Bath Salts 250g
Mimic the relaxing and restorative setting of your favourite spa, but in the comfort of your own home with the pampering Bamford brand. The holistic wellness label is a regular feature in some of the best and more luxe settings and that can include your bathroom. Geranium is at the heart of this blend in essential oil form in order to balance the mind. There’s also invigorating peppermint, calming lavender and revitalising eucalyptus.
Buy now £36.00, Bamford
The Ritual of Jing Magnesium Bath Crystals
Rituals may already play a role in your shower practices with its bestselling foaming body wash and now it’s coming for your bathtime too with its magnesium bath crystals. Like with everything that the brand does, this is all about creating balance and offering you a moment of relaxation and self-care in your day. This is achieved through lavender and sacred wood essences that are known for their tranquility encouraging properties. It’s also a treat for tense muscles.
Buy now £17.90, Rituals
Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution Pre & Post Workout
Dr Teal’s is a brand that athletes know and love. Whether it’s running, HIIT or yoga, the pure Epsom salts will form the foundation of your recovery ritual. Use either before or after your workout in order to treat your limbs and muscles to the pain relief that they need with a full-body calming effect.
Buy now £8.50, Boots
L’OBJET Bois Sauvage Bath Salt
Turn your hygiene rituals into a luxurious affair with L’OBJET and its antidote to our fast-paced lifestyles. Dissolve into your bath to unwind with notes of vanilla, bergamot and jasmine. There are also Atlantic and Epsom salts to give relief to stressed-out limbs.
Buy now £80.00, SSENSE
Mauli Sleep Dharma Bath Salts
Fill your tub with Mauli’s bath salts to calm the mind, relax your limbs and encourage a restful slumber. Opt for this combination before you hit the hay and you’ll wash away the stresses of the day thanks to the therapeutic oils that were chosen to mimic those found in the body to calm the senses.
Buy now £44.00, Space NK
Earl of East Japanese Bathing Ritual Bath Salts
Inspired by forest bathing rituals, Earl of East’s Shinrin-Yoku Bath Salts boast an earthy blend of cedarwood and oakmoss to instantly transport you back to nature. To ease racing minds and weary limbs, the Hackney-born label encourages us to take a moment to disconnect with its therapeutic fragrances. There is also the Onsen with a revitalising blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and neroli.
Buy now £26.00, Cult Beauty
ila Bath Salts for Inner Peace
Put relaxation on your agenda with these bath salts from Ila Spa. Soothe your skin with the healing minerals of the formula that mixes sandalwood, Jasmine and Damascena Rose Otto with Himalayan salt crystals for maximum absorption. Designed to ignite a feeling of calm, the salts are also helpful in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
Buy now £44.99, Amazon
