Can You Add Essential Oils to Your Body Wash for a Better Shower?
How to add essential oils to body wash or shower gel, the best oils to use, how many drops, and other ways to use essential oils in the shower.
In this guide
Yes, you can add essential oils to your body wash, and it takes less than a minute. Mix a few drops into your usual shower gel with a little carrier oil, and your daily shower becomes fresher, calmer or more energising. Below are the best essential oils for body wash, a simple recipe and easy ways to add aromatherapy to your shower routine.
Key takeaways
- You do not need to make body wash from scratch. Just upgrade the shower gel you already use.
- Rosemary and peppermint make a fresh, wake-up blend for the morning shower.
- Our recipe uses just 3 drops of essential oil in 3½ tablespoons of shower gel.
- Add vitamin E or a carrier oil so the essential oils spread evenly.
- Use small amounts, keep it off your face and patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Why add essential oils to your body wash?
Most people do not have time for long skincare routines, and making products from scratch can feel like too much effort. The good news is you do not need to start from scratch. You can take the shower gel you already use and make it better in seconds.
A regular shower does the job, but essential oils make it more than just cleaning your skin. Depending on the oils you choose, your shower can feel more refreshing, calming or energising. It is a small change that makes something you do every day feel a bit better.
What are the best essential oils for body wash?
Not every oil suits the shower. Some feel fresh and cooling, while others are more relaxing, so choose by how you want to feel afterwards.
| Oil | How it feels | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary | Fresh and herbal | Waking up in the morning |
| Peppermint | Cool and clean | A refreshing lift on hot days |
| Lavender | Soft and floral | Relaxing in the evening |
| Eucalyptus | Fresh and airy | A steamy, clearing shower |
| Tea tree | Clean and medicinal | A fresh-feeling body wash |
For a simple start, rosemary and peppermint are a classic pair. Rosemary feels fresh and helps wake you up, and peppermint gives a cool, clean feeling. Together they feel light and fresh enough to use every day.
How to make body wash with essential oils
You do not need special tools or long preparation. This quick recipe turns your regular shower gel into your own essential oil body wash.
1. Simple Essential Oil Body Wash
Best for: a fresh, wake-up morning shower
- 3½ tbsp Your regular shower gel
- 2 drops Rosemary oil
- 1 drop Peppermint oil
- ½ tsp Vitamin E or a carrier oil (jojoba, coconut or olive)
- 1 Small glass bottle
Mix the essential oils with the vitamin E or carrier oil in a bowl. Pour in the shower gel, stir gently and pour into the glass bottle. Shake lightly before each use, then use it like your usual body wash with a loofah or cloth and rinse well.
Store your body wash in a cool, dark place and use it within a few months. Keep it out of reach of children.
Pro tip
Always mix the essential oils into the carrier oil first, before you add the gel. This helps the drops spread evenly, so you do not get a strong patch of oil in one squeeze.
How to use essential oils in the shower
Adding oils to your body wash is the easiest way to bring aromatherapy into your shower routine. The scent fills the room, especially with warm steam, which is why many people love it in the morning or after a long day.
It turns a quick shower into a small moment to reset. You do not need candles or a long routine, just a few drops in the gel you already use.
- In the morning, choose rosemary or peppermint to feel awake and fresh.
- In the evening, try lavender to help you unwind.
- For a bath, mix your oils with a carrier oil first, then add them to the water.
Love a bath more than a shower? Try our lemon and rosemary bath recipe.
Tips for using essential oils in the shower safely
Safety first
Never put essential oils straight onto your skin without diluting them. Mixing them into shower gel with a carrier oil, as in the recipe, keeps them gentle.
- Always use small amounts. A few drops are enough.
- Avoid sensitive areas, such as your face.
- Test a small amount on your arm first if you have sensitive skin.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or midwife first.
- Keep peppermint and rosemary away from babies and young children.
FAQs
Can you add essential oils to body wash?
Yes. Add a few drops of essential oils to your body wash with a little carrier oil. It adds a natural scent and makes your shower routine feel more personal.
What are the best essential oils for body wash?
Rosemary and peppermint are great for a fresh morning shower, and lavender is lovely in the evening. Eucalyptus and tea tree also work well for a clean, fresh feel.
How do you make body wash with essential oils?
Mix 2 drops of rosemary and 1 drop of peppermint with ½ teaspoon of vitamin E or carrier oil. Stir into 3½ tablespoons of your regular shower gel and shake before each use.
Can I add tea tree oil to my body wash?
Yes. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a little carrier oil, then stir it into your shower gel. Use small amounts, just like in the recipe above.
How do you dilute essential oils for a bath?
Always mix them with a carrier oil before adding them to bath water or body wash. This protects your skin and helps the oils spread evenly.
What essential oils are good for bath soaks?
Lavender is popular for relaxation, and peppermint gives a fresh feeling. Both also work well in body wash and shower routines.
What are the benefits of essential oils in the bath or shower?
They can make your bath or shower feel more relaxing or refreshing. Many people use them to unwind, feel more energised or simply enjoy a more pleasant wash.
Are there side effects of essential oils in the bath?
If they are not diluted properly, essential oils can irritate the skin. Always use small amounts, mix them with a carrier oil and keep them away from sensitive areas.
The bottom line
You do not need a full skincare routine to enjoy essential oils. Adding a few drops to your body wash takes less than a minute and can change how your shower feels completely. For more easy ideas, try our DIY body mist recipe or a double espresso body scrub. Find all these oils in our essential oils collection.
