I made some lovely bath bombs that were absolutely perfect in the bath. Since then I’m always looking into new ways of pampering myself, and lately, I’m finding homemade bath melts to be quite the treat. As a working mom and grandma, I have to set aside some me-time because if I don’t, I’ll probably go crazy!
The idea is that you drop these DIY bath melts into the bath and let the butters melt, filling your bath with nourishing oil and a hint of gorgeous fragrance.
Watch How To Make Bath Melts
Easiest DIY Bath Melts
So when it comes to pampering, I just can’t resist a relaxing bath. The mixture of bubbles and the soothing warmth of hot water are luxuries I can’t deny myself.
So I was looking for something new I’ve never tried before, and after scrolling through pages of things I’ve already made, I came across these cute little mixtures of cosmetic butter that people are calling ‘DIY bath melts’.
The idea is that you drop them into the bath and let the butters melt, filling your bath with nourishing oil and a hint of gorgeous fragrance. I had to give them a try.
Interestingly enough, I found that out of all the bath and body DIYs I’ve made, these melts were probably the easiest. The bath melts recipe below has so few ingredients that I didn’t even need to go out and buy anything. I found this to be the perfect craft to use up bits of cosmetic butter I had lying around. There’s also so much room for customization, and I always enjoy adding my own flair to anything and everything I make.
Customization & Substitutes
There’s also so much room for customization, and I always enjoy adding my own flair to anything and everything I make.
- The solid butter can be substituted for any cosmetic butter that is reasonably hard. Cocoa butter is a great alternative, but you could also use mango butter. Coconut oil is kind of necessary, as it’s one of the best solid oils you can get. However, you can substitute this for a second solid butter. This might be a good option if you live in a hot climate.
- If you want to add a dash of color, you can totally use a pinch of mica. However, these look just as good without it. Sometimes they don’t color so well for various reasons, or you may find that if you cannot cool them quickly enough the mica will settle at the bottom of the mold, making the coloring look a little uneven. Instead of using a color in the mixture, maybe try and dust the top once they’re hardened to give it an interesting look.
DIY Bath Melts Recipe With Shea Butter
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Equipment
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 70 g Shea Butter
- 35 g Coconut Oil
- 15 drops Fragrance Oil For Soap (Ive used Champa Flower )
- 1 pinch Mica Powders
Instructions
- Measure out your butter and carrier oil and place them in a heat-proof jug or beaker.70 g Shea Butter, 35 g Coconut Oil
- Melt your butter and solid oil. You will want to make use of a water bath to do this. Simply fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer and place the jug/beaker into the water. Allow to melt for around 10-15 minutes, or until the solids have completely melted.
- Now that the butter has melted, we can add our mica.1 pinch Mica Powders
- Now add your fragrance oil, if you are using a fragrance oil, you can add it right away. If using an essential oil, it’s best to let it cool for a minute first to get the most out of it.15 drops Fragrance Oil For Soap
- Pour the melted ingredients into silicone molds, being careful not to spill. Keep in mind that the mixture is still very warm at this point. Let them sit for around 15 minutes, just so they begin to cool. Then you can go ahead and pop them in the fridge. I’d leave for at least 1 hour, but you can leave them for as long as you like.
Notes
Indulgent Chocolate Bath Melt Recipe
With the combination of chocolate fragrance oil, the natural scent of cocoa butter and a well-chosen mold, you’ll be surprised how much these diy bath melts can look and smell like the real deal! Just be careful if you’re using these with your kids, as they might actually be tempted to take a bite.
I like to make a combination of dark, milk and white chocolate bath melts, simply by using different amounts of mica. You can even get an interesting look by using ordinary cocoa powder, as well.
I love to experiment, and these homemade bath melts are a product of just that! Take this recipe and make it your own. I love the sound of a chocolate orange melt, with a bit of orange fragrance oil added to the recipe. I think I might try that next!
Ingredients:
- 70 g Cocoa Butter
- 35 g Coconut Oil
- 15 Drops Chocolate Fragrance Oil
- A pinch of Brown Mica or Cocoa Powder
Instructions:
This method is identical to the basic bath melt recipe, so follow that to achieve success.
Notes:
The cocoa powder seems to be much denser than mica, so as the melts cool the cocoa powder should fall to the bottom, giving them this cool ombre look to them.
Now, take a look at how to make bath melts with embeds!
Hello, if my melts come out of mold with holes.or crumble looking can I remelt and repour?
Hi Kellie,
Absolutely you can! If you’ve used an essential oil in them, you may find the smell won’t be as potent after your second pouring. However, it’s better than throwing your whole batch away.
If you keep having problems, trying upping the amount of liquid oil by a couple of grams. That should help.
Hi Angela,
Do these have to be stored in the fridge until you are ready to use each bath melt?
Thanks Claire
Hi Claire,
It really depends on the weather. I find I can get away with leaving these out during the winter months, but as soon as it hits spring its best to keep them in the fridge.
But if you live somewhere that’s hot all year round (if so I’m super jealous) I would just save yourself the messy clean up and let the refrigerator be their home.
Hope this helps
Hey, how many melts does the above list of ingredients tend to make?
Hi,
It really depends on the size of your molds. But I would say anywhere from 8-10.
Hi, can I use almond oil instead of coconut oil? Thanks
Hi Jyoti,
Of course! Although you may find it’s a little less stiff and will melt more quickly. But providing you’re storing them in the fridge, it shouldn’t be an issue. Try making a small batch to test it, and if you find it too runny, reduce the amount of almond oil and up the amount of hard cosmetic butter to compensate.
Hello
Can I use a cocoa butter like Queen Helene’s to make the bath melt or must it be raw organic butter? Thank you
Hi Ollie,
Honestly, ordinary cocoa butter will be just fine. Organic and raw is more natural, but you won’t be any problem swapping them out for ordinary in this recipe. Have fun!