Learn how to make aromatherapy shower tablets with essential oils! Natural DIY shower tablets are activated by steam in the shower and promote relaxation, sleep, and stress relief. The step-by-step tutorial includes 3 recipes, different essential oil blends, and tips for storing and using homemade shower tablets.
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DIY Shower Tablets
Hello, wellness lovers. I have a treat for you: aromatherapy shower tablets for sleep and relaxation. These DIY shower tablets are infused with calming and soothing essential oils that destress and put your mind at ease. The best part? A brand-new, no-fail formula that produces beautiful + sturdy shower steamers.
After sharing DIY shower melts for health and shower bombs recipes for energy, we are welcoming 3 new members into our growing collection of homemade shower steamers:
- Frist, we have Blue Moon, a sky-blue shower fizzy enriched with blue tansy that can help to relieve stress.
- Next is Lavender Dream, a sweetly scented shower steamer that utilizes the sleep-inducing benefits of lavender essential oil to promote restful sleep.
- And lastly, Midnight Sky, the ultramarine shower soother with cedarwood and amyris that provides deep relaxation whenever you need a break from the hustle of everyday life.
You will love these aromatherapy shower steamers!
What are shower tablets?
Did you ever wonder how to How do I turn my shower into aromatherapy? Well, shower tablets are the answer! Okay, but what exactly are these colorful, little concoctions?
Shower tablets are small disks that dissolve when they come in contact with moisture. While dissolving, they release a fragrant bouquet of essential oils that infuse the steams through your shower.
The steam carries not only the scent but also provides shower aromatherapy benefits when you inhale it. The scent molecules stimulate the smell receptors in your nose and send a message to the part of the brain that controls emotions (the limbic system).
Shower tablets formula
My DIY aromatherapy shower tablets are unlike any other shower steamers recipe on the internet. Making shower steamers is relatively easy with some experience but can be challenging for beginners.
Based on all the amazing feedback we received on our other shower melt recipes, Cyna and I created an entirely new shower tablets formula. Let me give you a brief overview of how our tablets are different from other recipes:
- Easier to make: With most recipes, you have to spritz the dry ingredients with water, alcohol, or witch hazel, and it can be a struggle to figure out just how much you need. Add too little liquid, and they don’t hold together. Too much liquid, and you accidentally start a premature fizzing reaction. Not so these DIY shower tablets! We use a secret ingredient that doesn’t cause a reaction, and I tell you exactly how much you need to get the correct consistency.
- Dry rock-solid: Another benefit is that these aromatherapy shower tablets become rock hard. They don’t break and crumble as easily as other homemade shower bombs. You can even ship them to friends or customers without worrying that they will receive a crumbly mess.
- Last longer in the shower: Some of you asked me how to make shower steamers last longer because regular shower steamer recipes often fizzle out within minutes. These shower tablets last a lot longer and turn into a fragrant foam as they dissolve. The self-cleaning recipe will leave no trace in your shower, safe a few dried flower petals (should you add them.)
Please check out my guide on how to make shower steamers to learn more about this unique formula. This tutorial includes helpful video instructions, and I discuss everything in greater detail.
Materials for DIY shower tablets
This shower tablets recipe consists of ingredients you may already have (baking powder, citric acid, EOs) + one you probably have never heard of. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda and citric acid make up the bulk of this shower tablets recipe. Both ingredients react and fizzle away when exposed to moisture. Shower tablets turn out best when you use both citric acid and baking soda, but I don’t recommend making shower steamers without citric acid.
- Sorbitan oleate is the aforementioned secret material. The ingredient is made from a fatty acid (oleic acid from olive oil) and sorbitol (a sugar alcohol). Sorbitan oleate acts as a natural, ECOCERT-approved emulsifier and emollient, but we use it to wet the baking soda and citric acid. I explain why in a second.
- Essential oils provide aromatherapy benefits and give the shower steamers a wonderful natural scent. You can infuse your DIY shower tablets with any essential oils you like and have available. I’ll share 3 different essential oil blends for sleep and relaxation later.
- Colorants (optional): DIY shower tablets are white, and you can tint them with mica or dried plant powder in any shade you like. I colored my essential oil shower tablets in different hues of blue and purple. Blue is such a serene, calming color and seemed fitting for relaxation shower steamers.
- Decorations (optional): I like to decorate my shower steamers with dried botanicals as a finishing touch. For these relaxing shower melts, I chose dried cornflower petals, dried lavender buds, and shimmery gold stars.
No clay or cornstarch?
Nope, my aromatherapy shower steamers are indeed made without clay or cornstarch. Clay and cornstarch function as filler materials and hardeners, but you can skip them here. This brings me to the ingredient that you do need, sorbitan oleate.
Why use sorbitan oleate in shower steamers?
Because baking soda and citric acid are dry powders, we require a liquid to confect the shower tablet mixture. That liquid needs to evaporate (so the shower soothers harden up), mustn’t be greasy to avoid making the shower slippery (no oils or plant butters), and ideally shouldn’t cause a premature fizzing reaction.
Guess what ingredient meets all 3 requirements? That’s right, sorbitan oleate!
Sorbitan oleate is a dream to work with. Unlike water, witch hazel, or alcohol, sorbitan oleate will NOT cause a reaction when you add it to the dry materials. As you can see in the photos, I dumped it all onto the dry mix in one go, and no reaction.
Instead, it creates a soft, playdough-like consistency that you can easily press into a mold. As they dry, the liquid evaporates, leaving you with sturdy shower steamers with crisp, sharp edges that won’t crumble.
Sorbitan oleate also helps to dissolve and disperse the essential oils. It will give you aromatherapy shower tablets that are perfectly scented throughout. Plus, the emulsifier will wash away any colorants, such as mica and protect your shower tray and tiles from staining.
And in case you’re wondering, sorbitan oleate is fully biodegradable, non-toxic, non-irritant, free of palm oil, and approved for natural skincare preparations.
Again, I talk about this in more detail in my shower steamer recipe. Use leftovers in one of my bath bomb recipes, like these DIY lavender bath bombs or my milk and honey bath bombs.
Substitute for sorbitan oleate
I understand that not everyone has access to sorbitan oleate or that you may prefer a more affordable alternative. And that alternative is Polysorbate 80. Poly 80 is an emulsifying + solubilizing agent, and you can use it as a 1:1 substitute for sorbitan oleate.
How to make shower tablets
Making shower steamers tablets from scratch may isn’t the easiest DIY product. But it’s well worth the effort because you create a 100% natural product that you can customize according to your personal needs and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients
- Add the baking soda, citric acid, and colorant (mica, plant powder) into a large non-metallic mixing bowl. Whisk to combine and break up any lumps.
Step 2: Mix liquid ingredients
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the sorbitan oleate and essential oils. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes to distribute the essential oils evenly throughout.
Step 3: Make the shower steamer mixture
- Pour the liquid mixture from step 2 into the dry ingredients from step 1. Stir together with a spoon to coat the dry mix in liquids.
- Then put on nitrile gloves and knead until the shower steamer mixture begins clumping together and feels like playdough, smooth and soft, but not wet.
Step 4: Adjust the texture
- 1/3 cup sorbitan oleate should be enough in a humid environment because the mixture will absorb some moisture from the air.
- However, in dry conditions, you may need to add 1 to 2 additional tablespoons to moisten the mixture and get the perfect consistency.
- You know that the texture is right when you can form a smooth ball of mixture with your hands that stays together as you see in the photo.
- The mixture cannot be stored. It will harden if you leave it sitting out, so immediately continue to the next step.
Step 5: Fill the mold
- Sprinkle a few botanicals in the bottom of each mold. Go lightly and try to avoid placing the botanicals too close to the edge. This step is optional.
- Next, fill the mold with mixture and press down with your fingertips, paying particular attention to the edges. Continue to load and compress the mixture until the cavity is completely full.
- I like to use the bottom of a 1/8 measuring cup to press down each shower tablet and achieve a flat bottom.
Step 6: Dry
- Let the shower steamers dry in the mold undisturbed for 24 hours. Room temperature is fine, and you can leave the mold uncovered.
Step 7: Unmold
- Before unmolding, gently tap the back of a steamer. Does it feel and sound solid? Then it’s time to unmold.
- To unmold the steamers, carefully pull away the silicone. Using your thumbs, gently push the steamer out of the cavity.
Step 8: Store
- Store the shower tablets in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
Tips for high humidity
Humidity does influence how the shower soothers turn out. Baking soda absorbs moisture from the ambiance, so try to find the driest place in your home. If you have, place them in front of a dehumidifier and let them dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Cyna lives close to the ocean, where it’s pretty humid in summer. She noticed that her steamers expanded a little when she set the mold out to dry, yet they still harden up properly. I live near the mountains and never had an issue with humidity.
If you live in a high humidity area, please let me know how this vapor shower tablets work out for you!
How to use shower tablets
You have different options for how to use aromatherapy shower tablets:
- Shower floor: You can place shower steamers on the floor in the back corner of the shower. As the water hits the shower tablet, the essential oils are released and mix with the steam. With this method, the shower steamer will dissolve in about 10 minutes.
- Elevated: You can also keep them near your face to better smell the essential oils, for example, in a soap dish or shower shelf.
How long will they last?
How long your aromatherapy shower tablets last depends on where you put them in your shower. Shower melts exposed to water will dissolve within minutes, whereas steam dissolves the product at a slower rate. Avoid direct water streams to enjoy the shower steamers longer.
Can I use shower tablets as bath bombs?
No, shower tablets are for breathing only and should never be used as bath bombs. Although similar to bath bombs, shower steamers contain a much higher concentration of essential oil that can irritate the skin.
The best shower tablets for sleep and relaxation
I promised you 3 aromatherapy shower tablet recipes. Time to make good on that promise! As mentioned, these DIY vapor steamers are meant for sleep and relaxation. Of course, you can scent them with whatever essential oils you have and like.
You need approximately 150 to 180 drops for strongly scented shower tablets. Again, you can adjust this amount to your liking and incorporate more or fewer oils.
Stress relief shower tablets
Had a stressful day? My Blue Moon shower steamers can help to destress, unwind your mind, and lessen worries. The steamers have a refreshing balsamic scent and take advantage of the calming effects of blue tansy, blue cypress, and ylang ylang.
Blue tansy is famous for its skin-soothing qualities but is not often used in aromatherapy recipes. It has a fruity scent with herbaceous undertones that is incredibly relaxing. The oil has antihistamine properties that are said to reduce congestion – exactly what we want in decongestant shower tablets!
Blue cypress’s woodsy scent has a grounding and balancing effect, providing calm in times of emotional unrest. Ylang ylang has a beautiful floral smell, and I found a study suggesting that the EO may decrease stress hormone levels and high blood pressure.
I sprinkled a few dried cornflower petals into the mold as decoration.
For this relaxing blend, you’ll need:
- 65 drops blue tansy essential oil
- 40 drops blue cypress essential oil
- 25 drops ylang ylang complete
Lavender shower steamers for sleep
Lavender is well known for its insomnia-beating properties. The lavender scent is very soothing and allows you to overcome sleeplessness and enter relaxed, restorative sleep. You can learn more about the benefits of lavender for sleep in my lavender slumber spray recipe.
When researching for my lavender milk recipe, I also learned that the aroma of vanilla has a mild sedative effect that can calm the mind and alleviate anxiety. Combine that with the sweetly soothing scent of bergamot, and you have a perfect blend for a bedtime shower.
I decorated the Lavender Dream steamers with dried lavender buds.
This floral shower steamer blend is made with:
- 80 drops lavender essential oil
- 45 drops vanilla oleoresin
- 30 drops bergamot essential oil
Alternatively, fragrance your homemade shower tablets with 180 drops pure lavender essential oil.
DIY shower tablets for relaxation
My Midnight Sky shower soothers make for a tranquil and relaxing shower. Dissolving one of these moody shower aromatherapy tablets will create a calming and peaceful environment. I dressed them up with tiny gold stars and imbued them with a blend of cedarwood, vetiver, and Amyris.
Cedarwood essential oil is said to have sedative qualities and a mood-soothing effect. Inhaling the warming, wooden scent can calm the mind, increase mental focus, and clear the respiratory system.
The warm, slightly peppery aroma of Amyris introduces a sense of calm. It can help to ease coughs and congestion problems. Vetiver is a wonderful oil to promote relaxation + balance and relieve stress + anxiety. The oil has a unique scent that is earthy with smokey notes.
The Midnight Sky blend consists of:
- 80 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 50 drops Amyris essential oil
- 20 drops vetiver essential oil
Midnight Sky is an excellent blend for guys and everyone who prefers a deep, woody aroma over floral-sweet smells. Out of all 3, this is my husband’s favorite, and I’m sure the men in your life will enjoy the masculine scent, too.
Storage instructions
How to store homemade shower tablets
Store your DIY shower tablets in an airtight glass jar or ceramic container. You can wrap individual disks in plastic wrap/clingfilm to preserve the scent better.
Keep shower steam tablets in a dry place, for example, a cupboard in your bedroom. Bathrooms are not a good place for shoer steamers because the moisture can cause premature fizzing.
You also want to avoid direct sunlight because UV rays will deteriorate essential oils and fade the colors.
How long do DIY shower tablets keep?
Stored airtight, aromatherapy shower steamers will keep for up to a year and still smell great! If you notice the scent fading, simply top up with a few drops essential oils before using them in the shower.
Shower Tablets Recipe
Learn how to make aromatherapy shower tablets with essential oils! Natural DIY shower tablets are activated by steam in the shower and promote relaxation, sleep, and stress relief. Some are even decongestant. The step-by-step tutorial includes 3 recipes, different essential oil blends, and tips for storing and using homemade shower tablets.
Materials
Shower Tablets
- 1 1/2 cups / g / oz baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 3/4 cup / g / oz citric acid
- 1/3 cup / g / oz sorbitan oleate (can sub 1:1 with Polysorbate 80)
- up to 180 drops essential oils (see blends below)
- 1/2 – 1 tsp colorant (optional, e.g. mica or plant powders)
- dried botanicals (optional, for decorating)
Blue Moon (Stress Relief)
- 65 drops blue tansy essential oil
- 40 drops blue cypress essential oil
- 25 drops ylang ylang complete
- 1/2 tsp light blue mica powder or blue spirulina
- dried cornflower petals
Lavender Dream (Sleep)
- 80 drops lavender essential oil
- 45 drops vanilla oleoresin
- 30 drops bergamot essential oil
- 1/2 tsp purple mica
- dried lavender buds
Midnight Sky (Relaxation)
- 80 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 50 drops Amyris essential oil
- 20 drops vetiver essential oil
- 1 tsp dark blue mica powder or blue spirulina
- small gold stars
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients. Add the baking soda, citric acid, and colorant (mica, plant powder) into a large non-metallic mixing bowl. Whisk to combine and break up any lumps.
- Mix liquid ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the sorbitan oleate and essential oils. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes to distribute the essential oils evenly throughout.
- Make the shower steamer mixture. Pour the liquid mixture from step 2 into the dry ingredients from step 1. Stir together with a spoon to coat the dry mix in liquids. Then put on nitrile gloves and knead until the shower steamer mixture begins clumping together and feels like playdough, smooth and soft, but not wet.
- Adjust the texture. 1/3 cup sorbitan oleate should be enough in a humid environment because the mixture will absorb some moisture from the air. However, in dry conditions, you may need to add 1 to 2 additional tablespoons to moisten the mix and get the perfect consistency. You know that the texture is right when you can form a smooth ball of mixture with your hands that stays together. The mixture cannot be stored. It will harden if you leave it sitting out, so immediately continue to the next step.
- Fill the mold. Sprinkle a few botanicals in the bottom of each mold. Go lightly and try to avoid placing the botanicals too close to the edge. This step is optional. Next, fill the mold with mixture and press down with your fingertips, paying particular attention to the edges. Continue to load and compress mixture until the cavity is completely full. I like to use the bottom of a 1/8 measuring cup to press down each shower tablet and achieve a flat bottom.
- Dry. Let the shower steamers dry in the mold undisturbed for 24 hours. Room temperature is fine, and you can leave the mold uncovered.
- Unmold. Before unmolding, gently tap the back of a steamer. Does it feel and sound solid? Then it’s time to unmold. To unmold the steamers, carefully pull away the silicone. Using your thumbs, gently push the steamer out of the cavity.
- Store. Store the shower tablets in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
I bought Poly 80, it’s winter now and very dry- so I used 1/3 cup. The steamers have been sitting in a room temp room for two days and I still can’t take them out of the mold.
I do not have enough Poly 80 left to make another batch- I might have 2 tablespoons left- so I guess I will try that route.
None of the steamer recipes I have tried have worked. They do not dry. They crumble.
Hi Cindy! I’m sorry your are experiencing an issue. Dryness in in the air will affect how your steamers turn out. From what you are describing it sounds like the steamers didn’t contain enough moisture.
You don’t need to buy more Poly 80, but you’ll need high-proof alcohol in a spray bottle (e.g. Everclear or isopropyl alcohol). Mix the dry ingredients, add the Poly 80 and essential oils and mix until combined.
The spritz the mixture with alcohol until the mixture has a consistency similar to wet sand. Be sure to incorporate the alcohol quickly after spraying the mixture. Otherwise, a fizzing reaction may occur.
To check the texture, squeeze a small amount of mixture into a ball. It should have a moldable consistency that sticks together.
Next, fill the mixture into the mold and press it down firmly. I like to use the back of a small measuring cup to compact the mixture into the mold.
Let dry and unmold.
You might to salvage the other batches. Remove the crumbly mixture from the mold and place it in a mixing bowl. Spray with alcohol until the mixture is saturated and sticks together. Fill the mold and let dry. You probably have to increase top up the essential oils a bit.
Please let me know how it goes. I want to help you make this a success!
What brand of essential oils do you use?
Hi Victoriaj! I like different brands. Plant Therapy and Mountain Rose Herbs are my go-tos, as they offer excellent essential oils. Eden Botanicals has not only carries essential oils, but also all sorts of specialty oils and extracts, definitely worth to check out, too. I hope this helps you out and happy making!
Would this recipe be able to slice like a soap with a long mold? Thank you!!!
Hi Jess! No, I don’t think that would work. The mixture dries pretty solid and would crumble apart if you tried to slice it. Sorry about that!
I thought so, thank you! How many does each recipe make?
Hi Jess! The recipe yields about 20 to 25 shower steamers. Happy making!
Thank you! Sorry so many questions. If we put them in cellophane bags the day before the baby shower is that okay or should it be airtight similar to a ziplock instead?
Hi Jess! No problem at all. Airtight is best. If you tie the cellophane bags well that should work. You could also put the steamers into your favor bags and then store them in a large ziplock bag or Tupperware box overnight. I hope this helps and have a lovely baby shower!
Oh man… me again. So sorry. My first batch can’t seem to harden. Or when I pull it out of the mold it still crumbles or breaks. I am in the mountains so pretty dry, I added an extra tablespoon of poly 80 (maybe I shouldn’t have), and I using a smaller moon mold. Any tips for my next batch?
Hi Jess! I’m sorry you have an issue and please keep your questions coming. I want to help you make this a success!
The steamers should harden within a day or so, especially in a dry environment, but the extra poly 80 might hinder this. To understand the issue better:
You are pressing the mixture into a silicone mold or are your forming the steamers with a moon cake press?
Is the texture of the mixture similar to play dough or does it seem to be on the drier side?
From the feedback I have received on this formula, it seems to work very well for most, but some describe having problems with the steamers drying (usually in humid environments.) I’m wondering if it might have to do with the brand or batch of Poly 80.
For your next batch, try the following modified formula (if possible). It uses less poly 80 and includes high-proof alcohol, which dries well.
MATERIALS
1 1/2 cups baking soda
3/4 cup citric acid
2 tbsp Polysorbate 80
up to 180 drops essential oils
1/2 – 1 tsp colorant (optional, e.g. mica or plant powders)
dried botanicals (optional, for decorating)
high-proof alcohol in a spray bottle (e.g. isopropyl alcohol or 190 proof Everclear)
INSTRUCTIONS
1) Combine the dry ingredients.
2) Stir together the poly 80 and essential oils.
3) Pour the liquid mixture from step 2 into the dry ingredients from step 1. Stir together with a spoon to coat the dry mix in liquids. The mixture will be relatively dry at this point. Spritz is with high-proof alcohol until the mixture feels like damp sand and holds its shaped when you press together some mixture in the palm of your hand.
4) Form and dry the shower steamers as indicated it the recipe above.
Please let me know how this one works out for you!
You are amazing! Thank you so much!
Correct, into a silicone mold.
It seemed a little on the dryer side. It would hold in a ball but dryer than play dough for sure. It could be the Poly 80 I am using. The one you had linked was not available till May. If you have another you recommend I will buy it ASAP.
I did also use regular baking soda, I will try the one you linked tonight with the new recipe you provided.
I appreciate you so much! THANK YOU!
Happy to help!
From what you’re describing it sound this might have something to do with the Poly 80. I don’t think you have to buy another, but I would try the formula with high-proof alcohol that I shared in the comment yesterday.
One more tip about the consistency: You want to spritz and moisten the mixture will enough alcohol that it holds it shaped when pressed together. This time you’re not looking for a play dough like consistency, but the texture of wet sand. Since alcohol evaporates quickly, you’ll probably add some more as your form the steamers.
Please keep me updated – you are brilliant and I love working with you on this!
I think this will work! It was much more like a play dough last night I will see as they dry today. I also realized as I did it for the second time I missed the nonmetal bowl part and used a metal bowl for the first batch. Could that have been the problem as well? THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Really, I appreciate your time so much.
You’re welcome, Jess. A metallic bowl isn’t a problem per se, but the citric acid can react with the metal and that isn’t ideal. Let me know how they turn out!
Hi loving your information.
I’m a newbie and I’m wondering exact measurement if using poly 80.. I know you say 1:1 can you explain.
Thank you so much
Hi Carla! Sorry I missed you comment. 1:1 means that you use the same amount of Poly 80 as you would Sorbitan oleate, meaning you need to use 1/3 cup poly 80. Happy making!
How many melts will the recipe make?
Hi Christine! The recipe yields 20 to 25 shower tablets. Happy making!
Hello! I’m so excited to make these! When I click the link for the sorbitan oleate it seems it is not currently available from that seller. Do you happen to have another source? I’m having a hard time finding it anywhere. Thank you!
Nevermind! It’s available now!
Hi Jen! Sorry about that and glad that you found it. The seller keeps changing the url of the product every few weeks, and I try to keep up but there’s only so much I can do. Happy making!
Hi there, I am looking forward to making these shower tablets. You refer to “ Please check out my guide on how to make shower steamers to learn more about this unique formula.” and it is bold like a link however it isn’t. Could you please provide the link so I can watch the video. I tried to find it on your website but had a difficult time navigating as you don’t have a search bar that I could locate. Thank you ever so much, Tracy
Hi Tracy! This post isn’t published yet. The past few weeks, we were busy with holiday content and totally forgot about it. Sorry about that! I have now scheduled the post to be published on Sunday and I’m happy to email you the link once live. Thank you for reminding me!
Will sealed plastic baggies work to store these?
Hi Hannah! Yes, that should work fine. Happy making!
This the best shower melt recipe I’ve ever tried! I used Poly 80 and they came out great. so much easier than other recipes! Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for trying my shower tablets, Krystal!