Hawaiian Black Lava Bath Salts – DIY Aromatherapy Bath Soak Recipe

DIY Hawaiian black lava bath salts are a treat for all senses and perfect to relieve stress and tension! See how to make aromatherapy bath salt that contains minerals and antioxidants to cleanse and detox the skin.

The 5-minute homemade bath soak recipe is made up of Hawaiian black lava salt, a Pacific sea salt infused with activated charcoal, dried flowers, and fragrant essential oils. The easy tutorial comes with free printable gift labels for packaging.

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Hawaiian Black Lava Bath Salts – An easy aromatherapy bath salt recipe

Sprinkled into your bathwater, my easy homemade Hawaiian black lava bath salts recipe will create a wonderful, spa-like wellness experience in the comfort of your own bathroom. And best of all? You only need 5 minutes prep to make this all-natural herbal bath. I have a feeling this homemade black salt bath soak will be a new favourite in your collection of easy bath salt recipes.

In this post, I discuss the potential skincare benefits of Hawaiian black lava salt and dried flowers in bath salts, share 3 different aromatherapy essential oil blends for a relaxing bath soak, and explain how to use essential oils safely in bath salts.

If you just want the recipe, scroll to the DIY box towards the end of the post. The ingredients and steps for how to make detox bath salt can be printed out, too. 

Hawaiian black lava sea salt

A friend gave me a cooking salt gift kit with three different salts, one of them being Hawaiian black lava salt. Being a beauty crafter, I thought about a black bath salts recipe soon as I saw the sparkly dark salt crystals. So, what is black lava salt, and how can it aid in skincare?

What is Hawaiian black lava salt?

Hawaiian black lava salt was traditionally made from volcanic lava, harvested in salt ponds on the island Kauai. Today, it’s usually a sea salt blend and comes in two varieties: black and red. The red salt is enriched with clay, the black salt is infused with coconut shell activated charcoal, which lends the salt its characteristic black colour.

The salt is mainly comprised of sodium chloride and over 70 trace minerals, like magnesium and potassium, electrolytes and natural elements.

Benefits of black lava salt

Although “Hawaiian black lava salt” is often used as a marketing term for sea salt enriched with activated charcoal, not true Hawaiian black lava salt, there are still several benefits to making a sea salt bath soak and taking a bath with activated charcoal.

Skincare benefits of Hawaiian black lava salt

It’s no secret that activated charcoal has a plethora of skincare benefits. Activated charcoal has excellent cleansing properties and is said to extract impurities from the skin and body, to remove excess skin oils and to clear acne and other skin blemishes.

Muscle relaxing bath salts recipe

Taking a salt bath is not only a wonderful way to promote relaxation,  but also provides relief for muscle pain, joint aches, and tired feet by replenishing the body’s electrolytes. However, note that scientific evidence supporting mineral absorption through the skin is still inconclusive.

Detox bath soak

Activated charcoal binds and traps toxins and chemicals, therefore detoxifying the skin. The material also helps to eliminate bad body odours.

With so many skin benefits, I already have ideas to use this salt for a salt scrub and salt soap recipe. Stay tuned!

Other black salts

Hawaiian black salt isn’t the only black salt available, a type of Himalayan black salt and Cyprus Mediterranean black salt exist as well.  On the image below you can see Hawaiian black lava salt next to Mediterranean black salt.

The salts look quite different, the Hawaiian black lava salt is made up of fine grains, while the Mediterranean salt consists of large, pyramid-shaped salt flakes.

You could make this muscle relaxing bath salts recipe with Himalayan black salt, but I don’t recommend using Cyprus Mediterranean black salt as it can stain your skin and tub.

Herbal bath soak with dried flowers

Dried flowers add colour to our DIY aromatherapy bath salt and turn this herbal bath salts recipe into a true wellness experience and elegant skincare treat. Any type of dried flowers will look beautiful, I chose bright blue cornflower petals and fragrant red hibiscus.

The flowers add a natural floral scent to the detox bath salts that will remind you of fresh summer flowers. And steeping dried flowers in warm bath water can also be beneficial for your skin and body. Without going into great detail,  let’s take a quick look at the potential benefits of dried cornflower petals and hibiscus.

Benefits of blue cornflower petals

Dried cornflower petals have a mesmerizing blue colour and a calming floral scent. The herb is rich in minerals and flavonoids, and has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that are excellent to soothe the skin. Blue cornflower may also be helpful to help with eczema and to strengthen hair and nails.

Benefits of hibiscus

Dried hibiscus flowers have an incredibly fruity and floral smell.  Hibiscus and is packed with powerful antioxidants that could reduce the risk of skin damage by free radicals and premature skin ageing. Studies also suggest that hibiscus may fight bacterial infections, which could help heal small cuts or injured skin.

Essential oils for aromatherapy bath salts

While the dried flowers provide some fragrance and skincare benefits, we can use essential oils to create a therapeutic bath salts recipe. However, if you have very sensitive skin, it’s best to EOs and make bath salts without essential oils. The benefit of this floral bath salts recipes is that the dried still provide a relaxing wellness experience.

You can use whatever essential oils you have at hand, like lavender, sweet orange, or chamomile. And if you’re interested in new essential oils for bath salts ideas, here are 3 relaxing aromatherapy essential oil bath salt blends.

The essential oil blends are safe for kids if made with the linked products.

Muscle relief

A restorative blend to soothe joints and muscles after a long day or an intense workout, perfect for a homemade bath soak for sore muscles and also a great essential oil blend for men.

• 5 drops balsam fir – Balsam fir provides aid for sore muscles and achy joints and is said to be emotionally balancing.
• 3 drops spearmint* –  Spearmint is revitalizing and feels cooling on the skin.
• 2 drops fragonia – Fragonia calms muscles and joints and supports respiratory health.
• 1 drop citronella – The soft citrusy, slightly woodsy fragrance of citronella is very relaxing and refreshing and rounds out the other scents.

*I used spearmint instead of other mint essential oils because spearmint is safe for kids. If the bath salt will be used by adults only, peppermint is fine, too.

Floral relaxation

An uplifting yet soothing floral blend that will help produce a calm and tranquil environment, perfect for relaxing in the tub.

• 4 drops sandalwood – Sandalwood will calm your senses and is excellent for meditation.
• 3 drops jasmine absolute – Uplifting jasmine creates a relaxed, positive atmosphere and is said to be skin-rejuvenating.
• 3 drops blue tansy – Blue tansy has a fresh, sweet scent and skin-soothing properties.
• 2 drops vetiver – Vetiver promotes relaxation and balance, particularly before sleep, and can help to reduce skin blemishes.

Clear mind

This refreshing blend combines citrus and woodsy scents, wonderful for relaxation and a happy mood.

• 5 drops cedarwood* – The sweet, woody scent of cedarwood creates calm, positive surroundings and can balance oily skin.
• 4 drops blood orange – A little stronger than sweet orange, stimulating blood orange lifts the mood and eases nervous tension.
• 2 drops amyris – Amyris is excellent for relaxation and said to improve skin texture.
• 2 drops lime – The invigorating fragrance of lime clears the mind and may support the immune system. To make it kid- and skin-safe, use steam-distilled lime essential oil.

*While Atlas cedarwood essential oil is a great choice, I used Himalayan cedarwood as the EO is particularly useful to relieve respiratory problems as they often occur during the winter months.

Pre-made essential oil blends

Since buying and blending singles can add up quickly, you can also make this aromatherapy bath salt recipe with pre-made essential oil blends. I like the Relax,  Tranquil, and Clarity synergy blends from Plant Therapy.

Essential oil safety in homemade bath products

Essential oils aren’t water-soluble, meaning if you add them to bathwater they will pool on the surface, which can cause skin irritation and even rashes. To use essential oils safely in a bath salt, we have to use an emulsifier that safely dilutes and disperses the essential oils in the water.

Lately, I have been trying a couple of new natural emulsifiers for essential oils, and used PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, a coconut emulsifier, for this aromatherapy bath salt recipe.

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is made from fractionated coconut oil and glycerin. This natural emsuifiying agent has excellent emulsifying, emollient, and re-fatting properties. The ingredient also has a conditioning effect and will make your skin smooth and soft.

How to make black lava bath salts

Making black detox bath salts is surprisingly simple. Seriously. Don’t you just love easy bath soak recipes? Here’s how to make aromatherapy bath salts in just four quick steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, stir together the PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and essential oils.
• Put the black lava salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the essential oils from step 1 and mix until well incorporated.
• Add the dried flowers, stir to combine.
• Transfer the detox bath salts recipe into glass jars or storage containers.

How to use aromatherapy bath salts

Here are the simple steps to make a bath with this aromatherapy bath salt recipe:

• Use 1/3 to 1/2 cup bath salt for a standard-size bathtub.
• Add the homemade bath salt into warm, running water and stir with your hand to help the salt crystals dissolve faster into the bath.
• Soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes

Easy cleanup

The dried flower petals will not dissolve in the water and have to be cleaned up afterwards. To make cleanup ease, fill the DIY detox bath salt recipe into a small cotton bag and throw the bag into your bath.

Safety tips

• Don’t exceed the amount of 1/3 to 1/2 cup per bath.
• If you are pregnant, suffering from any medical condition, or taking medication, please consult a doctor or health care provider before using bath salts and essential oils.

How to store Hawaiian black lava bath salts

Store black lava bath salt in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. Salt can react with metal so store the bath salt in a glass jar or non-metallic container. Products containing essential oils should never be exposed to heat or direct sunlight, as both will deteriorate essential oils.

Shelf life

The shelf life of this DIY aromatherapy bath soak recipe is 1 year. As essential oils are volatile and can evaporate over time, you may have to top up the sea salt bath salts with fresh essential oils after a couple of months.

Gift giving and printable labels

Black bath salts and herbal bath soaks are unique DIY Christmas gift ideas and will put a smile on everyone who receives this skincare treasure. Since the salt is black, I think this would also be an excellent bath salt for men.

To gift wrap, fill the detox bath soak into a pretty glass jar and use our free printable bath salt labels to decorate your homemade gift. The printables feature our new winter design and can be downloaded at the end of the post.

More DIY bath salts recipes

If you like DIY bath salts and homemade bath soak gifts, check out these DIY skincare ideas:

• lavender bath salt – This pretty homemade bath salts recipe is made with lavender essential oil and a pretty gift idea.
• easy Epsom bath salt – A quick and easy bath salt DIY made with baking soda and dried roses.
• pumpkin spice bath salt – This relaxing fall bath salt idea is made with spices, dried calendula, and magnesium flakes.
• DIY foot bath  – A soothing Epsom bath salt for feet, made with milk powder, dried herbs and essential oils.

More homemade winter skincare ideas

Whether you need more winter skincare ideas or just enjoy making natural products, the following homemade beauty recipes will make your skin looking and feeling great!

Bath & Body:

• moisturising snowflake bath bombs
• hydrating melt & pour soap for dry skin
• body lotion for dry skin with cornflower and chamomile

Face:

• 6 blue clay mask recipes
• exfoliating cleansing balm with jojoba beads
• hydrating eye cream with birch sap
• lip repair cream with berry wax and pomegranate seed oil
• face moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin

Tools and supplies to make black Hawaiian lava sea salt bath salts

Tab or click the links below to shop the products used to make this relaxation bath salts recipe:

• mixing bowls – Glass mixing bowls are a staple for mixing beauty products. This set is heat-proof, microwave-safe and won’t react with essential oils.
• rubber spatula – This spatula set is perfect for mixing the ingredients and won’t scratch your mixing bowls.
• 10-oz flip-top jar – This versatile round glass jar is perfect to seal and store the Hawaiian bath salt recipe and will fit the entire batch.
• 4-oz clip-top jars – Small jars are perfect for gift giving. The detox bath salt recipe is enough to fill 2 to 3 jars.

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Irena xx