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A warm bath is a ritual for many people around the world. The comfort it can provide makes it a great way to reduce stress, especially on a cold winter day. Whether you want to try it once, or make it a part of your weekly routine, a warm soak in the tub could be beneficial to your health just like eating vegetables or making time for physical activity. Research suggests that regular warm baths may even have a positive effect on your A1C if you’re living with type 2 diabetes.

The benefits of a warm bath include helping you relax, relieving muscle tension, and giving you time to reflect on small delights in your everyday. It can also improve circulation which supports metabolism and cardiovascular health. Enjoy a soothing soak before bedtime to support better sleep. 

Tips for a Relaxing Bath

• Give your bathtub a quick clean with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner or a spray bottle mixed with half water and half vinegar. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes. Then, properly rinse off any residue.
• Fill two-thirds of the tub with warm water. Hot water (100°F+) can irritate your skin. Test the water with your wrist to make sure it feels comfortable. 
  
• Soak for at least 10 minutes and keep your bath to no more than 30 minutes. Make sure to hydrate by keeping a glass of water or a mug of tea within reach.
  
• A bath is about engaging and soothing your senses. Light some candles, bring a book or magazine, and add some soft music. Allow yourself to unplug and relax.
  
• Apply a moisturizing cream after bathing to seal the hydration into your skin.
  
• Just remember, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a warm bath.

The Best All-Natural, Chemical-Free Bath Soaks

We’ve sampled the best bath products from around the web and selected our favorites to inspire a relaxing bath for you. These products have been independently vetted and tested by our team. Each bath soak combines a slew of natural ingredients, is free of harmful chemical or animal products, and supports a sustainable, family-owned business. 

Chloe and Chad’s Coconut Bath Soak 

Chloe and Chad founder, Aisha, began experimenting with making natural soaps and lotions in 2010 when her first daughter, Chloe, was born and Aisha was looking for products that were healthy and safe for her young child. When her son, Chad, was born four years later, his eczema led her to experiment even further with organic ingredients that soothed the skin. Now, this Black-owned organic small batch company offers a variety of vegan skin and home products, designed to be safe and healthy for the whole family. 

Chloe and Chad’s Coconut Bath Soak mixes Epsom salt with real coconut flakes and a blend of essential oils to provide a moisturizing touch and a hint of aromatherapy that feels like a day at the spa. 

Why we love it

• Vegan
• Organic
• Family-owned
• Fresh coconut scent

Tree Hut’s Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt

Family-owned and Texas-based Tree Hut has been making quality skin and body care products in the USA at an affordable price for over twenty years. Their moisturizing Epsom salt uses organic shea butter that will leave your skin soft after a soak, while gentle notes of mango in the tub will transport you to a tropical jungle paradise.   

Why we love it

• Vegan
• Family-owned
• Affordable
• Notes of mango

Relato Nativo’s Botanical Bath Salts 

Relato Nativo is an apothecary and small batch, “slow beauty” line from the mountain forests of Oaxaca, Mexico. Founded by artist Mafer Bretón, the company combines traditional herbal medicine with modern science and supports over 300 indigenous families by employing local Zapotec women to create their skin, body, and botanical products. 

Their botanical bath salts are made with Epsom salt, sea salt, and a breathtaking combination of essential oils including lavender, sage, chamomile, sandalwood, and cypress. Enjoy the drift of dried rose petals and lavender blossoms floating with you in your botanical bath. 

Why we love it

• Supports Indigenous women
• Dried rose petals
• Natural ingredients
• Calming essential oils 

This article has been clinically reviewed by Alexa Stelzer, RDN, LD, CDCES, clinical health coach at One Drop.