The 14 Best Bath Products of 2024 for the Most Relaxing, Rejuvenating Soak
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These aromatic soaks and salts transform any bathroom into a calming oasis.
InStyle / David Hattan
After long, stressful days, some people turn to meditation or exercise — but for us, nothing melts away our troubles quite like a nice long bath. Lighting a candle, grabbing our favorite body wash, pouring an aromatic bubble bath and spending an hour or two in the tub turns our tiny bathroom into a sanctuary, giving us time to unwind. Additionally, “Bathing can fight depression, burn calories, improve heart health, help you breathe easier, soothe joints, reduce pain and inflammation, and can also help balance your hormones,” explains Marcy Miller, a spa expert and founder of Pure Placid.
After researching the top-rated bath products, we handpicked over 30 bath bombs, bubble baths, scrubs, salts, and soaks and individually tested them for four months. During this time we took over 25 baths to see what formulas helped to ease tension, lessen anxiety, and soften skin. In the end, we were blown away by 14 products that left us feeling completely rejuvenated.
Best Overall: Dr Teal’s Eucalyptus and Spearmint Foaming Bath
What We Love
This all-in-one bath product combines the soothing properties of Epsom salt with joy-inducing fluffy bubbles and relaxing aromatherapy for the most revitalizing bath experience.
What We Don't Love
Though the bottle is large, you need to use a good amount of product (about one-third of a bottle) to create adequate bubbles.
Since discovering Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salt, we no longer have to decide whether to sprinkle some simple salts into the water or opt for an effervescent, aromatic soak. This all-in-one product combines our favorite elements to every bath: Muscle-relaxing epsom salts, long-lasting bubbles, and calming aromatics.
No matter how you’re feeling, there’s a foaming bath to fit your needs: The brand has 15 iterations, ranging from a formula meant to uplift your mood with a blend of citrus essential oils to a restorative soak made with eucalyptus and spearmint (our personal favorite), and even a lavender bath that is meant to lull you to sleep. Along with the stress-reducing benefits the product provides, each unique bath includes skin-softening ingredients like glycerin and magnesium (found in epsom salt), so our body is left feeling fresh and supple long after we drain the water. We've found, though, that it takes a decent amount of product to procure the ideal amount of bubbles (we like our bath extra bubbly, so we end up using about ⅓ of the bottle per soak).
Size: 34 oz. | Scents: 15 | Key Ingredients: Epsom salt, glycerin
Best Budget: Native Body Wash
What We Love
This body wash comes in over 15 different scents and can double as a fizzy bubble bath.
What We Don't Love
While we didn’t personally experience this, some reviews say that the body wash can cause a rash depending on the scent.
From the minimalistic packaging to the simplistic ingredients, Native Body Wash is a no-frills yet delightful addition to your bathing routine. Because smell plays such a huge role when it comes to baths, we love that this cleanser is offered in over 15 scents, including more traditional calming fragrances like Cucumber & Mint, as well as sweeter aromas like Cherry & Vanilla Macaron, so you can find one that speaks to your mood. (Some say certain scents cause a rash. We didn’t experience this when testing the product, but if you have more sensitive skin you can opt for the fragrance-free version).
Though the fragrances stray from the ordinary, the formula provides a classic cleanse that boosts skin hydration without the inclusion of sulfates, phthalates, or dyes. Plus, it can be used for more than just basic body cleansing — when poured under running water it makes for a luscious, frothy bubble bath.
Size: 18 oz. | Scents: 20 | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, cleansing salt, citric acid
Best Luxury: Natureofthings Restorative Floral Bath
What We Love
This velvety bath immersion utilizes flower and gemstone extracts to holistically and physically rejuvenate the body.
What We Don't Love
The bottle is pretty small — there’s only enough for two or three baths, tops.
The Restorative Floral Bath from Natureofthings recreates the blissful feeling of lounging in a field of wildflowers without stepping foot outside. The milky, mineral-charged elixir turned our tub into a heady bouquet of plumeria, jasmine, and vetiver, and Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder of social wellness club Remedy Place, loves how it awakens and rebalances the senses for an overall calming effect.
The bath immersion doesn’t just hold aromatherapy benefits, though — it contains a variety of holistic ingredients to improve overall health. Within the ingredient list, you’ll find capsicum: A compound derived from chili peppers that holds anti-inflammatory benefits to ease joint and muscle pain by subtly increasing blood flow and warming the skin; shea butter and green tea, which soften and detox skin; and pulverized malachite and rose quartz powders — crystals known to have energy-clearing properties to help you feel at peace. We understand if you want to stay submerged for hours on end to get the most out of the floral bath — the bottle is pretty small, so you’ll likely only be able to use it for two or three baths before you need to repurchase.
Size: 6 oz. | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: Rose quartz powder, malachite extract, hops extract, cedarwood oil
Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Body Wash
What We Love
This rich body wash effectively cleanses away the grime of the day and leaves skin feeling ultra soft.
What We Don't Love
We appreciate the three scented offerings (as well as the fragrance-free version), but we wish the fragrances were a bit stronger.
While we wish sitting in a foaming bath on its own could rinse away the grime of the day, it's imperative to use a body wash to achieve the deep clean you’re after. Luckily, a simple lather with Nécessaire The Body Wash makes the mundane task feel surprisingly luxurious. Infused with a slew of skin-nourishing ingredients (including glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamins C and E), the formula quickly transforms into a rich foam that effectively cleanses away sweat, dirt, and grime from our body in a matter of seconds. And once the body wash is rinsed away, our skin feels fresh and soft rather than stripped.
Because scent plays such a big role when it comes to relaxation, we appreciate that you can choose between three fragrances (eucalyptus, bergamot, or sandalwood), as well as a sensitive skin-friendly fragrance-free option, to customize your bath experience. Though, keep in mind that the scents are pretty light, so you won’t leave the bath smelling like a spa.
Size: 8.4 oz. | Scents: 4 | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, vitamins C and E
Best Body Scrub: selfmade True Grit Resilience Scrub
What We Love
The multifunctional scrub can be used on the scalp, face, and body.
What We Don't Love
For a scrub, it has a pretty thin consistency.
Some people may argue that body scrubs do nothing more than slough away dead skin — but truthfully, the right scrub can do so much more. Take this one from selfmade, for instance: From the thoughtful name to the gentle yet powerful formula, the True Grit Resilience Scrub encourages your mind to take a breather, plus, it offers plenty of physical benefits, too.
With a combination of physical and chemical exfoliants (gritty bamboo powder along with kiwi and pineapple extracts) it buffs away dead skin while simultaneously unclogging pores and preventing ingrown hairs. Gentle enough to use on your face, scalp, and body, the invigorating scrub leaves our skin feeling baby soft, and ultimately makes us feel a bit more relaxed (in part thanks to the calming palo santo scent).
If you’re accustomed to thick, grainy scrubs you won’t find that here — this one has more of a jelly texture with small, granular flecks which makes it thinner than other options, but just as (if not more) effective.
Size: 7 oz. | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: Bamboo powder, natural fruit AHAs, vitamin C, tea tree oil
Best Bath Oil: Osea Malibu Vagus Nerve Bath Oil
What We Love
Designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, this aromatic oil helps melt away mental and physical stress.
What We Don't Love
You’ll need to carefully exit the tub after using this because the oil makes everything very slippery.
As the longest nerve in the body, the vagus nerve runs from the brain to your gut and plays a key role in regulating emotions, stress levels, sleep, and even digestion. Essentially, the nerve can act as a reset button for the mind and body — as long as you stimulate and engage with it through meditation, exercise, or with the Vagus Nerve Bath Oil from Osea Malibu.
Swirling a bit of this luxurious body oil into our bath immediately envelops us with serene feelings. Crafted with a blend of over a dozen essential oils (including grape seed, apricot kernel, meadowfoam, and avocado, to name a few), the oil recharges our body on multiple fronts: Softening skin, relaxing pent up tension, and melting away anxiety with its soothing aroma. We like to start our bath with a few deep breaths to let the oil’s full effects sink in. One note: To avoid any falls, we recommend wiping the tub down after your bath as the oil can leave a slippery residue after the water is drained.
Size: 5 oz. | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: Grape seed oil, rice bran oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil
Best Bath Bomb: Lush Cosmetics Lakes Bath Bomb
What We Love
The herbal bath bomb invigorates the senses with a blend of Siberian fir needle oil and myrrh.
What We Don't Love
This isn’t a huge turn-off, but it turns the bath water bright green, which could be unsettling for some.
As this blue-green orb twirls through the water, it froths and dissolves, transforming our bathtubs into a dreamy Claude Monet painting with its kaleidoscopes of colors. Simultaneously, the bath bomb releases a delightful fragrance, and a variety of essential oils to alleviate stress and tension in the body. One standout ingredient is Siberian fir needle oil: Aside from adding a fresh, earthy scent to the bath bomb, it’s also known for producing a cozy, warming effect on the skin that relaxes sore muscles and promotes blood flow. Myrrh gently cleanses skin with its strong astringent properties and adds a spicy zing to the bath bomb’s fragrance.
While the swirly, dream-like water effect is part of the product’s overall appeal, it’s worth noting that this particular bath bomb ultimately leaves the water bright green, which can understandably be off-putting for some.
Size: 7 oz. | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: Osmanthus absolute, Siberian fir needle oil, myrrh resinoid
Best Bath Salts: Bathing Culture Big Dipper Mineral Bath
What We Love
A mix of Epsom, west coast, Himalayan, and Dead Sea salts create a unique, mineral-rich soak that alleviates muscle and joint pain.
What We Don't Love
These bath salts smell a bit like a margarita.
Technically, you can bathe in any salts (including table salt) to alleviate physical ailments (like sore muscles) and detoxify the body. However, we recommend something a little bit more lavish, like the Bathing Culture Big Dipper Mineral Bath, to transform your bathroom into a mini oasis. While the colorful, rainbow painted jar initially drew us in, it's the way the combination of epsom, California pacific, Dead Sea, and pink Himalayan salts quickly ease muscle and joint tension that keeps us coming back. Along with the mineral-rich salts, this soak also contains a blend of green clay and jojoba oil to soften and smooth skin, so we feel silky and renewed from the moment we step out of the tub.
Though the official scent is redwood grove, it's very reminiscent of a spicy margarita. This will only be a deterrent if you’re not a fan of the drink — as the salts permeate the water, the fragrance turns more earthy and transports us to a place of zen.
Size: 8 oz. | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, California Pacific Sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, French green clay
Best CBD Bath Soak: HomeBody Full Spectrum of Possibilities CBD Bath Bomb Soak
What We Love
This soak isn’t just beautiful — it’s also full of anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing ingredients.
What We Don't Love
It can sometimes stain the bathtub.
On extra stressful days, soaking in the Homebody Full Spectrum of Possibilities CBD Bath Bomb Soak instantly melts all our troubles away. Dopamine levels start to rise before we even step foot in the tub: Sprinkling a quarter of this pearlescent powder in the water creates a prismatic effect that instantly lifts our mood — but the real magic happens when we submerge ourselves. A special combination of chamomile, vitamin C, shea butter, and magnesium aid in reducing stress, softening skin, and alleviating discomfort, but the real kicker is 300 milligrams of CBD that enhances those benefits while also calming our mind and soothing our senses.
We recommend using this soak at night to experience the most restful sleep. But you’ll want to quickly scrub your bath before hopping into bed because this can sometimes stain the tub.
Size: 14 oz | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: CBD, chamomile, vitamin C, lemongrass, shea butter
Best Bar Soap: Palermo Body Lavender + Sage Soap
What We Love
Tiny lavender buds fleck this soap, so it gently exfoliates while also cleansing and replenishing skin.
What We Don't Love
If you have a coconut allergy you won’t be able to use this.
One use of the Lavender + Sage Soap from Palermo Body left us questioning why anyone would ever write off bar soap. We first noticed how the calming lavender and clary sage scent relaxed our body and mind as we lathered the soap across our bodies. Then, we felt the nourishing mix of coconut and olive oils, shea butter, and kaolin clay, melt into the skin, replenishing moisture levels while simultaneously cleansing away the day’s debris. The tiny lavender buds scattered throughout the soap aren’t just for looks — the flowers act as a delicate exfoliant, buffing away dead skin, and leaving skin smooth, soft, and rejuvenated.
Just keep in mind that if you’re allergic to coconut you should avoid this since it does contain coconut oil.
Size: 4 oz | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, white kaolin clay, lavender flowers, lavender oil
Best Milk Bath: milk + honey Milk Bath No. 5
What We Love
Soaking in this coconut milk-infused bath immersion makes skin feel soft, silky, and smooth.
What We Don't Love
For a fully aromatic experience, you’ll need to use about ¼ of the jar; otherwise, the scent is very faint.
According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michelle Henry, simple milk baths can also do wonders for skin (and senses) without the splashy effects. “Coconut milk-based bath soaks can help reduce skin dryness and are great for sensitive skin types,” she says. “Coconut acts as an occlusive, locking in moisture and avoiding unnecessary transdermal water loss.”
A quick dip in milk + honey’s Milk Bath No. 5 transformed our dry skin, making it silky, smooth and soft. A blend of nutrient-rich organic coconut milk, and vanilla and lemon peel oils soak into the skin and also invigorate the senses. These natural ingredients don’t just feel good, they also create a heavenly aroma (similar to a bright lemon custard) that calms our mind and helps us unwind. To really get the full aromatic experience, though, we use a generous amount of the immersion (about ¼ of the jar), otherwise the scent can be very faint.
Size: 5.2 oz | Scents: 1 | Key Ingredients: Organic dehydrated coconut milk, lemon peel oil, vanilla oil
Best Body Exfoliator: Foreo Luna4 Body Massaging Brush
What We Love
Along with gently exfoliating, this body massager clears pores of grime, sweat, and bacteria for an all-around deeper clean.
What We Don’t Love
We wish it was slightly larger to cover more surface area at once.
In the past, we’ve gotten squeaky clean with exfoliating tools like washcloths and loofahs, but since discovering that both can harbor bacteria, we’ve upgraded to the Foreo Luna 4 Body. This high-tech body massager and exfoliator consistently leaves our skin looking more radiant and feeling silky smooth.
A larger version of the original Foreo Luna facial cleansing brush, this body tool is crafted with hypoallergenic, bacteria-resistant nylon and silicone bristles. When powered up, it gently pulsates to loosen and remove grime, oil, and other impurities from deep within pores. In the process, it effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells without feeling abrasive or causing irritation. And, the vibrations subtly ease muscle tension and we enjoy seeing a more robust lather form as we work this across our body.
While compact (it fits perfectly in our palm), it’s still easy to maneuver around larger areas of the body, but we do wish it was a bit bigger to cover more surface area at once.
Size: 1.61 x 3.52 x 4.8 inches | Materials: Nylon and silicone
Best Candle: Glasshouse Fragrances Forever Florence Candle
See at Us.glasshousefragrances.com
What We Love
Each fragrance is inspired by an iconic city, transporting you to your happy place.
What We Don't Love
Soot starts to accumulate inside the jar when the candle is burned for an extended period.
Truthfully, no bath is complete without an ambiance-setting candle. And though some scents can create a zen-like atmosphere, few things compare to the smell of your happy place. Fortunately, Glasshouse Fragrances has made it easier than ever to bring the ambiance of your favorite location right to your bathroom. With a selection of scents inspired by over 20 iconic locations around the world, tangoing in Barcelona, frolicking through Sydney, or getting lost in Amalfi (among other things) is just a spark away.
The candles don’t just smell gorgeous — the simplistic glass vessel also adds a bit of elegance to our bathing ritual. That said, though we've been tempted to let it burn all day, we recommend extinguishing the flame after about three hours to avoid soot from gathering in the jar.
Size: 13.4 oz | Scents: 35 | Key Ingredients: Soy blend wax
Best Bath Board: Esker Bath Board
What We Love
This minimalistic board has a built-in mirror so you can easily apply a face mask while soaking.
What We Don't Love
It’s not adjustable — but it does fit most standard-sized tubs.
Designed to go over the tub, these handy boards keep important bath items that you don’t necessarily want getting wet at hands reach (think: Candles, face masks, a good book, and maybe a glass of wine). We adore the minimalistic design of this one from Esker. Made from sturdy pine wood and hemp rope, it looks beautiful and blends in with just about any bath decor. Plus, it also features a flip-up mirror (a detail not often seen on bath boards), that allows us to apply face masks and other skincare while we soak or use as a book stand.
The only thing that would make this board better is an adjustable width design, but even without this detail it still fits most standard tubs.
Size: 32 x 8 inches, accommodates most standard tubs | Materials: Pine wood and hemp rope
What to Keep in Mind
Fragrance: Frankly, all bath products are designed to be soothing, but some of the most popular fragrances include eucalyptus, lavender, and chamomile. For sleep specifically, look for lavender scented immersions, and on the other end of the spectrum, if you want a truly invigorating soak, opt for something citrusy or minty.
Intention: When your muscles and joints feel especially worn, opt for a product rich in epsom salts or magnesium to alleviate some of that soreness. Along with calming sore muscles, epsom salt can also reduce anxiety and quiet the mind due to its magnesium-rich makeup. On the other hand, if your skin needs a rejuvenating reset to restore softness, look for products with a mix of hydrating ingredients. Reinforce the hydration factor by incorporating a scrub to buff away dead skin and reveal a radiant complexion.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of taking a bath?
Many people talk about the well-being and joint-soothing benefits of soaking in a bath more than anything, but baths can also address certain skin strifes. “Baths help our skin rehydrate its natural barrier and replenish the lost moisture,” says Dr. Henry. “They can also soften the skin texture, plump up its appearance, and create an overall hydrated glow.”
Of course, the products you include in your soak can enhance the overall benefits, but the water temperature can also play a big role in your well-being, explains Dr. Leary. “A hot bath will allow your body temperature to heat up, which will help improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body,” he says. “While a cold bath decreases inflammation, especially deep in your core or joints, which may be harder to get to.”
What products should I use in the bath?
If you’re looking for muscle relief after a particularly intense training session, Miller and Dr. Leary agree that epsom salts or magnesium-based soaks will help remedy any tightness or soreness. “Epsom salts have high levels of magnesium that reduce pain and tightness in muscles and help reduce stress, detoxify, and reduce inflammation,” Miller explains. Beyond alleviating sore muscles, though, Dr. Henry adds that magnesium helps to hydrate and soothe skin as well.
Bath salts of any kind can also aid in reducing skin flare-ups such as eczema. “Salt is antimicrobial, which helps soothe skin conditions,” says Miller. For extra dry skin, Dr. Henry recommends looking for coconut-based bath products, because they can “reduce dryness and are great for sensitive skin types.”
What should my bath products smell like?
Certain fragrances can ease tension, relax your mind and body, energize your senses, or even lull you to sleep. “Aromatherapy is at the heart of a good bath ritual.” says Miller, who adds that “Lavender is well-known as being a relaxing scent, but so too are rose, bergamot, cedar, and vanilla.”
Dr. Henry explains that many scented bath products are also formulated with sensitive skin in mind. She says that soaks and salts made with soothing ingredients, like shea butter and coconut milk (both of which have a natural scent), are typically the best for those with sensitive skin. When in doubt, you can always light a candle instead, and stick with fragrance-free products.
If you do notice any irritation (including redness, bumps, or itchiness), Dr. Henry says you can quickly remedy the situation by draining the bath and taking a lukewarm shower to dilute the effects on your skin. If any issues persist, consult with your dermatologist.
Why Shop With Us
Mary Honkus is the former beauty commerce editor at InStyle with over five years of experience covering makeup, skincare, and hair care. As an avid bather, she set out on a mission to find the most calming, uplifting bath products to enhance everyone’s overall well-being. After taking over 25 baths and testing dozens of products, she was able to select the 14 best bath products for a fully rejuvenating soak. Along the way, she spoke with Pure Placid founder, Marcy Miller; Remedy Place founder, Dr. Jonathan Leary; and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry to learn more about the physical and holistic benefits of taking baths, and what types of products make for the most relaxing soak.
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