Bath oil is a body care product which is designed to be added to a bathtub. It is readily available in body care and bath stores, and you can also formulate your own relatively easily for a specific blend of oils or scents. Using bath oil regularly will help to soften and nourish the skin, eliminating dry and rough patches, because the warm water of the bath opens up your pores to help you absorb the oil. Follow a bath with a toner or cold water rinse and then moisturize thoroughly to keep your skin healthy.

The base of a bath oil can be made from coconut, olive, sesame, nut, jojoba, or vitamin E oil. The cost of the bath oil will vary depending on the base; vitamin E based oils, for example, tend to be quite expensive. Nut oils such as sweet almond are very common, so if you have nut allergies, read bath oil ingredients carefully. A plain, unscented bath oil will often contain a blend of oils formulated to improve the condition of your skin.

Most bath oils are scented with the addition of essential oils. In addition to smelling good, a scented bath oil can also be used for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy bath oils can be used to relax after a long day, energize for a night out, or support immune system health. Common aromatherapy ingredients include lavender, ylang ylang, rose, citrus, lemon verbena, bergamot, and yarrow. Most aromatherapy oils do not use potentially irritating essential oils like clove and black pepper, although these ingredients are safe to use in small, measured amounts.

In some cases, a bath oil will also contain dried botanical elements like rose petals and lavender. These additions add to the bath experience, but they can be difficult to clean out of a bathtub, as they tend to cling to the sides. If you do use a bath oil with dried flowers, make sure to use a hair trap when it drains so that the bath does not become clogged with petals, and try rinsing down the sides of the tub with a detachable shower head to remove the stubborn flowers.

Making your own bath oil is also very easy. Base oils are available from bath supplies and in some department stores; make sure to store the oil in a cool, dry, dark place when it is not in use to prevent it from going rancid. In a clean container, mix the carrier oil, or several carrier oils, and then add several drops of the essential oil or oils of your choice. Use approximately one fluid ounce (30 milliliters) in each bath.