The Natural Beauty Workshop

Reader Question - Packaging Essential Oil Bath Salts

I wanted to know what is the best container to keep bath salts that have essential oils added to them?  I have heard that plastic and paper are no good because the oils will wick out/ escape from the salt.  What is good to package bath salts with oils, besides glass jars?  ~Jill

Hi Jill,

Glass is definitely the best material to package products that contain Essential Oils.  Since glass is not porous, it keeps the Essential Oils from wicking out or eating away at the packaging.  Unfortunately, packaging products in glass can be expensive and sometimes dangerous.  For example, packaging a salt scrub in a glass jar can be dangerous if it is dropped in the shower or tub.

I've found the next best alternative to glass packaging is high density PET plastic.  PET Plastic Jars and bottles can effectively contain products containing Essential Oils for some time before they begin to break down. (If they ever break down) These crystal clear jars and bottles also showcase colored salts and other products quite well.  These are a great solution for bath salts, scrubs, and other products that contain Essential Oil.

PET cannot, however, serve as long term storage for pure Essential Oils.  PET can be used to temporarily store Essential Oils, but even high density plastic will eventually be corroded by Essential Oil, especially Citrus or Spice Oils.

Do you have another packaging option that Jill could use for her Bath Salts?  If so, please tell us about it in the comments below.

Burdock Extract

Burdock, a plant from the Thistle family, is native to the eastern hemisphere, but was later introduced worldwide.  This prickly plant is usually recognized by its lovely purple flowers, and its broad, round leaves.  The root of the Burdock plant has been used in traditional folk medicines, and has been found to be quite useful in natural skin and hair care.  Burdock Root has astringent and antibacterial properties, but is mostly used for its skin soothing benfits.  Burdock Root can help to alleviate skin irritation and itchiness when added to skin care formulas.  In hair care, Burdock Root can help to soothe itchy scalp, control dandruff, and regulate sebum production, resulting in a healthier looking hair and scalp.  Burdock Root can be infused into oil or water using heat, but the process can be time consuming and messy.  Many formulators prefer to work with the Powdered Extract.  Burdock Root Extract is water soluble, and is easily incorporated into formulas such as lotions, hair conditioners, toners, rinses, and soaps.  It is concentrated at a rate of 4:1, meaning it is four times stronger than pure Burdock Root Extract.  It is also shelf stable, and can be stored for long periods in its dry form, provided that it remains cool and dry.

Melon Cooler Salt Scrub

This deliciously scented Salt Scrub is made with cooling Menthol Crystals and Aloe Vera Oil, the perfect combination for taking the edge off during the dog days of Summer.  Moisturizing Watermelon Seed Oil completes this unique recipe, adding its conditioning properties as a benefit to your skin. 

Melon Cooler Salt Scrub
Makes about 4 ounces of scrub

Ingredients
1/2 cup Fine Sea Salt
1 ounce Aloe Vera Oil
1/2 ounce Watermelon Seed Oil
1 tablespoon Carrot Root Powder
1 teaspoon Menthol Crystals (crushed)
1/2 teaspoon Cantaloupe Fragrance Oil

Directions
Start by crushing 1 teaspoon of Menthol Crystals with a mortar and pestle.  Be sure to crush them into a fine powder, no smaller than the grains of the Sea Salt.  Next, combine the Menthol Crystals, Sea Salt, and Carrot Root Powder in a mixing bowl.  Add the Aloe Vera Oil, followed by the Watermelon Seed Oil and mix well.  Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of Cantaloupe Fragrance Oil.  If you prefer an all natural scrub, try adding a sweet scented Essential Oil instead.  Bergamot, Yuzu, or Orange would do nicely.

The Melon Cooler Salt Scrub is great for all over body scrubbing, but should not be used on the face or other very delicate areas.  Like most handmade skin care products, this Scrub should be used up quickly, as it has not been formulated for long term storage.  This scrub looks great in 2 oz. Flat PET Jars.

Reader Question - Separating Scrubs

I have a hard time keeping my salt and sugar scrubs from separating.  Do you have any advice on this? ~Tracey

Hi Tracey,

When you say that your scrubs are separating, do you mean that the salt is separating from the oil?  If so, that is totally normal for a scrub that doesn't contain an emulsifier.  If you are looking for a scrub that will keep a uniformed texture longer, try adding a Castile Soap or a Shower Gel Base to your scrub, along with the Oil.  I have found that this creates a fluffier, more evenly textured scrub.

Do you have any tips for Tracey on how to keep her scrubs from separating?  If so, please share them with us in the comments below.

Lynne posted the following tip on our Facebook Fan Page:

I add heavier fats - like raw shea butter and coconut so that they create body in the oils. Just add a lipid that wants to be hard at room temperature and you will one that is easier to ship also.

Thanks for all of the great tips, everyone!

Rice Bran Oil

Light, non-greasy Rice Bran Oil has a gorgeous, clear appearance, and a mild, if not non-existant aroma.  It is moisturizing, emollient, and has a moderate shelf life of around one year.  Rice Bran Oil is rich in fatty acids, and is a natural antioxidant.  It makes an excellent addition to sensitive skin formulas, and may even provide a small amount of sun protection.  Rice Bran Oil is a good choice for a wide range of products, including hair care and baby care formulas.  It also makes a great base ingredient for more standard recipes such as balms, scrubs, and lotions.