Homemade Milk Bath Recipe
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Making a Milk Bath is an easy way to soften and moisturize dry skin. With just a few ingredients, you can make your own soothing milk bath at home in just minutes!
I don’t know about you but I am a huge fan of a nice hot bath. Maybe it’s my three boys running around crazy all the time but taking twenty minutes of relaxation is HUGE for me!
I also like to experiment with adding various concoctions to the bath and coming up with DIY pampering goodies (like my DIY citrus scrub.) Today I am sharing a super pampering milk bath recipe!!
What is the history of a Milk Bath?
People have been adding milk to their bathwater for hundreds of years. In fact, Cleopatra and Poppaea, the wife of Emperor Nero were known for bathing in donkey milk and Queen Elizabeth the 1st of England was also known for taking milk baths.
Ingredients
This is one of the easiest little things to put together-three ingredients only: powdered milk, baking soda, and cornstarch.
- Baking Soda softens your skin
- Corn Starch soothes irritation
- Milk Powder moisturizes the skin and the natural lactic acid found in the milk exfoliates
Generally speaking the higher fat the powdered milk the better, my grocery store only had goat milk in Vitamin D so that’s what I used but you could also use powdered coconut milk (smells amazing!!!)
Step by step
To make your milk bath combine the milk, baking soda, and cornstarch in a 2:1:1 ratio. So if you used 1 cup of powdered milk you’d use 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
I make mine in mason jars so I eyeball it in the jar then close the jar and shake it to mix it up!
How to add scent
If you’d like to add a scent add 5-10 drops of the essential oil of your choice (I use only Young Living Essential Oils) after mixing the powders and shake again. Lavender, Peppermint, or Citrus would be great options.
If adding essential oils, allow the milk bath to sit 24 hours before using to let the scent blend into the mixture.
Instructions for use
To use simply pour a cup into the bath, I usually pour half of a small pint mason jar in so I get two baths from a jar. When not in use, store the milk bath in a dark, cool place in a sealed container.
Wouldn’t this make a great gift too?? Just make your own gift bag from wrapping paper, package it up and you have a thoughtful and inexpensive gift!
For more DIY beauty products, try my Brown Sugar Lip Scrub, Coffee Sugar Scrub, or DIY Hair Mask!
I made this and let me tell you it was amazing! I tried it before and made some up for family n friends for Christmas. Thank you so much.
You’re very welcome Terri! I love this to give as a gift-easy to make and so pretty to gift! Thanks so much for stopping by to let me know how it turned out!
I needed to thank you for this excellent read!!
I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you saved as a
favorite to look at new stuff you post…
This sounds so luxurious I cannot wait to try it!
This looks and sounds amazing, Melissa ~ a good hot bath would be nice right about now!
I look forward to trying this one to not only moisturize but to also relax. And I love the photography.
Thanks so much Denise!
Ooh, I love a good bath. Will have to try this. Thanks!
Thanks so much for stopping by Stephanie!
Omigoodness this brings back memories! I used to love milk baths but haven’t taken one in a really long time. Definitely making this to enjoy during the winter months!
Thanks so much for stopping by Jennifer! I hope you’re having a great weekend!
I am a great fan of a wonderful bath and this milk bath recipe sounds perfect! My daughters would love it too! Thanks for sharing,
Kathy
You’re very welcome Kathy! Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Melissa, I think a lovely relaxing soak in the bath is a luxury every mummy should shout herself weekly. I’m looking forward to trying your homemade recipe.
Thanks Kerryanne, I appreciate you stopping by!
This sounds wonderfully decadent! Please feel free to swing by and link up on my Tuesday Greens linky where we share DIY and homemade home products weekly. Thanks for sharing this milk bath recipe and have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks so much Becky!
After a long day at work, a soak in the tub with milk bath added to the water sounds heavenly!
I’m in need of one now Paula-would be a great way to end a busy week! I hope you have a great weekend, thanks for stopping by!
I hear you! Nothing like 20 minutes soaking in the tub! This recipe sounds amazing!
Thanks so much Maryann, I hope you like it if you try it!
Looks awesome, Melissa! Looking forward to trying this!
xoxo
Thanks Becca! I hope you have a great weekend!
This sounds heavenly, Melissa… can’t wait to try it! I’m visiting from the showcase, and having so much fun!! Have a wonderful day! Sondra
Thanks so much for stopping by Sondra!! I hope you have a great weekend!
Very cool. Thanks for sharing this. Linda at Crafts a la Mode
Thanks for stopping by Linda!
This sounds wonderful! I take showers most of the time, but sometimes I do like to soak in a hot tub every once in awhile. Will have to try this.
I didn’t know goats milk came in a powder form. I read a while back that washing your face in milk and even letting the milk sit on your face for 10-15 minutes was good to moisturize and give your skin an even tone. I wonder if powdered goats milk would be good for that too.
Thanks for sharing your recipe! Pinned!
That’s a good question Linda! I remember reading that Cleopatra bathed in milk…maybe I should research a milk face scrub next?
Love this idea…so luxurious…and I can’t wait to try it! I am loving seeing all of the wonderful homemade products! Hugs…Debbie
Thanks so much for stopping by Debbie, I’m so excited to be part of the tour-I’m loving everyone’s awesome DIYs!
I love this Melissa!
Thanks so much Angie!
I will have to try this … it sounds very relaxing! (But I will have to wait until I get my arm cast off!)
🙁 I’m so sorry that you got hurt Lauren…but I’m glad you were able to make the tour today and I hope you’re on the mend quickly!!
This sounds so relaxing! Great for gifts – agreed! Pinned!
Thanks Keri!! Have a great weekend!
how long is shelf life on these milk bath soaks?