Honey Bath: How to Make a Soothing Soak at Home
A honey bath is an old beauty ritual linked in legend with Cleopatra, who was said to bathe in milk and honey. Today it is an easy way to turn an ordinary bath into something a little special. Honey dissolves in warm water and may leave skin feeling softer because it attracts moisture. This article explains how to make a honey bath, which add-ins work well, how to keep it from drying your skin, and who should be careful. For skin care in general, see honey for dry skin.
For general education only, not medical advice. Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Why people take a honey bath
Honey has been part of beauty rituals for thousands of years. Stories of milk and honey baths in ancient Egypt and Rome still inspire spa treatments today. The appeal is simple: honey smells pleasant, dissolves easily, and is known as a moisturizing ingredient.
A review titled Honey in dermatology and skin care describes honey's humectant and emollient roles in cosmetics, which is the main reason it is used in bath products.
How to make a honey bath
Measure a quarter to half a cup of honey. Stir it into a cup of hot water from the kettle until fully dissolved. Run a warm bath, pour in the honey mixture and swirl. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
After the bath, rinse briefly with clean water, pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer within a few minutes to lock in hydration.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup honey
- Dissolve in a cup of hot water first
- Warm, not hot, bath water
- Soak 15 to 20 minutes
- Moisturize right after
Honey bath variations
These add-ins are popular and generally gentle:
| Add-in | Amount | Why people use it |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk or milk powder | 1 to 2 cups liquid or 1/2 cup powder | Creamy feel, classic milk and honey |
| Colloidal oatmeal | 1 cup | Soothing for dry, itchy skin |
| Epsom salt | 1 to 2 cups | Relaxing soak |
| Baking soda | 1/4 cup | Some find it softening |
Honey bath with colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oats that disperse in water. It is a recognized skin protectant and is often recommended for dry, itchy skin. Combining it with honey makes a gentle, comforting bath, especially in winter.
Our article on honey and oats shares ways to enjoy the same pairing at breakfast.
Keep the water warm, not hot
Hot water strips natural oils from skin and can leave it drier. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends short baths or showers in warm water, and moisturizing within minutes afterward.
If your skin is red after bathing, the water is probably too hot.
Safety tips
Honey can make the tub slippery. Step in and out carefully, and rinse the tub well afterward. A non-slip mat helps.
Do not add honey to baths with jets or spa systems, since sugars can build up in pipes. Avoid essential oils if you have sensitive skin, as they can irritate.
Honey bath for children
Babies under 12 months should not have honey baths, because they often put their hands in their mouths and must not swallow honey. For older children, a small amount of honey in the bath is generally fine, but plain warm water and gentle cleansers are usually all they need.
Who should be careful
People with pollen or bee product allergies should patch test honey before a bath. People with open wounds, active eczema flares or infections should check with a doctor first. Our article on honey allergy explains the signs of a reaction.
Making it a ritual
A honey bath is as much about relaxing as about skin. Dim the lights, play calm music, and follow with a cup of chamomile tea with honey. A regular calm routine before bed can help you wind down.
How often to take a honey bath
Once a week is a good rhythm. Frequent long baths, even with honey, can dry skin. Keep daily showers short and lukewarm, and save the honey bath for a weekly treat.
The takeaway on a honey bath
A honey bath is an easy, inexpensive way to pamper your skin. Keep the water warm, use enough honey to make the water feel silky, and moisturize afterward for the best result.
Cleopatra and the history of milk and honey baths
Stories of Cleopatra bathing in donkey milk and honey have been retold for centuries, though historians are unsure how much is legend. What is clear is that honey was prized as a beauty ingredient in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, appearing in recipes for ointments and face treatments.
Today's soak is a simpler, kitchen-friendly version of that tradition. You do not need donkey milk to enjoy it; a splash of whole milk or a spoon of powdered milk works well.
Cleaning up afterward
After a soak, drain the tub and rinse it with hot water to remove any sticky film. A quick wipe with a cloth and mild cleaner prevents residue from attracting dirt. If you used oatmeal, a mesh bag or old stocking tied around the oats makes cleanup much easier.
A jar for the bath shelf
Al Safa honey is raw food honey, never heated above hive temperature and strained only of wax. Pure honey with nothing added is ideal for a homemade honey bath.
Find a jar in our shop.
Sources
Outside health sources we used for this article. They open in a new tab.
- Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013) · PubMed
- Dermatologists' tips to relieve dry skin · American Academy of Dermatology
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit (infants and toddlers) · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently asked questions
- How much honey do I put in a bath?
- About a quarter to half a cup, dissolved in hot water first.
- Is a honey bath good for skin?
- Honey is a humectant and may leave skin feeling softer, especially if you moisturize afterward.
- Can I add milk to a honey bath?
- Yes. Milk and honey baths are a classic combination.
- Does a honey bath leave you sticky?
- Not if the honey is well diluted. Rinse briefly after if you like.
- Can kids have a honey bath?
- Older children can, but never babies under 12 months.
- Can I use honey in a jetted tub?
- It is best avoided, since sugars can build up in jets and pipes.
- How often should I take a honey bath?
- About once a week.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor about any health concern. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.