I'm going to let you in on a secret: homemade beauty gifts are beyond easy. Take this rose milk bath, for example.
I feel guilty (well, almost) calling it "homemade" when all it requires is putting a few ingredients together in a bowl. Finding a cute bottle for packaging is the hardest part! It's perfect stored in a single-serving glass vial or in bulk in a large, airtight container like a cute mason jar.
But that's why beauty gifts are my absolute fave. Totally easy and always appreciated = gift-giving home run. Not only is this gift super easy, but it's also amazing for skin. And in case you didn't know, the combination of milk and rose is incredibly nourishing and therapeutic.
What Does Milk Do For Skin?
We all know that milk does a body good—from the inside. But it’s just as amazing for the outside of our bodies, aka our skin and hair. Milk nurtures skin because it’s an incredibly unique combination of water-based hydration, natural lipids, proteins, and gently exfoliating acids. Queen Cleopatra famously bathed in milk as part of her beauty routine for radiant, glowing skin.
But why is milk such an incredible nurturing ingredient for the skin?
Rich in skin-nourishing lipids
Lipids are the naturally occurring fats found in milk. They're useful for replenishing any lost moisture back to the skin, keeping it hydrated, healthy, and glowing.
These lipids also help to soothe irritated skin. Thanks to its high lipid content, whole milk is also rich in fat-soluble vitamins (specifically A, D, E, and K) and essential fatty acids that help to nourish and heal the skin.
Gently exfoliates with lactic acid
Milk is a natural source of lactic acid (the word ‘lactic’ actually derives from ‘lactose’), and the levels found in milk provide a perfect source of gentle yet effective exfoliation [source]. Exfoliation is key for healthy skin—gently removing dead skin cells to reveal glowing new skin underneath! It promises baby-smooth skin and unplugs blocked pores totally naturally.
High levels of proteins and amino acids
Alongside the many amino acids, enzymes, and proteins in milk, the main protein found in it is called casein. Casein is another wonder-ingredient of milk, thanks to its ability to provide a complete source of amino acids to the skin.
Milk proteins are effective at repairing, restructuring, and healing the skin by providing moisture and protecting skin from dryness. Perfect for soothing skin if you have a sunburn.
The Skincare Benefits of Rose Petals + Rose Essential Oil
Adding rose petals to your bath creates a relaxing, soothing environment—but roses do more than just smell beautiful! The petals themselves are rich in antioxidants, and the concentrated essential oil nurtures and soothes skin. Almost all parts of the rose bloom—petals, bud, and oils—are rich in skincare benefits, some of which are:
Soothes irritated, red skin
Rose petals and rose essential oil are skin calming and contain hero skincare ingredients that nurture overworked and irritated skin. This is what makes rosewater such a soothing toner. And these same comforting abilities can be harnessed when you add dried rose petals to a hot, steaming bath.
Hydrates and refreshes dry skin
Along with milk, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt also used rose petals in her bath and in her beauty rituals for glowing, moisturized skin. Moisturized skin is healthy skin—totally revitalized and ready for the day. Rose petals leave your skin super soft to the touch.
High levels of antioxidants
Rose petals are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C that protect and nourish the skin [source]. Vitamin C helps to kick-start collagen production for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Antioxidants also help to brighten skin and fade any uneven skin tone, whether that's a farmer's tan or marks left behind by acne and irritation.
Purifies and tones the skin
Rose petals and rosewater have mildly astringent properties—meaning, rose petals help to cleanse the skin and remove any lingering impurities. They help to ensure that pores are free of any skin-clogging sebum for clear, blemish-free skin.
Rose petals have been shown to have antimicrobial effects [source], protecting your skin from harmful bacteria.
While this isn’t strictly skin care, we can’t overlook just how good roses smell! They provide an amazing aromatherapeutic benefit—rose scent, especially from the essential oil, helps to relieve anxiety and relax the mind [source] and helps alleviate stress, tension, and even pain [source] in the body.
It’s perfect for complete relaxation and creating a moment to unwind completely—which is why I think it’s the perfect gift for our favorite teachers! Anything that helps them to relax and take a moment for themselves is good in my book as a gift.
I hope you’ll enjoy making this homemade Rose Milk Bath for your friends and family, and perhaps even keep a little for yourself! *wink wink*
If you’re making this for yourself (or are willing to add extra instructions to your gifted vials), it’s also a fantastic and super gentle body exfoliator. Use a handful at a time and rub anywhere that it’s needed, using gentle circular motions to increase blood flow.
It’s perfect for dealing with ashy elbows, dry heels, or even as a hand scrub. And it’s gentle enough to be used anywhere, just scrub gently and rinse thoroughly afterward for smooth, soft skin.
What else should you add to your bath?
How about a chocolate milk bath? Or try Epsom salt, baking soda or apple cider vinegar!
References:
Smith WP. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. J Am Acad. Dermatol. 1996.
Mahboubi M. Rosa damascena as holy ancient herb with novel applications. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016.
Nowak R, et al. Cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties and chemical composition of rose petals. J Sci Food Agric. 2014.
Mohebitabar S, et al. Therapeutic efficacy of rose oil: a comprehensive review of clinical evidence. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2017.
Marofi M, et al. Evaluation of the effect of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena Mill. on postoperative pain intensity in hospitalized children in selected hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2013: a randomized clinical trial. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2015.
Homemade Milk Bath with Roses
Equipment
- Medium-sized bowl
Materials
- 1-½ cups powdered milk —full-fat if you can find it (nonfat lacks the lipid benefits)
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup dried rose petals (more if needed)
- 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 5–7 drops rose essential oil
Instructions
- Mix the powdered milk and Epsom salts together, and add 2–3 drops of red food coloring. Mix until you have a uniform pink color. If you don't care if it's pink or just don't want to use food coloring, it's totally fine to skip this.
- Then add the rose petals and 5–7 drops of essential oil. If you don’t have rose essential oil, you can skip it or use any other soothing essential oil you might have, like lavender or chamomile.
- Then pour the milk bath into a bottle or sachet, and make a pretty gift tag for the lucky recipient.
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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Julie C says
How much of the milk bath do you suggest using? Not sure how big the bottle is, so not sure if it's the whole bottle or what. Thanks!
Pamela says
We had a weird spate of freezing weather here on the Gulf Coast last week and this recipe kept all of our skin hydrated and smelling so good, okay the guys weren't impressed so I had to make theirs with no scent, but us girls loved it. Thank you for the great recipe.
Nadia Miah says
Can we add rose water instead of oil?
Aastha Desai says
How long does this last?
Martha says
Where did you find the pretty rose petals
Tomoko Yoshida says
I LOVE this recipe! I've made it many times, given it as gifts, and it is wonderful! It smells nice and it really makes me sweat! I add citric acid to make it fizz and use rose geranium oil because it is cheaper. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe with us!
Candy girl 13 says
'Lisa Johnson' this is incredibly rude! i tried it myself and this did not happen. I wish you where a kinder human being. Not the whole world revolves around you and you are not always right. I hate you a bit even though i have never met you. You are obviously the problem, as it has never happened to anybody else. Try thinking of other people before you speak
Candy girl 13 says
I just love this milk bath recipe. Fantastic idea. I would only suggest including how much it makes, how much for each bath etc etc.
Lisa Johnson says
OMG THIS IS TERRIBLE THE MILKD CURDLES IN THE BATH DISGUSTING NOBODY MAKE THIS ITS A WASTE OF TIME AND MATERIALS
Lisa Johnson says
Hi i was wondering how much this would make? for example would this be enough for two or three people? or only one?
Healthy Human says
Hi, I was wondering where you got the beautiful bottles?
marni says
Hi, Im wondering if anyone has used this recipe in their own bath and how it worked out with the pieces of rose and the food coloring once you've drained the tub... is it a terrible mess? also, could you follow the same basic recipe and just use full fat coconut milk in place of the powdered milk (obviously it will be packaged differently...) would there be any cosmetic benefit to doing it that way in your opinion/? thank you!
gerbermom says
Hi Marni! you can definitely use coconut milk - that would definitely add moisturizing power. I didn't have any issues with the food coloring - the salt dissolved in the water and there wasn't enough color really to leave a stain. Most of the rose pieces will easily go down the drain unless you're using big pieces.
yvonne says
I know this is an older post however just to reply to anyone wondering if rose petals make a mess or clog drains: consider pouring any bath/shower product using petals into a muslin bag. Drain tub after your bath simply empty contents of bag into
garbage --rinse bag--let dry and you can reuse the bag!!!
Aimee / Wallflower Girl says
Rose is my favourite scent - I have to try this! I feel relaxed already...
ingredients says
To be successful, one would most likely have to combine the medicine with a v3 diet program and lots of exercise. The fine print says that results are not typical and that these results were achieved by strict v3 diet and exercise routines.
Sara says
This looks love and super easy to do! How long would you say it's good for?
Julia tremblay says
Can i use eucalyptus oil ?
Ashley says
Would sea salt work in place of Epsom salt? Or would it possibly be too abrasive?
gerbermom says
I don't think the sea salt would have quite the same soothing effect in the water - it wouldn't dissolve the same way. But Epsom salts are super cheap to buy at the drugstore!
Stacia says
This would make such a lovely gifts. The bottle you found is beautiful. I think I'm going to have to start keeping an eye out for containers so I can make some once I have enough bottles.
Susanna says
So pretty, good suggestion for teacher gift!
Heather says
This looks great! I have a friend whose birthday is very soon and think she would love this. Where can you recommend I get the best rose petals and essential oil?
Jessica (Coco/Mingo) says
Oh, this looks good enough to eat! I can just imagine how amazing this is in a bath...and it makes the most beautiful gift too (even better that it's handmade!) I'll have to give this a try this holiday season, thank you for the recipe!