Description
Scientifically reviewed and endorsed by: Jacinta Meyers, Principal Scientist, The F.A.C.T.S. Group Pty Ltd T/A Formulation Advisory Cosmetic Testing Service
Written by: Kacie La, Founder, N-essentials
7 October 2026 | 6-minute read
7 October 2026 | 6-minute read
Find out how to make your own DIY lavender shower steamers for a fragrant evening shower. As the warm water hits the steamer, it slowly releases the gentle floral scent of Lavender Essential Oil into the shower. The easy beginner recipe includes weight measurements of the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting advice, safe use guidance and a morning variation using Sweet Orange Essential Oil.
These steamers should only be used in a shower; they are not bath bombs and must not be applied directly to the skin.
These steamers should only be used in a shower; they are not bath bombs and must not be applied directly to the skin.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DIY Lavender Shower Steamers Recipe
Prep & Details
DIFFICULTY
Beginner
PREP TIME
Approx. 20 mins (24-48h dry)
YIELD
Approx. 5 medium steamers
INGREDIENTS
Total before adding witch hazel: 165 g
It is necessary to weigh all ingredients, particularly the essential oils, since the number of drops differs from bottle to bottle and therefore drop size is not an accurate measure for the formulation.
Why Lavender Essential Oil?
The essential oil of lavender has a delicate and familiar floral-herbal scent which is appropriate for a quiet evening shower. This recipe does not make any claims regarding the ability of lavender to treat insomnia, anxiety or any other health condition. Different people react in different ways to aromas.
Equipment Needed
• Digital scales
• Two bowls
• Spoon or spatula
• Fine-mist spray bottle
• Silicone mould
• Disposable gloves
• Safety glasses
Method
1
Prepare your workspace: Carry out the work in a dry and well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and safety glasses. Ensure that children and pets are kept away from the ingredients and finished steamers.
2
Weigh the powders: Weigh out the sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and arrowroot powder.
3
Combine the powders: Put the sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and arrowroot powder into a large bowl. Stir them slowly so that the powders are evenly mixed. If there are too many lumps use your fingers (with gloves on) to break them up and ensure an even blend. Take care to avoid creating and inhaling any airborne dust whilst mixing.
4
Prepare the essential oil mixture: Take the Polysorbate 80 and Lavender Essential Oil and weigh them in a separate small bowl. Mix them well.
5
Add the liquids to the powders: While stirring all the time, gradually pour the essential-oil mixture over the dry ingredients and keep mixing until there are no oily spots or lumps left.
6
Carefully add the witch hazel: Apply the witch hazel to the mixture in one or two sprays at a time and thoroughly mix it after each application. Stop adding when a small handful of the mixture will hold its shape. You should not pour in the witch hazel. Pouring in too much or adding it too quickly may cause the fizzing reaction to start before the steamers are ready to be used.
7
Fill the mould: Press the mixture firmly into a clean and dry silicone mould and compress each steamer well so that it stays together after drying.
8
Allow to dry: Leave the steamers in their mould for 24 hours in a cool and dry place. When ready carefully remove them, giving them another 24 hours to air-dry if they still feel soft or look like they need more drying time.
9
Package promptly: When they are fully dry, place the steamers into an airtight container or individual moisture-resistant wrappers.
HOW TO USE
Put a shower steamer on the floor in the shower, or on a soap dish or other shallow container so that it will be splashed from time to time as you shower.
If you want a milder scent, put it further away from the water; if you want a stronger scent, move it a little closer—but don't place it directly under the shower water stream since it might dissolve too quickly.
It is ok if the dissolved steamer comes near your feet whilst you are showering. The ingredients have been independently assessed to be within safe limits when used as directed for this application.
When using the steamer with a container take care not to step on the container whilst showering. Do not grasp the steamer, rub it onto the body, or use it as a bath bomb.
MORNING SHOWER VARIATION
For a brighter morning aroma, replace the 2 g of Lavender Essential Oil with Sweet Orange Essential Oil.
Take 2 g of cold-pressed Sweet Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis) and use the same method. Sweet orange has a fresh, sweet citrus scent which is frequently described as cheerful or uplifting. The term 'uplifting' refers to the nature of its aroma and does not imply that it will affect one's mood or be used to treat fatigue, depression or any other health condition.
In each batch use only one essential oil and do not combine the amounts of lavender and sweet orange.
FORMULATION NOTES
• The ratio of sodium bicarbonate to citric acid, which is about 2:1, causes the fizzing reaction when the steamer gets wet.
• The arrowroot powder helps the mixture to bind and has the effect of slowing down the reaction a little.
• Polysorbate 80 aids in dispersing the essential oil in the mixture and helps to solubilise the oil when it mixes with the water. The essential oil makes up about 1.2% of the mixture prior to the addition of witch hazel.
• The quantity of witch hazel needed will depend on the humidity at the time of mixing, the texture of the powder, and the method of spraying.
• Since this is an aromatic product which can be rinsed away, the strength of the scent you perceive will depend on the size of the shower, the ventilation, the temperature of the water, and the position of the steamer.
TROUBLESHOOTING
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mixture starts fizzing in the bowl | Witch hazel was added too quickly or too much was applied. | Stop spraying and mix immediately. Use less liquid in the next batch. |
| Steamers crumble after drying | Mixture was too dry or not compressed firmly. | Add more witch hazel and pack the mould more firmly. |
| Steamers expand or develop bumps | Too much moisture activated the mixture. | Reduce the witch hazel and dry the next batch. Ensure the drying area is low humidity and the mould is dry before filling. |
| Aroma seems too weak before use | Essential oil may have evaporated during steamer storage. | Limit air contact whilst stored. Store in a cooler environment or a smaller airtight container. |
| Aroma seems too weak during use | Steamer is too far from splashing water, or the shower is highly ventilated. | Move it slightly closer to the water without placing it directly under the stream. |
| Steamer disappears too quickly | It is receiving too much water. | Move it farther from the shower stream or place it in a shallow dish to limit water contact. |
| Steamers soften in storage | Moisture entered the packaging. | Use airtight, moisture-resistant packaging and store in a dry location. |
PRESERVATIVE EXPLANATION
The formulation in question is anhydrous, meaning that water is not intentionally kept in the final product, and as a result a conventional broad-spectrum preservative has not been added.
Yet the fact that something is anhydrous does not mean that contamination can't occur. Make sure to use clean and dry equipment, avoid handling the finished steamers with wet hands, and throw away any steamer that becomes damp while in storage or which shows an odd appearance or smell.
This formulation has not been subject to professional testing for microorganisms, stability, or compatibility with the packaging and should not be put out for commercial sale without an appropriate safety and compliance assessment.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
In a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity, each fully dry steamer should be stored in an airtight, moisture-resistant package.
When using it at home, it's best to prepare small batches and to use them within about three months to get the best aroma and fizz. This is a reasonable estimate for home use, not a commercially verified shelf life claim.
Get rid of the steamer if it turns damp, swells, turns a different colour, becomes abnormally soft or gives off an odd smell.
SAFE USE AND WARNINGS
• This is to be used only in the shower.
• It should not be used as a bath bomb.
• It should not be applied directly to the face, body, or to any damaged skin.
• Do not ingest.
• Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
• Avoid inhaling the powders intentionally and do not position your face directly above the steamer when it is reacting.
• If the smell causes you to cough, wheeze, develop a headache, feel nauseous or dizzy or experience irritation, then stop using the steamer and go outside into fresh air.
• Do not use it in a tiny, poorly ventilated shower room.
• Rinse the shower floor after using a steamer to ensure no residue remains.
• Keep the ingredients and the completed steamers out of the reach of children and pets.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma, are sensitive to fragrances, are allergic to anything or have any other condition which could be affected by strong aromas, you should seek professional advice before using shower steamers.
• If poisoning occurs or if you think that someone has ingested it, get in touch with the Australian Poisons Information Centre by phoning 13 11 26 (Call 000 if in severe emergency or experiencing breathing difficulty).
EVIDENCE AND REVIEW BASIS
The recipe features transparent percentages, botanical nomenclature, details the functions of each ingredient, states the essential-oil concentration used and directs readers to current supplier and fragrance-safety documentation, and clearly separates sensory descriptions from health claims.
Safety information for this formulation according to the intended use, and the ingredients specified have been checked against:
• the current Safety Data Sheet and specification for every ingredient;
• the essential-oil supplier’s current directions and documentation;
• the current International Fragrance Association Standards Library; and
• Australian Poisons Information Centre advice and SUSMP, the Australian Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons.
The information concerning IFRA conformity does support the fragrance safety assessment but does not serve to replace a full safety assessment of the final formulation. Essential oil constituents are subject to change due to normal batch to batch variation, and regulatory requirements are always being updated. For these reasons it is essential to always perform additional checks to ensure safety and regulatory compliance is maintained.
DISCLAIMERS
This recipe is for general educational and personal do-it-yourself use only and does not constitute medical advice; it is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, curing or prevention of any disease or health condition.
Since different people have different sensitivities and the ingredients and the conditions under which the products are made may vary, N-essentials cannot guarantee the performance, stability, safety or the shelf life of the products manufactured by individual users. You must check the ingredient documentation, use suitable protective equipment and decide for yourself whether the final product is appropriate for your situation.
Anyone manufacturing this product for sale is responsible for obtaining appropriate professional safety, stability, regulatory, labelling and insurance advice.
Published: 8 October 2026 | Last Updated: 12 October 2026
Additional Details
FAQ's
What is a shower steamer?
What is a shower steamer?
A shower steamer is a scented tablet which fizzes when it is put in water and as it dissolves it gives off the aroma of its essential oils into the hot, steaming air of the shower. It is meant to be placed on the floor of the shower or in a shallow dish, not on the skin.
Is a shower steamer identical to a bath bomb?
Is a shower steamer identical to a bath bomb?
Bath bombs are intended to be used in bathwater and include ingredients that have been selected for direct contact with the skin; this shower steamer, however, has been made specifically for use in the shower to provide a fragrant aroma. You should not use it as a bath bomb, nor place it against your body or rub it onto the skin.
What can I do to make the aroma stronger or more delicate?
What can I do to make the aroma stronger or more delicate?
To release the aroma more quickly, move the steamer a little nearer to the water; if you would prefer a more gentle aroma or a slower release, then place it farther away. You should not raise the quantity of essential oil unless the modified formulation has been properly evaluated. Increasing the amount of essential oil does not mean that you will get a better or safer outcome.
How long will a shower steamer last for?
How long will a shower steamer last for?
One steamer is meant for one shower only, and the length of time it fizzes will vary according to its size, the degree to which it was compressed and the amount of water that gets to it. A steamer positioned directly under the shower stream could disappear within a minute, whereas occasional splashes generally cause a more gradual release.
What is causing my mixture to stick to the mould?
What is causing my mixture to stick to the mould?
The mix could be a bit wet or the mould could be dirty or wet. Wash the mould in warm soapy water then rinse it and allow it to air dry before filling. When making the shower steamer you should leave it in the mould until it has become firm and dry before trying to remove it. If each time sticking occurs, then reduce the quantity of witch hazel in the following batch and make certain that the mould is thoroughly cleaned and dried before filling it.
Can I leave out the Polysorbate 80?
Can I leave out the Polysorbate 80?
Polysorbate 80 ensures that the essential oil is distributed evenly throughout the mixture and helps it to disperse when the steamer becomes wet; omitting it would alter the formulation and could cause undispersed oil to build up on the steamer or on the shower surface. To achieve the most consistent result, follow the recipe exactly as it is written.
Can I use another essential oil?
Can I use another essential oil?
In the evening recipe use just the stated $2\text{ g}$ of Lavender Essential Oil; for the morning version substitute $2\text{ g}$ of Sweet Orange Essential Oil. With regard to other essential oils there may be different safety considerations and usage limitations. Before making a substitution on a gram-for-gram basis it is necessary to check the oil's up-to-date safety documentation and its suitability for this kind of product.
Can lavender and sweet orange essential oils be combined?
Can lavender and sweet orange essential oils be combined?
This beginner recipe has been developed with one essential oil per batch. Do not combine the oils unless the revised blend has been appropriately safety assessed.
Is it necessary to include a preservative in shower steamers?
Is it necessary to include a preservative in shower steamers?
Water is not retained as a deliberate component of the dried product in this formulation and therefore a typical broad-spectrum preservative has not been added. The small quantity of witch hazel is used when the moulding is being carried out, after which the steamers have to be allowed to dry completely. Make sure that the finished steamers are kept dry and each one is individually sealed. If any of them become damp, swollen, discoloured or emit an unexpected smell, get rid of them.
For how long can the finished steamers be stored?
For how long can the finished steamers be stored?
When using it at home, prepare small batches and use them within about three months for optimal aroma and fizz. It is only an approximate assessment and not one that has been validated in a laboratory setting; it may be reduced by exposure to moisture, heat, or air.
Can children use the shower steamers?
Can children use the shower steamers?
The recipe is meant for use by adults. It is important that essential oils and loose steamers be out of children's reach. A child must not prepare or use them without close adult supervision and suitable professional advice. You must never let a child handle, taste or play with a shower steamer.
Can I use a shower steamer in the presence of pets?
Can I use a shower steamer in the presence of pets?
You should prevent pets from licking, chewing or coming into contact with the ingredients or the finished steamers. Make sure that the pets do not enter the bathroom when the steamer is in use and then ventilate the room afterwards. Animals may react in different ways to strong smells. It's a good idea to ask your vet for advice concerning your pet before using essential-oil products near them.
What are the steps I should take if the smell bothers me?
What are the steps I should take if the smell bothers me?
Stop the use of the steamer, switch off the shower and go outside into some fresh air. Make sure the bathroom area is ventilated and then rinse the shower to remove all steamer residue. If the symptoms continue then you should get medical advice. You should phone $000$ in the case of serious difficulty in breathing or any other medical emergency. In the event that the product has been swallowed or if poisoning is suspected, it is necessary to get in touch with the Australian Poisons Information Centre by calling 13 11 26.
- SKU:
- RCP-LVST
