Monday, 12 August 2024

The Bathing Revivial

Jars of Nurture and Revive Bath Salts from Join London
The world is a very noisy place, especially at the moment, and so it’s no surprise that people are desperately hunting for ways to switch off and unwind. The aromatherapy route is an eternally popular one, which is why the idea of scented wellbeing has been so enthusiastically embraced by numerous perfume brands - even if some of the claims really do stretch scented promises to the limits of possibility! However, there is a much more traditional way to unplug from the realities of everyday life, and its popularity is on the up. I’m talking about the humble bathtub, and the wonderfully simple bath salts.

The popularity of bathing is definitely something that is country specific but, as you can probably easily believe, the United Kingdom is the leader. World Population Review suggested that this was because it fits the traditionally “refined” nature of the British public, while Sanctuary Bathrooms discovered that us Brits were firmly invested in the wellbeing benefits of a relaxing soak. It’s also worth noting that the National Eczema Organisation recommend a ten minute plunge as a way of locking in much-needed moisture. So, with that many positives, the question becomes what to add to the precious water?

An amazing 32% of the British population bathe at least once a week, compared to 20% in Germany and 13% in the USA. That’s a lot of bubbles, salts and oils to provide to an ever-discerning customer. It’s interesting to remember that bath salts, and latterly the famous bath cube, were superseded by the liquid bubble bath, but the originals are fighting back to regain their position on the high street shelves. Fuelled partly by the iconic bath bomb, many people now like the idea of a jar of salts that can be dispensed as liberally or sparingly as required - and it’s usually the former with me!

A jar of Nurture Bath Salts from Join London
One of the most recent bath salts that have appeared on my bathing radar are from JOIN. They are a small family business run by Cornish-born Jenna Beby. Her first shop was in Suffolk but, following a move back to Cornwall, shop number two launched in August 2023 on Penzance’s Causeway Head. Jenna’s hands-on approach means that everything remains true to the company’s vegan and sustainable credentials, from the candles through to their body range, and of course their ever-popular soaps. However, it’s the four bath salts that grabbed my attention, and which came home with me for some much-needed scented soaking.

The four fragrances are Serenity, which features rose, neroli and basil, the lavender scented Restore, a wonderful rosemary-overdosed Nurture, and finally Revive with its aromatic lemon verbena and mandarin. All four are perfectly balanced aromas, but it’s Revive and Nurture that really drew me in. Revive’s citrus and green facets are the perfect blend for everyday soaking, and this is because there’s a delicacy with the combination of scented ingredients. However, the knock-you-out rosemary in Nurture, with its slightly campherous quality and a hint of peppermint, gives a vibrantly warming quality that is perfect for winter evenings. So, what are you waiting for? Run the water, pour the bath salts, and enjoy a relaxing soak.

All four bath salts are available from the Join London stores in Clare and Penzance, and also online at joinstorelondon.co.uk, priced at £16 for 250g or £12.80 if you do a monthly subscription. [Products were purchased]

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