Many types of baths are great for detox and relaxation. One of the simplest ones though is a DIY apple cider vinegar bath. They’re great for skincare and with just one ingredient, couldn’t be easier!

I’m not a fan of vinegar’s smell, but I am a huge fan of apple cider vinegar baths. They leave my skin and hair looking and feeling amazing.

Health Benefits of an ACV Bath

Apple Cider Vinegar is a versatile home remedy for healthy skin and a healthier body. You can infuse it with herbs for a natural cold remedy and health tonic, or sip on it to relieve heartburn.

Sprayed on the skin, it takes the sting out of sunburn and apple cider vinegar soaks help alleviate athlete’s foot. There are so many health benefits to using ACV, especially for skin health.

Vitamins and Minerals in Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a natural source of B vitamins, vitamin C, and trace minerals, making it nourishing to the skin. ACV is made from apple juice and has a similar nutritional profile, including antioxidants. Fermented ACV with the “mother” culture is even richer in beneficial compounds.

More research is showing the link between ACV and weight loss and how it can help balance blood sugar and insulin levels. You can even get apple cider vinegar supplements or make your own gummies!

It’s possible we can get some of these nutrients by soaking in them since the skin is the body’s largest organ. Our skin barrier more readily absorbs fat-soluble vitamins though and ACV has water-soluble ones. Even if it’s not increasing internal nutrient levels when used in a detox bath, it still has skin benefits!

Beneficial Acids

Vinegar is naturally acidic so it helps restore the skin’s pH balance which should be slightly acidic. The pH balance of many soaps and skincare products is alkaline and disrupts the skin microbiome. Though it helps restore the skin’s pH it has an alkalizing effect internally and many use it for better digestion and as an acid reflux remedy.

Apple cider vinegar mainly contains acetic acid, but you’ll also find malic acid, citric acid, and others. They all perform slightly different functions and which ones are present depends on the type of apple used.

Also, many people with joint problems notice improvement from soaking in apple cider vinegar baths. ACV is a known anti-inflammatory both internally and topically. These beneficial acids and vitamins may be part of the reason.

Soothes Skin Problems

ACV can help naturally kill fungus and bacteria on the skin thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Its antifungal properties make it a great way to fight yeast infections, candida, and athlete’s foot. Researchers have used it to treat stubborn candida infections in the body, in the vaginal area, and even in the mouth.

For this reason, AVC baths are also sometimes recommended for urinary tract infections. The vinegar can help kill the yeast or fungus and create an environment where it’s difficult for infection to thrive.

Some people use ACV for relief of eczema (atopic dermatitis) and other skin conditions. A 2019 trial had people with eczema soak their arm in diluted ACV for 10 minutes a day. Those with sensitive skin noticed irritation and no one had significantly better skin after soaking. However, a 2016 animal study found that using an acidic acv cream helped prevent eczema patches from developing. By balancing the skin’s pH apple cider vinegar can help eczema prone skin stay healthier.

Healthcare experts often recommend vinegar for skin problems dandruff, and dry skin. These same antibacterial properties and beneficial acids make vinegar effective against zits. A tiny dab of ACV can often help reverse a zit overnight.

Reduce Body Odor

Body odor occurs when bacteria mix with sweat or moisture from the body and thrives in the warm moist environment. It especially loves hot places like the underarms. Apple cider vinegar helps kill bacteria and reduce odor. It also creates an environment where odor is less likely to thrive.

Various studies have looked at vinegar’s antibacterial effects and made some impressive discoveries. Not only can vinegar fight a variety of pathogens, but it also helps with resistant bacterial strains.

I haven’t personally tried it, but many people who can’t tolerate deodorants with baking soda dilute apple cider vinegar to use as a deodorant with great results. An armpit detox may also be helpful for those with body odor or irritated underarms.

5 from 2 votes

DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

It may not be my favorite smell but a vinegar bath does wonders for my skin and hair. Here’s how to do it! I try to take a vinegar bath once or twice a week.

Prep Time2

Soaking Time20

Total Time22

Yield: bath

Author: Katie Wells

Materials

2 cups apple cider vinegar (or reduce to 1 cup if preferred)
1 cup Epsom salt (optional)

Instructions

Fill a tub with hot or warm water and add 1 to 2 cups of apple cider vinegar. Add Epsom salt if using.
Soak for at least 20 minutes in the bath water. Make sure to get your hair wet too.
You can leave the vinegar on the skin and towel dry or rinse off in cool water first.

Notes

You can also infuse the vinegar with herbs for added skin benefits if desired. Lavender, rose, and calendula are a few good options. Here’s how to make an herb infused vinegar.

Other Skin Uses for ACV

As I mentioned, a tiny dab of ACV can often remedy a zit overnight
I also use a diluted spray of apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water) as a soothing facial toner
You can use this same spray on the underarms for a natural deodorant. Some people find they need to increase the vinegar’s concentration for deodorant.
Dab undiluted vinegar on toenail fungus or soak in a strong (50:50) solution of white or apple cider vinegar and water.
Dab ACV on warts
Rinse hair with 1/4 cup ACV in 1 cup water for shiny hair.

How do you use vinegar? Ever taken an apple cider vinegar bath?

Sources

El Abdali, et al. (2023). Exploring the Bioactive Compounds in Some Apple Vinegar Samples and Their Biological Activities. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 12(22), 3850.
Ozen, B., & Baser, M. (2017). Vaginal Candidiasis Infection Treated Using Apple Cider Vinegar: A Case Report. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 23(7), AT5751.
Yagnik, D., Serafin, V., & J Shah, A. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1732.
Mota, A. et al. (2015). Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis. Journal of prosthodontics : official journal of the American College of Prosthodontists, 24(4), 296–302.
Beh, B. et al. (2017). Anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of synthetic acetic acid vinegar and Nipa vinegar on high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. Scientific reports, 7(1), 6664.
Yagnik, D., Ward, M., & Shah, A. J. (2021). Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1854.
Štornik, A., Skok, B., & Tr?ek, J. (2016). Comparison of Cultivable Acetic Acid Bacterial Microbiota in Organic and Conventional Apple Cider Vinegar. Food technology and biotechnology, 54(1), 113–119.
Ayk?n, E., et al. (2015). Bioactive components of mother vinegar. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(1), 80–89.
Lee, N. et al. (2016). Application of Topical Acids Improves Atopic Dermatitis in Murine Model by Enhancement of Skin Barrier Functions Regardless of the Origin of Acids. Annals of dermatology, 28(6), 690–696.
Elhage, K., et al. (2022). Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology. International journal of dermatology, 61(7), 804–811.
Migala, J. (2024, May). Apple Cider Vinegar 101: A Complete Guide. Everyday Health.
McDonald, E. (2018, August 23). Debunking the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. University of Chicago Medicine.

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Fit Bottomed Zone and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. fitbottomedzone.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Fit Bottomed Zone research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Fit Bottomed Zone Cookbook and The Fit Bottomed Zone 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

120 responses to “Apple Cider Vinegar Baths (and Why You Should Try One)”

judee

October 4, 2015

I take epsom salt baths to detox but I could use a boost to my hair and skin. This sounds easy enough. Thanks

Reply
Charles

October 4, 2015

I have used ACV for sunburns it really took the sting out.

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Lindsey

October 2, 2015

Thank you. Can you use your detox baths while pregnant or nursing?

Reply
Corianne

October 1, 2015

Do you continue with vinegar baths during pregnancy? Congratulations on your great news! I’m hoping it might help me with the joint pain I always get during pregnancy.

Reply
1. Fit Bottomed Zone
  
  October 2, 2015
  
  I do, but I’d ask a doc or midwife to be sure 🙂
  
  Reply
Kate

October 1, 2015

If unable to bathe in tub due to physical disability or lack of tub, use a basin with warm water and vinegar to pull toxins out.

Reply
Carisa

September 30, 2015

As always, great article! I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what you can do with ACV. I’ll bet you could come up with 101 things you can do with it, like you did with Coconut oil! I love ACV, have since I was a kid. I can drink it straight up! I remember when I was a kid, sneaking under my grandmother’s porch with a glass of it and drinking it down–slowly, to savor 🙂 I had to hide b/c she used to tell me that it would dry up my blood if I drank it!

I use it in your underarm detox recipe, in my bath, as a facial cleanser, household cleaner, of course, and to dip popcorn in for a little added taste!

I have noticed that, interestingly enough, that the “cleaner” and healthier I eat, the less I crave ACV. Don’t know what the correlation is, but it must have something in there that my body needs that I can’t get from junk!

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Jess

September 30, 2015

This looks great!! I’ll definitely be trying this!

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Whitney

September 30, 2015

Congrats on your new pregnancy! I couldn’t find the appropriate place to congratulate you so… I did it in an inappropriate place. Lol. I am so excited for you mostly because I also just found out that I am expecting our sixth child as well ! ?

Reply
Vivian

September 30, 2015

You can make your own ACV very easily which makes it much cheaper.

Reply
1. Janice
  
  September 30, 2015
  
  Oh really, how may I ask.
  Thanks.
  
  Reply
Vivian

September 30, 2015

I’ve used diluted ACV to rinse myself for many years after a shower. Haven’t needed deoderant. Hair is shiny. Recomend raw ACV as it has all the vitamins, enzymes intact. The cheaper ones are pasteurized which kills all the goodness.

Reply
Vanessa

September 30, 2015

Isn’t the whole point of a detox bath to pull toxins out of the body through pH gradient: body=acidic –> bath=alcaline? therefore soaking into an acidic bath isn’t helping detox 🙁 It’s beneficial for other things you mentionned of course.

Reply
1. Kelli
  
  September 30, 2015
  
  Detoxification with ACV would pertain more to internal usage. For topical use it may seem acidic but the pH is actually close to what normal skin pH should be, as our skin and hair prefers a slightly acidic environment to keep the acid mantle intact. ACV acts similarly to an exfoliant. It isn’t a scrubby type of exfoliant but it digests dead skin cells on the surface to reveal the new skin layer underneath that is healthier looking. Exfoliating skin in a gentle manner is one of the most revitalizing things we can do for our skin to keep it from looking dull and sallow. It also helps to increase circulation and that is a great benefit.
  If you wanted a more detoxifying bath you would need to add something like a clay, such as bentonite clay or white Kaolin Clay for sensitive skin. You could also use Dead Sea Mud but ACV will not provide a detoxifying benefit externally. It’s just very beneficial to skin because of its mild acidity.
  
  Reply
Mariana

September 30, 2015

Just started using ACV in a chamomile tea solution as a hair rinse (conditioner), as a starting point for my hair detox routine. It feels really good. I also used it as a facial cleanser (since I’m in the shower already). Besides its innumerous benefits, I love that one “product” can be used for so many things (e.g. conditioner and cleanser), so I don’t need a dozen of different products piling up in my (small) shower cabin. It surprised me a lot that the vinegar smell doesn’t stay in my hair. That was my greatest concern too.
I don’t have a bathtub though, so no vinegar baths for me. 🙁

Reply
Nan

September 30, 2015

Does anyone have a recipie for making your own ACV?

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Shillene Hancock

September 29, 2015

Helps neutralize the Flu in a flash! I did well keeping it down. I noticed a difference real soon. The acidity helps neutralize it. happy sigh

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Katie

September 29, 2015

Thank you so much for all your helpful tips . I love your blog you are amazing and congrats on your pregnancy:)

Reply
Tanya

September 29, 2015

Amazing! I just passed this onto 4 ppl. Great info to know and to put to use! Thank you!!!

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Kelli

September 29, 2015

I use Braggs ACV for so many things. When used diluted it can be so beneficial to the skin because, like Katie said, it is acidic, which our skin and hair prefers. I make a spray for my dogs and I put just a little bit of ACV in it along with other things to help with itchiness and such.
For years I suffered from regular heartburn and was always using some form of antacids. Then about a year ago I took a round (about 6 to 8 weeks) of a few different supplements and as of November of last year I have not had to use any antacids. If I feel like I’m getting a little heartburn from certain foods I put a couple capfuls of ACV in a glass of water and drink it straight down. Works every time!!! I love ACV.

Reply
1. Terri Zbysinski
  
  September 30, 2015
  
  I’d really love to know what that round of supplements was. Can you help me out?
  
  Thanks,
  
  Terri
  
  Reply
  1. Kelli
    
    September 30, 2015
    
    Hi Terri. I would be more than happy to share what worked for me. It does take a little time and patience and if you eat certain foods that trigger heartburn you may still have some instances of heartburn. You can drink a couple capfuls of ACV in a glass of water if this occurs.
    I took Mastic Gum by NutriCology. One in the morning and one in the evening before dinner and sometimes one in between there if I felt I needed it. It is a bit expensive at around $26.00 but you get 120 capsules so thats about 6 to 8 weeks worth. I also took Black Cumin Seed Oil capsules, one in the morning and one before eating dinner. I used the Life Extension Brand. There is an actual Black Cumin Seed Oil but it has a pretty powerful earthy, herbal taste that is almost impossible to cover up in anything you mix it with. I just liked the capsules better. The third supplement was a Digestive Enzyme by Now Foods called Plant Enzymes. I took 2 capsules about 15 minutes before every meal. I still take the Digestive Enzymes before every meal but have dropped down to one capsule before every meal. I do keep all the other 2 supplements on hand just in case, but I usually have great success with just the ACV in water for times when I eat something a little too spicy. You You can do some research on both the Mastic Gum and Black Cumin Seed oil. They both have great benefits for heartburn and H. Pylori, which is said to alter the pH of the stomach and in turn, causes more heartburn. Antacids only exacerbate it. ACV has an alkalizing effect naturally when taken internally without destroying the equilibrium of the stomach.
    If you decide to try it I hope it works as well for you as it did for me. If you currently take other medications for other conditions I would talk to a Naturopathic Doctor first. I do not know of any side effects or contraindications with other medications with the supplements I took but it is still always better to discuss those things with someone licensed in conventional medicine or Naturopathic medicine.
    Good Luck! I wish you great success because heartburn sucks!!!
    
    Reply
    1. Terri Zbysinski
      
      October 16, 2015
      
      that was so kind of you to pass that on to me! I’m currently on 20mg of Prilosec twice a day. I wonder if I can even find a Naturopath in my neck of the woods. And my doctor is totally against anthing that wasn’t thought of by a “doctor” and/or western medicine. I’ll start looking for a Naturopath – wish me luck.
      
      Terri
      
      Reply
      1. Lynette
        
        December 12, 2015
        
        Hi Terri, my son used to have terrible heartburn. They had him on so much crap and nothing worked. I was so fed up I told him for a biofeedback health anaysis. Started him on digestive enzymes and magnesium. To this day he still does that. So my point is there is hope. I can’t find anyone who does the biofeedback around here any more. But I also like integrative medical doctors. I follow a couple from the Atlanta area. If u can’t find a naturopath maybe u can find an integrative MD or functional medical doc. Good luck.
      2. Leah
        
        December 15, 2015
        
        I am replying here but this comment is aimed at people generally. I just wanted to say that there is no need for anyone to be on tons of prescribed medication for heartburn. I understand how frustrating and potentially painful it can be. It’s also the reason why I am up at 4am! It stops me from sleeping when it gets bad.
        
        I am in the midst of turning my health and life around. Getting away from doctors/conventional thinking has been a great help to me. Just educating and THINKING for yourself about health issues is a great start to true empowerment. I encourage anyone to look for answers on their own, find a way to wean off medication (under a doctors supervision) and try other natural means.
        
        One great remedy that works in a pinch is bicarbonate of soda. This has personally given me more relief than any. I encapsulate mine since I cannot bear the taste of the stuff. Since I don’t know how regularly anyone here has heartburn then please do your own research on whether this would be good for your health to take as regularly as you would personally need to.
        
        Of course, relieving symptoms is a western mindset. What we need to be addressing is the CAUSE of the heartburn. My doctors answer to EVERYTHING was always ‘some people just suffer more than others with so and so’ if I ever asked her what the cause was of X and how to address it. I’ve had enough of that generic answer and I am seeking my own answers. . Although other people’s experiences can be a great resource,everyone’s answers will be different, so don’t get too hung up on other people’s diets/reasons/ways etc. Focus on finding your own.
        
        Since I currently have a water infection and heartburn, I am going to reach for the bicarb as it will relive both. I know that a good greens powder (I don’t have any at present) alkalises too but I have no idea if it would as ‘instant’ as bicarbonate of soda? Just another thought for someone to pick u on if they have any? Another remedy is bentonite clay which I have used and found worked. Although I would personally never recommend clay internally daily.
        
        Anyway, good luck everyone in your own journey. Keep learning and asking questions!
      3. Tracy Rater
        
        January 20, 2016
        
        Terri, did you find something that helped your stomach/heartburn?? My daughter was on 2 meds for a stomach ulcer. She always woke up with stomach pain and not feeling well until she could take the Prilosec and other stuff. She found a natural supplement that helped more than any of the meds. No more medication needed and wakes up feeling great!! It has been over 2 years and she still has had no Prilosec!!
      4. Leanne
        
        May 3, 2016
        
        I have suffered for years with heartburn, indigestion and a lot of wind both top & bottom 🙁
        After seeing a natural therapist I eliminated sugars (incl fruit), bread and dairy products. That was at Easter (great timing, not). I actually found that all my symptoms stopped completely and have not been back on Losec since 2010 and don’t have any antacids in my handbag anymore. I do occasionally suffer from it but only if I’ve eaten too many grains (barley, oats) and sugars and I”ll have ACV in a glass of water and that usually helps. If you are suffering with all of those symptoms I’d suggest checking what foods you are consuming. By the way, I was advised if you eat fruit, only a small amount and first thing in the morning before any other foods. Hope that helps!
      5. Kate Hudson
        
        June 17, 2016
        
        Terri, Try the Bragg brand ACV 2 teaspoons in 3 ounces of water immediately after every meal before u spend all that money. Bragg ACV is only $6-7 and its amazing for heartburn!!!! You may be able to cut down to one Prilosec daily after a week or so and then, like me, you can try to go off Prilosec completely. I’m taking the leap of faith that the ACV is the answer to heartburn altogether! My allergist said that heartburn is nothing more than a food allergy to something you just ate…do you ever notice its only certain foods that give you the heartburn? Also, ACV makes your skin soft, keeps you more regular than probiotics, and is amazing for skin allergies!! Just some friendly advice for my PPI people; longterm use is dangerous but ACV is awesome!! Best of luck!
      6. Michelle
        
        May 5, 2019
        
        Try a pinch of Baking Soda in 1/2 cup of water, sip, increase up to 1/2 teaspoon if the gerds, or acid reflux is severe, I agree with Kate ACV helps as well, there was a time when the pain was so bad I thought I needed to go to emergency room, but I tried the Baking Soda and Praise GOD the Baking Soda in water did the trick within a few minutes…I was diagnosed by doctors after having an endoscopy, I was also told I had a hiatal hernia, I was put on medication, and had side effects, so I looked for natural remedies, I no longer take prescription drugs and its been 17 years, I also take enzymes sometime as well…for emergency heartburn I always carry either a little “Baking Soda” in my purse or a product called “Picot” it contains Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) with citric acid they come in little packets, you just mix with water, but in emergency I sprinkle a bit on my tongue use my saliva and swallow, then get water. I also found just drinking plain water on the onset can stop the burning as well…you can purchase the “Picot” at Walmart or the drug store…hope this helps along with others suggestions.
Janice

September 29, 2015

Great article! I also use ACV on my dog! After her bath, I give her an ACV rinse. In between baths, I rinse her paws off especially after a walk with ACV. She looks and feels great at 8 years old.

Reply
1. Angela
  
  May 2, 2016
  
  Does this take the bad smell away
  
  Reply
Bridgette

September 29, 2015

Can I use ordinary Apple Cider Vinegar (non organic ) to do all mentioned?

Reply
1. Kelli
  
  September 29, 2015
  
  Hi Bridgette. I think Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar is the best and while it’s more expensive than plain old apple cider vinegar it has a lot more benefits health wise.
  
  Reply
  1. Karen Bowthorpe
    
    December 13, 2015
    
    My husband and I have used Braggs ACV for weight loss by putting 1 tabelspoon in 16 ounces of water 3x/daily and 1/4 -1/3 tsp cayenne pepper as well for when I get a cold or just to get the blood pumping! And as well as these other simple remedies that fitbottomedzone suggests! I love all of her homemade, tried and true recipes.
    I buy 6 bottles of ACV from Vitacost.com for a good price and the cayenne pepper from herbdoc.com, best highest quality (250,000 heat units per 1/4 tsp).
    
    Reply
    1. Jerry
      
      May 25, 2016
      
      Local grocery store (preferred supporting) has Bragg for same or slight better price with no shipping.
      
      Reply
      1. Megan
        
        September 28, 2016
        
        Costco has an ACV that looks exactly like Braggs, is organic, and contains The Mother probiotics…I’m fairly convinced it’s bottled by Braggs. It is half the price and seems identical in a side-by-side test. I would not say the same about any other store brand ACV I’ve tried.
    2. Darlene
      
      August 3, 2016
      
      Does this work in helping to lose weight?
      
      Reply
2. Lou
  
  October 4, 2015
  
  Search the net for a recipe, but making your own apple cider vinegar is very easy/way less expensive and allows you to use up the apple core or misc bits/scraps you don’t otherwise eat.
  
  Reply
  1. Beauty
    
    October 29, 2018
    
    Thanks for the tip!
    
    Reply
Suzanne

September 29, 2015

Is there an age restriction on this? I mean is it ok to give babies/toddlers an ACV bath?

Reply
1. Fit Bottomed Zone
  
  September 30, 2015
  
  I would definitely dilute much more with babies and toddlers, but my two year old loves vinegar baths, especially when we were trying to figure out what was causing her eczema- they gave her a lot of relief.
  
  Reply
  1. Amanda
    
    October 1, 2015
    
    My 3 year old has some splotchy/white/dry spots on her skin suddenly and I’m wondering if this is eczema. How do you determine that it is eczema and then what protocol did you use for treatment? Thank you so much!
    
    Reply
    1. Fit Bottomed Zone
      
      October 1, 2015
      
      Here’s a few resources: https://fitbottomedzone.com/12065/eczema-remedies/
      
      Reply