Top Turkish Bath Products To Try

A trip to the Turkish hammam can encompass more than bathing; rather, the experience has been a long-standing tradition of relaxation and purification. With the correct Turkish bath products available at home, it would certainly be possible to replicate the spa-like treatment in the comforts of one’s very own abode.

Hammam Soap

In Turkey, hammams' traditional soap recipes involve the usage of natural oils like olive oil, almond oil, or laurel and rice oil. Moreover, the addition of lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus has become quite popular. Every type of soap has a different effect: some are very moisturizing, and others have toning effects.

In today's aktar shops (organic and herbal stores in Turkey), other products you can find include unique soaps that have an organic sponge composed of pumpkin fiber (luffa). This type of soap has the ability to gently exfoliates and clean the skin at the same time.

Tip: Apply hammam soap when your body has been warmed up in the bath/shower. Massage the foam gently over your skin and leave it for a minute before rinsing off under warm water.

Hammam Towels (Pestemal)

Pestemal towels are very light and dry quickly. They are made of 100% cotton from Turkey. Pestemal towels have been used in Turkish hammams for more than 500 years. Pestemal towels are hand-woven in Denizli and other areas like Hatay. They are renowned for their soft touch and beautiful designs.

They occupy very little space and dry very quickly. They can also be used not only in the bathtub but even at the beach or spa. Pestemal towels are functional and fashionable at the same time. They are the perfect items to have in the bathing area.

Tip: For authentic quality, one can look for hand-woven “pestemals” marked “Made in Turkey.” You can visit Grand Bazaar and Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) to buy hammam products, all crafted using time-honored Turkish methods and natural ingredients that reflect the spirit of traditional Ottoman baths.

Oils & Body Care

Turkey has been recognized as a producer of high-quality natural oils. Turkey produces a wide range of natural oils such as olive oil, rose oil, black seed oil, almond oil, argan oil, laurel oil, sesame oil, and lavender oil — each known for its unique benefits for the skin, hair, and body.

In Ottoman times, women used olive oil to soften and nourish the skin, while almond oil was a beauty favorite for smoothness and a natural glow. For relaxation, Turkish women often used rose oil, valued for its calming aroma and moisturizing properties. To strengthen and grow hair, almond and black seed oils remain traditional choices.

Use a few drops of the desired oil on wet skin after showering. For hair, apply warm oil to the scalp and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before shampooing. The use of olive oil can also be combined with herbs.

Tip: Before using any natural oil, it’s recommended to test a small drop on your skin to check for possible allergies or sensitivity, especially if you have delicate or reactive skin.

Kese (Bath Glove)

In fact, no Turkish bath treatment can ever be considered complete without the service involving the kese. This product can consist of silk threads or goat hair as well as plant fibers. Its aim is the elimination of skin cells as well as improving blood flow. In the hammam routine, the body undergoes steaming to open up the pores. This follows the scrubbing of the skin by the attendant through the use of the kese glove.

For use at home, you can apply the kese after a hot shower or bath. Just gently rub the skin in circular or upward motions. This action should not involve the use of soap. After the process, your skin should feel soft and ready to absorb lotions or oils.

Tip: Choose a kese made in Turkey because the texture can vary depending on the fabric type (softer for the face and more firm for the body skin). You can also find these hammam products in traditional aktar shops across Turkey — small herbal and organic stores where locals buy natural oils, handmade soaps, and herbal blends made with centuries-old Ottoman recipes.

How To Use These At Home

• Begin with a warm bath/shower to open the pores.
• Use the hammam soap to cleanse your skin gently.
• Use the bath glove (kese) to scrub the skin.
• Wrap yourself in the hammam towel when drying.
• After bathing or showering, apply body oil or lotion to the skin when it still feels damp.
• Store the towel and soap in a dry place to prolong life

From handmade hammam soaps to authentic pestemal towels, from aromatic oils to the kese glove, these timeless Turkish bath products help you enjoy the same wellness traditions that began in Ottoman palaces centuries ago. For the best experience, join a Private Shopping Tour: Grand Bazaar & Spice Market, where an expert local guide helps you discover hidden hammam shops, learn about traditional ingredients, and find authentic handmade soaps, oils, and textiles at the best prices — a perfect way to shop like a true local in Istanbul.

If you wish to experience the full ritual in person, join a Historical Cukurcuma Hammam, Hurrem Sultan Hammam and Cagaloglu Hammam & Spa Tour in Istanbul. Contact us today to arrange your Private Istanbul Tour or find authentic hammam products in Turkey!