While a glass of wine, a good book, or plenty of foam can be the perfect addition to a hot bath, a more colorful and exciting option can be a bath bomb. Bath bombs are often molded into small balls that fit the size of the palm of your hand (although you can also find interesting shapes!), and bath bombs will immediately begin to hiss and break down as soon as they come into contact with water, releasing a pleasant aroma and filling your bathtub with pop of color.
Bath bombs can add a little zest and fun to a soothing self-care ritual, but they typically cost $5 to $15 per bomb, and the price can add up quickly. Luckily, if you choose to make your own bath bomb at home, you won’t have to spend your hard-earned money to enjoy this enjoyable treat. The process is pretty simple (only about 20 minutes, plus a day or two of drying time) and can be a relaxing and creative activity because you can customize them with your favorite scents and colors. With this basic recipe, making a bath bomb should be very easy, and you’ll be lathering up in your colorful, fragrant tub in no time.
Ready to take your soak to the next level? Read on for simple, customizable, affordable DIY bath bomb recipes.
Bath Bomb Recipe Ingredients and Materials
Almost all bath bomb formulations require the same ingredients and sizes, with occasional exceptions. The key to a great bath bomb is citric acid, which isn’t hard to find online.
Of course, there are other options for people with sensitive skin. For example, citric acid can be swapped out for lemon juice, cream of tartar, buttermilk powder, or a mixture of baking powder and apple cider vinegar. Food coloring can also cause reactions, so don’t use any coloring if you’re sensitive (or try natural varieties). Most other ingredients, including oil and cornstarch, are often used to treat sensitive skin (but avoid them if you notice an adverse reaction). If you have sensitive skin, or skin prone to eczema, it’s best to avoid any products that contain fragrances. Additionally, while α hydroxy acids are great chemical exfoliants, they can also irritate sensitive skin.
If you don’t want to shop online and prefer to buy in person, you can buy citric acid from your local pharmacy. Here’s everything you need for the perfect bath bomb:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid (you can also use equal parts lemon juice, cream of tartar, buttermilk powder, or 1/4 cup each of baking powder and apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, rose, orange, and lemongrass are commonly used bath oils)
- 2 tbsp oil (jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, olive, and even baby oil)
- A few drops of food coloring
- A mold of your choice, such as a regular or mini muffin tin, a candy pan, or a round plastic mold specifically for bath bombs
- Optional: Dried flowers or sugar cake decorations such as flowers or stars
Bath Bomb Description
Step 1: In addition to the citric acid, combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Pour all the liquid ingredients into a jar with a lid. Close the jar and shake vigorously.
Step 3: Pour the liquid mixture into a bowl with the dry ingredients, mix and blend it together by hand. At this point, citric acid is added. You may notice a slight hissing reaction due to citric acid. There is no need to panic as this is normal.
Tip: The mixture should be a little crumbly (similar to the consistency of wet beach sand). Whatever you do, don’t add water to this stage, or the bath bomb will hiss prematurely and be destroyed.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into the mold of your choice and mash tightly. You can fill the mold slightly and press the mixture as tightly as possible with a spoon or glass. Immediately loosen the bombs from the mold onto the wax paper and let them dry overnight.
Step 5: Allow the bath bombs to dry completely for a day or two before using them or wrapping them as gifts.
Step 6: Place one in the tub, enjoy the burst of color and hiss, and inhale the released aroma. Turn on some of your favorite music or podcasts to accompany you in the bath, or just slip into the tub and enjoy all your hard work.
Pack up Your Bath Bombs
These bath bombs are the perfect gift (for someone else or for yourself – self-care is important!). You can put the large or small ones in cellophane gift bags (like the cookies you usually buy) or the smaller ones in jars. If you want some variety, you can make several batches with different colors and add a variety of essential oils for a range of scents. Bath bombs can usually last for about six months as long as they are properly packaged in an airtight jar, Tupperware container, or sealed plastic bag and stored in a dry environment such as a cupboard. Storing them in the bathroom or in the open air isn’t ideal, as steam and moisture can cause citric acid to lose its potency, and your bath bomb won’t trigger the foam effervescent you want.