Here’s how you don’t have to spend a fortune for a relaxing spa treatment by making your own pampering “bath bombs” and turning your bath time into a luxurious spa time!
Drop one of these fragrant balls in your bath and it will start to fizz away, releasing a relaxing aroma that adds a touch of luxury to your life – without leaving home or spending a fortune!
What is a Bath Bomb?
So what is a bath bomb? A bath bomb is a colored ball (about the size of a tennis ball) that contains natural ingredients that “fizz” when placed in your bathtub.
When placed in the bath, they dissolve away, releasing skin moisturizers and delicate fragrances to turn your bath into a “home spa”. You’ll love using bath bombs yourself or gifting them to those you love.
And the best part is that you can easily make bath bombs at home for yourself and friends. Once you get good at making them, you can even try selling them to make some extra money!
Interested in making bath salts? Check out these simple recipes for homemade bath salts.
Try this Easy Bath Bomb Recipe:
This fizzy bath bomb uses basic ingredients that are easily found in almost any store and they are fairly easy to make.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 tbsp oil (for oils use 1 Tbsp cocoa, mango or shea-butter melted)
- 1/2 tbsp carrier oil (jojoba, grapeseed or sweet almond)
- 3/4 tbsp witch hazel in a mister (can also use flower water, e.g. rosewater)
- 15 to 20 drops essential oils or fragrance of your choice
- 1/4 tsp or 1 large capsule Vitamin E oil
- 1/4 tsp borax (an emulsifier)
- Vegetable or other natural color
You will also need a bath bomb mold, ice cube trays or soap molds in order to shape your bath bombs into round balls. There are even some molds available that you can use to create interesting shapes, like hearts or flowers.
Instructions for combining the ingredients
- Start by blending the dry ingredients. A mixer comes in very handy to do this quickly.
- Next, add the dry coloring. There is no need to add too much color, since the addition of the witch hazel will make the color come to life (but don’t add the color just yet).
- Now you’re ready to add a fragrance of your choice, followed by the witch hazel.
- Using a squirty bottle or mister, mist it into the batch while stirring.
- When the mix begins to stick together, you are ready to transfer the mixture to the molds.
- Now you’re at the final stage. Place the mixture in the molds and wait for a few minutes before tapping them out to dry.
- Dry the bath bombs for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours. The harder your bath bombs get, the fizzier they will be in the bath!
Bath Bomb Recipe Variations
There are countless variations that you can make to the basic bath bomb recipe by changing a few ingredients.
While baking soda and citric acid are staple ingredients, you can add half a cup of borax, cornstarch, sea salt, or epsom salts to create a totally different bath bomb.
You can also use different essential oils or fragrances to change the aroma and give an entirely different bath experience. Likewise, adjusting the color can make them more fun to use.
How to Make Bath Bombs Harder
When you are making your own bath bombs, you may find that they are too soft or fall apart. There are a few things you can try to make your bath bombs harder:
- Increase the amount of hardening agent: Hardening agents such as kaolin clay, cream of tartar, or cornstarch can help to make your bath bombs harder. Try increasing the amount of hardening agent you use in your recipe.
- Reduce the amount of liquid: If your bath bombs are too wet, they may not harden properly. Try reducing the amount of liquid in your recipe, or add the liquid more slowly to the dry ingredients.
- Use a mold: Using a mold to shape your bath bombs can help to compress the mixture and make it more compact, resulting in a harder bath bomb.
- Let them dry longer: Allow your bath bombs to dry for at least 24 hours before using or packaging them. This will give them time to harden and set properly.
- Add more citric acid: Citric acid is a key ingredient in bath bombs, and it can also help to make them harder. Try increasing the amount of citric acid in your recipe. However, be careful not to add too much as it can irritate the skin.
Remember that making bath bombs is a bit of trial and error, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios and ingredients to find the perfect recipe for you.
How to Make Bath Bombs with Toys Inside
If you want to make bath bombs with a toy inside, you’ll need to follow a few extra steps:
- Choose a toy: Select a small plastic toy that is safe to use in the bath. Make sure it is small enough to fit inside the bath bomb mold.
- Fill the mold halfway: Fill half of the mold with your bath bomb mixture. Use your fingers to press the mixture firmly into the mold.
- Add the toy: Place the toy in the center of the mold, on top of the mixture.
- Fill the mold completely: Fill the rest of the mold with your bath bomb mixture. Make sure to pack it tightly and press it down firmly.
- Let it dry: Leave the bath bombs in the mold for at least 24 hours to dry and harden completely.
- Remove from the mold: Carefully remove the bath bombs from the mold. If they are still too soft, let them dry for a few more hours or overnight.
- Wrap and store: Once your bath bombs are completely dry, wrap them in plastic wrap or airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Note: It’s important to choose a toy that is safe to use in the bath and won’t pose a choking hazard. Avoid using toys with small parts or sharp edges. You can also consider using biodegradable or eco-friendly toys to reduce environmental impact.
Bath Bombs for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be careful about the types of products you use, including bath bombs. Here are some tips for choosing bath bombs that are gentle and safe for sensitive skin:
- Look for bath bombs made with natural and gentle ingredients, such as oatmeal, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.
- Avoid bath bombs that contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, choose products with natural fragrances, such as lavender, chamomile, and rose.
- Check the pH of the bath bomb. The pH level of your skin is around 5.5, so look for bath bombs with a pH that’s close to this level. This will help to keep your skin’s natural barrier intact and prevent irritation.
- Test the bath bomb on a small patch of skin before using it all over your body. This will help you to determine if you have any allergic reactions to the product.
- Use a bath bomb that’s designed specifically for sensitive skin. These products are formulated with gentle ingredients and are less likely to cause irritation.
- Consider making your own bath bombs using natural ingredients. This way, you can control exactly what goes into the product and avoid any ingredients that may irritate your skin.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any concerns or questions, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist.
How to Use a Bath Bomb
Using your homemade bath bomb is simple, fun, and relaxing.
- Fill your tub with warm water that is comfortable to sit in.
- Leave enough room to allow you to comfortably get in without spilling over but be high enough to cover your body.
- Drop in one bath bomb as you get into the tub.
- Enjoy the fizzing and aroma as the bath bomb dissolves in the warm water, allowing you to relax!
These ideas are just to get you started. Grab yourself a recipe book and instruction manual such as “The Handcrafter’s Companion” for more fun and creative spa product ideas.
This manual makes it easy for you to make your bathtub into a home spa – with your very own “signature” brand of luxury bath bombs!
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