WARNING: What you are about to read may sound a bit scandalous. Maybe even rated PG…
The lights are dimmed. Your freshly clean bathtub is filling with water that is the perfect temperature—not burning hot, but warm enough that your muscles exhale a sigh of happy relief when they become submerged. It’s quiet—the only sound is the crackle of your favorite candle. Maybe you have a relaxing beverage. Maybe a book waiting.
too good to be true?
I know… Sounds far too good to be true. And likely most nights it is. But on the rare occasion you get this coveted time for self-care, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little something to feel extra decadent? Bath bombs are magical little fizzing balls of whimsy, that unfortunately, cost about $6 a piece.
That’s a high price on a one-time bath treat, especially if you’re one of the lucky ones that can indulge more frequently than once a week. Unless you’re comfortable adding a line item to your budget for bath bombs, I’d suggest learning to make your own.
Benefits of Making Your Own DIY Bath Bombs:
Know the ingredients
When you make your own bath bombs, you control the ingredients and you know what you are allowing your body to absorb. A lot of the bath bombs you can buy in stores are loaded with chemicals and ingredients that don’t benefit your body.
Customize them
Do you want your bath bomb round or square or shaped like a gingerbread man? Do you want it to be blue, pink, meadow green? And what smell suits you… lavendar? Patchouli? Lemon? You have all the power!
Perfect gifts!
Need a teacher gift? Maybe your mother-in-law deserves a little pampering? Handmade gifts always show a little extra thought and effort.
Save money
A 10 oz bath bomb in the store sells for $6-$10 but with the recipe below, they only cost about $2.60 each!
Our Favorite DIY Bath Bombs
Ingredients
1 cup baking soda
½ cup citric acid
½ cup corn starch
2 TBSP Epsom salts
2 TBSP jojoba oil
5-10 drops of essential oils
Food coloring (optional)
Water as needed
Directions
- Add all dry ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Add oils and food coloring (if desired).
- Add water one tablespoon at a time until you get the right consistency.
Note: It should feel like primarily dry sand, but should still hold together if clumped in your hand. It should feel slightly cool. Some fizzing will occur, which is fine. Pack tightly into the mold of your choice and allow to dry overnight.
A Few Tips
- Using too much water is not your friend. Likewise, allowing them to be too dry will ensure they just crumble.
- Pack them. Tightly. Tighter still.
- Let them dry overnight.
- Store them in sealed bags for longer lasting results.
- Too much oil will keep the bomb from drying properly.
It will take some practice to get it just right, but once you do, you’ll be making bath bombs like you were born to do it.
Molds
Traditionally, bath bombs are spheres but they certainly don’t have to be. You can use a variety of molds provided they pack tightly and are easily to loosen once dry.
Using clear acrylic craft ornaments is a great place to start while you are learning the right mixture and technique. Stainless steel molds are also great for durability, but can be costly if you plan on making them in bulk. Candy and soap molds make your bath bombs into fun and unique shapes, if they are deep enough.
Fun Ideas
- Put a little toy or trinket in the middle.
- Add dried lavender or rose petals for a little extra luxury.
- Play with color layers by dividing out the mixture in two bowls and making each a different color. Layer each color until full!
