How We Make Our Bath Bombs

What is a Bath Bomb?

Bath bombs, also known as bath fizzers, are dry ingredients that are designed to effervesce once in contact with warm water. Once it hits the water, it releases essential oils, scents, colors, and bubbles to elevate your bath experience. Bath bombs can help condition the skin and soothe sore muscles. Additionally, they may help detox and relax the body and mind.   The great thing about bath bombs is that they contain the precise amount of oils and bath salts that you would normally have to purchase separately. Not only does using bath fizzers speed up the bath time process, but they make the experience so much better.  

Bath bombs can add a little zest and fun to a soothing self-care ritual, but they typically cost $5-$15 each, which can add up quickly. Fortunately, you don't have to spend your hard-earned money on this delightful indulgence if you choose to make your own bath bombs at home. The process is pretty simple (it takes just about 20 minutes, plus a day or two of drying time) and can be a relaxing and creative activity, as you can customize them with the scents and colors you like best. With this basic recipe, creating bath bombs should be pretty easy, and you'll be sudsing in a colorful, scented bath in no time.

What You’ll Need When Making DIY Bath Bombs

1 cup baking soda 
1/2 cup citric acid (as an alternative, use the same amount of either 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 tsp. essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, rose, orange, and lemongrass are popular for the bath)
2 tbsp. oil (jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, olive, or even baby oil)
A few drops of food coloring
A mold of your choice, such as regular or mini-muffin tins, candy pans, or round plastic molds specifically for bath bombs
Optional: dried flowers or sugar cake decorations, like flowers or stars

How To Make Our Bath Bombs: The Method

Step 1: With the exception of the citric acid, mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. 
Step 2: Pour all of the liquid ingredients into a jar with a top. Close the jar and shake it vigorously. 
Step 3: Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, and use your hands to combine and meld together. At this point, add the citric acid. You'll probably notice a slight fizzing reaction because of the citric acid. No need to panic, as this is normal. 
The mixture should be a bit crumbly (similar to the consistency of wet beach sand). Whatever you do, don't add water at this stage, or the bath bomb will fizz prematurely and be ruined. 
Step 4: Mash the mixture into your chosen molds very tightly. You can overfill the molds slightly and use a spoon or glass to press the mixture in as tightly as possible. Immediately loosen the bombs from their molds onto wax paper and let them dry overnight. 
Step 5: Give the bath bombs a day or two to completely dry before using them or wrapping them up as gifts. 
Step 6: Pop one in the bathtub, enjoy the burst of colors and fizz and inhale the released aromas. Turn on some of your favorite music or a podcast to accompany you while you soak, or simply slide into the bath and enjoy all of your hard work.