DIY Bath Bomb
DIY Bath Bombs: 3 Recipes
Bath bombs are easy fun things you can make at home for relaxation or for gifting loved ones. Bath bombs are similar to the Oobleck some of us used to make in our elementary science classes because of a common ingredient: Cornstarch. While some recipes don’t use this, all recipes use sodium bicarbonate or baking soda as well as a reacting acid agent, such as Citric acid, Witch Hazel, or Lemon Juice. The baking soda, an alkene, reacts with the acid in citrus causing the fizzes when placed on water. For more on the science behind bath bombs check this video out! The coconut oil or epsom salts will work to moisturize skin and elevate pores with the feeling of cleanliness.
Tips and Tricks for any recipe:
- Coconut oil and epsom salts are optional
- Natural food coloring and essential oils are optional as well.
- Water and other liquids should be added slowly while mixing and should be approximated. They can also be placed in a small sprayer for more even mixture into the powder ingredients.
- Coconut oil or replacements should be used in moderation so as to prevent excess moisture and a lack of fizzing.
- Molds can be made out of a lot of household objects so be creative 🙂
- If you have a bath bomb circular mold dont pack it in straight away just scoop up loose mixture on both sides then press together and apply pressure, this will ensure that it does not fall apart.
- You can also add herbs and flowers into the mix as well for an extra flare. I do not recommend glitter or anything that could damage the environment or people’s skins.
#1 Witch Hazel
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 5 tbsp Witch Hazel
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
- 4 drops food color (optional)
- 3 drops scent (optional)
- Tbs water as needed.
- Mold of choosing
#2 Lemon Juice
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 5 tbsp lemon juice of one lime
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
- 4 drops food color (optional)
- 3 drops scent (Optional)
- Tbs water as needed.
- Mold of choosing
#3 Citric Acid
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup citric acid
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
- 4 drops food color (optional)
- 3 drops scent (Optional)
- Tbs water as needed.
- Mold of choosing
All recipes follow the same set of instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients: baking soda and cornstarch.
- Add coconut oil, food color, scents to dry ingredients.
- Mix until mixture looks uniform.
- Slowly add the fizzing agents especially if they are in liquid form.
- Mix until you can mold the mixture with your hand.
- Next, press the mixture into a mold of choice and pack it in to dry.
- If using circular molds scoop up mixture without packing it and let excess overhang on both sides of the mold before pressing sides together. Lightly tap mold from all sides then take out the bath bomb to dry.
- There are all sorts of molds that can be used. The traditional circular molds are not necessary.
Let all bath bombs dry for 24 hours before use. Recipes with Witch Hazel and Lemon juice will not fizz as much as citric acid. If there is no fizz in use but the bath bomb still dissolves then it still works 🙂 ! Enjoy!
