Making your own bath bombs can be a great way to save money and can be a great craft project
Bath bombs are an excellent accompaniment to your self-care routine. They add a wonderful fragrance to your bath along with a gorgeous pop of colour. But with so many people selling them these days, it is difficult to know which ones will leave your skin feeling soft and nourished and which, well, won’t. A great way to make sure it doesn’t contain any ingredients you don’t want is to make them at home (it is also a great way to spend an afternoon, if I do say so myself). And, of course, with buying your own ingredients, you could save yourself some money too.
Before we get started here are a few tips when making your own bath bombs. It is good to know that you only need 2 ingredients to get a fizz, they are sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Every other ingredient is optional, so you don’t need to overcomplicate things on your first try. It is also worthwhile to note that there is a difference between food colouring and cosmetic colourants. Food colouring is not suitable for bath bombs, and I am sure I don’t need to mention that cosmetic colourants should not be used in your next batch of cupcakes. Lastly, when adding fragrances and oils, less is more. Oils can be added to soften skin, but they can also prevent your bath bomb from setting so be sure to start small, a little goes a long way. The same goes with fragrances, including essential oils, too much and you could end up having a skin reaction.
You can use this recipe to make shower steamers too. Simply choose a fragrance or essential oil that you love, eucalyptus is great for a refreshing shower.
Right, let’s get started. Below is a list of what you will need (I have included links in the list below for ease of reference, I may also receive a commission if you buy any of the items listed below):
If you would like a pre-assembled kit of all the ingredients, some gloves and a mould, you can get yours here.
Bath Bomb Ingredients
200g Sodium Bicarbonate
100g Citric Acid
0.5g Liquid Cosmetic Colourant
1-2g Fragrance Oil
Any other additives you may want to experiment with, such as Epsom salts, clays, oils etc.
Equipment
Medium sized mixing bowl
Tray or plate
Method
NOTE: If any powdered ingredient is clumpy give it a quick sieve them before use.
Step 1: Place some baking paper down on the tray you wish to place your bath bombs.
Step 2: Add the sodium bicarbonate to your mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the cosmetic colourant and mix well with your gloved hands. Note, if the colourant is powder-based mix it with a 2-4ml water and then add it to the bicarbonate of soda.
Step 4: Make a well in the coloured bicarb and add the fragrance oil.
Step 5: Mix the contents of the bowl thoroughly until the fragrance is evenly distributed. This can be done by rubbing the powder between your hands.
Step 6: Add any additives you wish to include and mix thoroughly. If you have none, you may skip this step.
Step 7: Add the citric acid to the bowl. Mix thoroughly. The mixture should hold its shape when squeezed in your fist. If the mixture does not hold its shape, you may add a small amount (2-4ml) of water. Do not allow the mixture to get too wet as it will activate the bath bomb and it may not fizz when added to the bath. NOTE: at this step, the mix will start to set so don’t leave it to sit after this point.
Step 8: Place some of the mixture in the mould and press down firmly.
If using a mould with two halves; overfill both halves and press them firmly together. Twist to unmould and place on your covered tray
If using a mould with a flat back; overfill the mould slightly and use the back of a knife (a lollipop stick will work too) to remove the excess mixture. Tip the mould over onto your surface (prepared in Step 1). Lift gently to leave your moulded bath bomb. Continue to do this until all the mixture is used up.
Step 9: Leave the bath bombs to set for 24-48 hours.
Step 10: Relax and enjoy a good soak. You’ve earned it!
If you made them bath bombs (or shower steamers), do leave a comment below or tag me on social media so I can give you a virtual high five!