DIY Bath Bombs || A Complete Step-By-Step Guide

With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to craft fizzy, aromatic, DIY bath bombs from the comfort of your own home. 

Homemade bath bombs can transform an ordinary bath into an extraordinary experience.

And whether you indulge in a hot bath, using your homemade bath bombs at the end of a long day, or before heading to bed, it’s the perfect way to de-stress. 

Add a good book, some low key soothing music (might I suggest classical), a candle or ten, and a glass of wine to elevate your bath into a luxurious, spa-like experience.

When you emerge from the tub, the stressed woman who first sunk in there will be nowhere in sight.

This ritual will quickly become the best part of your self-care routine. You’ll find yourself looking for ways to fit it into your schedule as often as you can.

Are Bath Bombs Good For Your Skin?

DIY bath bombs contain ingredients, such as cornstarch and baking soda, that are known to be beneficial for your skin.

These natural ingredients provide soothing properties, helping to soften your skin as you soak in the bath. 

Other ingredients, like citric acid, are used only to create the chemical reaction that produces the fizzing effect of the bomb.

They are essentially harmless, but don’t necessarily offer any skin enhancing benefits.

However, some people may be sensitive to citric acid, so it’s important to test the bath bomb on your skin before use.

If you have any sensitivities, you may want to consider creating your own bath salts, bath oils, or sugar scrubs instead.

Colorants and essential oils are optional ingredients in DIY bath bombs. They don’t benefit your skin in any way and can be eliminated if you choose.

They do significantly enhance the spa-like element of the experience that comes with the use of these fizzy little bombs of bath time delight. So, I like to add them in.

Ingredients Needed To Make DIY Bath Bombs

To make this DIY bath bombs recipe, you will need a few basic ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery or craft stores.

• Baking soda: Softens skin and promotes relaxation.
• Cornstarch: Helps to calm irritated skin and enhances the bath bomb’s texture.
• Citric acid: Responsible for the fizzing action when the bath bomb hits the water.
• Water: To bring everything together.
• Essential oils: Optional, but great for adding fragrance and mood-boosting benefits.
• Colorants: Optional for creating visually stunning bath bombs (food coloring works well here).

Choosing Essential Oils And Colorants

Pure essential oils are the key to infusing your bath bombs with delightful scents. They are 100% natural, unlike synthetic fragrance oil, making them the better choice for your health as well.

Contrary to popular information provided on the web, it’s not really possible to choose oils that will meet specific health needs. The ratio of oil to bath water is too vast when used in this way. 

However, they can be a nice aromatherapy aid. You might want to use lavender for a calming effect, peppermint for stimulation, or rose for overall well-being.

For colorants, you can use cosmetic-grade coloring pigment or food coloring. Simply mix a bit into the dry ingredients to achieve the desired shade. 

Choosing oils and colorants, that pair well together aesthetically, adds a nice touch to the finished product when making bath bombs, such as; purple colorant for lavender scented bombs or pink colorant for rose scented bombs.

As previously stated, colorants are completely optional. And you can make beautiful bath bombs without them by adding dried flower buds or petals to the molds before the bath bomb mixture. 

The contrast of the petals against the stark white color of the bomb really POPS! Two of my favorite additions are lavender buds and rose petals.

Calendula petals, hibiscus petals, and cornflower petals are great options too.

Choosing The Right Bath Bomb Molds

A good mold can make all the difference in how easy it is to make your bath bombs. You’ll want to consider the shape of the mold for aesthetic purposes.

I’m partial to a big round bath bomb. It feels luxuriant to me. 

But you may have a different preference. The more important aspect of the mold is the material it is created with, and just how easy it is to remove the bath bomb from it without it sticking to the side of the mold.

Stainless steel molds are a little pricier than other options, but they are well worth the investment. They produce a smooth, professional finish on a bath bomb.

If you are planning on selling the bombs you make, this might be the best route for you.

I used silicone molds to make the bombs for this post, and I was very pleased with them overall. They molded the bombs well, and it was very easy to remove them from the mold. 

If you want to experiment using things that you already have around the house as molds, there are many ways you can go. Cupcake tins, ice cube trays, and cookie scoops are all great options. 

When I had my apothecary, I made bath bombs, using a cookie scoop, and sold them in a nicely decorated glass jar.

They were a very popular item. And they were easy to customize with different colors for different occasions. 

In this day and age we have endless varieties of silicone molds available to us, making it possible to create many different shapes.

Check your baking, housewares, candy making, and cake decorating isles at your local store. 

You’re sure to find something that you like. If you can firmly press a bath bomb mixture into it, you’re good to go.

How To Make Your Own DIY Bath Bombs: 6 Simple Steps

Making natural DIY bath bombs is easier than you think! Follow these easy steps to create your own bath bombs that produce lots of fizzy bubbles.

• Mix the Bomb Base: Combine baking soda and cornstarch in a mixing bowl using a whisk.
• Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix your liquid ingredients; essential oils (optional), colorant (optional), and water.
• Combine the Bomb Base and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, blending well. 
• Allow to Rest: Let the blend sit for 3-4 minutes.
• Test the Texture: Check the texture by pressing the mixture into your hands. It should hold together without being too wet. If it holds shape, it’s ready for the mold. If it’s too crumbly, add a few more drops of water.
• Mix in Citric Acid: Slowly mix in the citric acid. Take your time so that the acid doesn’t react with the liquid in the mixture causing the bomb to become inactive.
• Press Mixture into Molds: Firmly press the mixture into your chosen molds. Use your fingers or a spoon to ensure the mixture is tightly packed.
• Let Dry: Allow your bath bombs to dry in the mold for at least 24-48 hours. 
• Remove Bomb from Mold: Remove bombs from mold and set them on a wire rack. Let them sit out for another 24 hours to fully dry and harden.

How To Use A Bath Bomb

Using your DIY bath bomb is as simple as dropping it into warm bath water. As soon as it hits the water, it will start to fizz and release its aroma, providing an instant relaxing experience. 

All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the soothing sensation as your bath bomb works its magic. If a nice relaxing bath is one of your favorite things, use this easy diy bath bomb recipe to raise it to the next level.

And go ahead and make up a few extra bombs to give to someone you know will appreciate a little pampering too. These bombs make a great gift.

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Treat yourself to a little self-care with these handpicked posts that focus on creating your own personal care products. These simple recipes and ideas will help you craft the perfect products for your routine — so you can feel your best, naturally!

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