How to make bath bombs
We get tons of requests for bath and body product tutorials, and bath bombs are often at the top of our list. Now that we carry a beautiful range of mica powders and essential oils, we knew it was time to perfect our recipe and share it with you!
If you’re a bath person, you probably already have a collection of bath bombs. They’re such a delightful addition to self-care rituals—draw a bath, grab a beverage, have a good book ready, then plop a bath bomb into the tub to signify the start of “me time.”
Bath bombs begin to fizz as soon as they hit the water, releasing their scent and sparkling colors. They’re also a great way to style your bathroom when not in use; you can store these uplifting self-care accessories in a large glass jar or decorative tray to add a pop of fun and ambient fragrance.
The best part about DIY bath bombs? You can customize so many aspects of them! Choose your favorite fragrance or essential oil (just make sure to check IFRA Category 9), customize the color with the mica powder of your choice, and experiment with adding other skin-loving ingredients. This is a basic bath bomb recipe that you can really cater to your preferences.
Additional items needed:
- 9 oz (255 g) baking soda
- 6 oz (170 g) cornstarch
- 6 oz (170 g) citric acid
- 6 oz (170 g) epsom salt
- .5 oz (14 g) rubbing alcohol
- .6 oz (17 g) coconut oil
- .15 oz (4.2 g) polysorbate 80
- Mixing bowls
- Containers to measure ingredients
- Whisk or stirring utensil
- Latex gloves
- Paper towel
- Bath bomb molds
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare supplies and work space
Wash your equipment, molds, and utensils in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Don’t forget your workspace! Avoid any cross-contamination by spraying the area with rubbing alcohol or a 5% bleach solution, then wipe dry with a clean paper towel.
Step 2: Weigh and mix dry ingredients
These are the measurements for the dry ingredients:
- 9 oz (255 g) baking soda
- 6 oz (170 g) cornstarch
- 6 oz (170 g) citric acid
- 6 oz (170 g) epsom salt
- 1 tsp (4.9 mL) mica
One at a time on a tared scale, weigh each dry ingredient—the baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, epsom salt, and mica. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.
Be sure to break up any clumps using your hands or a stirring utensil like a whisk.
Step 3: Weigh and mix wet ingredients
- .5 oz (14 g) rubbing alcohol
- .75 oz (21g) Lavender essential oil
- .6 oz (17 g) coconut oil
- .15 (4.2 g) polysorbate 80
One at a time on a tared scale, weigh each wet ingredient—the essential oil, fractionated coconut oil, polysorbate 80, and isopropyl alcohol. Add each ingredient to a bowl and stir gently.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Slowly pour the mixture of liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. Adding the liquids too quickly could result in some fizz or foam.
Note: Once the ingredients are fully combined, the mixture should stick together when squeezed with your hand. If the mixture is still too crumbly or powdery, you can add a small amount of water.
Step 5: Fill the molds
Fill one half of the bath bomb mold with your mixture, making sure to pack it tightly. Pack the other half of the mold until it is slightly overflowing and then firmly press the two sides together. Hold the two sides of the mold together, and allow any excess mixture to fall away. Set the molds aside to dry for approximetely 1 hour.
Step 6: Remove the bath bombs from the mold
Carefully pull the molds apart to unmold the bath bombs.
Allow the bath bombs to set 24 hrs before using. To use, drop one of your homemade bath bombs into a warm bath and enjoy the fizz, fragrance, and relaxation!
Show off your take on bath bombs and all your handmade creations, with the CandleScience community by tagging us @CandleScience and using the #CandleScientist hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We may feature you in our Stories or on our website!