Article
Our Guide to Making Bath Bombs from Scratch
Diving into the world of homemade bath bombs is not just about creating a fizzing delight; it's about tailoring a spa-like experience right in your own bathroom. With the "Bath Bomb Recipe from Scratch" from Wholesale Supplies Plus, you embark on a simple yet gratifying journey. This easy bath bomb recipe serves as your gateway to customizing your relaxation ritual. To enhance your experience and ensure success, we've compiled additional information, tips, and guidelines, along with answers to some frequently asked questions about making bath bombs from scratch.Crafting bath bombs from scratch is a delightful way to personalize your relaxation time. This simple bath bomb recipe not only paves the way for creative expression but also ensures that your soaking experience is exactly as you envision it—tranquil, rejuvenating, and uniquely yours. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, the process of how to make bath bombs from scratch is an enriching journey towards embracing self-care and the joys of homemade beauty products. INFORMATION
Difficulty: Intermediate
Yield: 9-10 Large (3″, about 8 oz each) Bath Bombs
TIMING
Prep Time / Clean Up: 15 Minutes
Perform Time: 25 Minutes
Drying Time: 2 Hours
Total Time: 2 Hours 40 Minutes, 40 Minutes Active Time
SUPPLIES
Digital Scale
Bath Bomb Mold of Your Choice
2 Large mixing bowls
Spoon or spatula
Microwaveable bowl, or 4-cup pyrex measuring cup
Latex or nitrile gloves
Muffin Pan
Plastic Wrap
INGREDIENTS
45 oz / 1276 g Baking Soda (available at grocery or bulk discount stores)
20 oz / 567 g Citric Acid
6 oz / 170.1 g Epsom Salts (available at pharmacies)
1 oz / 28.3 g White Kaolin Clay
1 oz / 28.3 g Cream of Tartar (available from the grocery store. Try the bulk aisle for the best price.)
0.5 oz Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) (Optional)
1 oz / 28.3 g Cocoa Butter
2 oz / 56.7 g Shea Butter OR Mango Butter
1 oz / 28.3 g Apricot Kernel Oil, or other light carrier oil of your choice
1 oz / 28.3 g Polysorbate 80
2 oz / 56.7 g Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil
2 oz / 56.7 g 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (available from pharmacies) *
1 tsp / 5 mL Water-Soluble Liquid Colorant or tap water.
*Note: if using 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, add ½ tsp additional water or liquid colorant to your recipe. This product is sometimes available at pharmacies and is available online from Amazon.DIRECTIONSBefore starting this tutorial please make sure to read all instructions. Use caution when handling melted oils. Do not weigh fragrance oils into plastic containers; use glass or stainless steel. Use gloves when mixing to keep your manicure from getting scratched. Also, be sure to prep your muffin pan in advance. To do this, simply cover the muffin pan in plastic wrap. Don’t pull too tightly – you want the plastic wrap to be a little hammock for your bath bombs as they dry.Step 1 – Melt ButtersMelt the cocoa butter and shea butter or mango butter in a microwaveable bowl or 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup for about 3 minutes on high power, or until melted, stirring midway through. Alternatively, melt the butter mixture in a double boiler on the stovetop. Set aside to cool briefly.Step 2 – Combine Dry IngredientsWhile your oils cool, combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Break up any clumps using your fingers.Step 3 – Combine LiquidsAdd the sunflower oil, polysorbate 80, isopropyl alcohol, liquid colorant (or tap water), and the fragrance oil to the melted butter. Stir to combine.Step 4 – Combine All IngredientsPour the oil mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix with your hands to combine, breaking up any clumps.Step 5 – MoldClick the links below for instructions on using the corresponding Bath Bomb Mold type of your choice:
Stainless Steel
Perfector
Plastic
Step 6 – DryingPlace the finished bath bombs on a lined muffin pan as you complete them to prevent them from losing their perfect circular shape.Allow to dry for two hours before moving. Allow to dry for 24 hours before using. Let's go over some extra tips and guidelines you can follow to ensure this easy bath bomb recipe yields even more successful batches for your next creation! A superior homemade bath bomb recipe begins with the foundation of top-notch ingredients. It's crucial that the baking soda and citric acid, which are the core components of bath bombs, are fresh and devoid of any lumps. Fresh ingredients ensure a reactive fizz and a smooth texture in your final product. If you encounter any clumps, sift them out before starting. This step ensures that your bath bombs will be uniform and dissolve evenly when dropped into water. One of the joys of learning how to make bath bombs from scratch is the ability to customize them to your personal preferences. When adding colors and fragrances, start with a conservative amount and adjust according to your taste. Essential oils are potent, so a few drops are often enough to create a pleasing aroma without being overwhelming. Similarly, use colorants formulated for use in bath bombs to achieve vibrant hues without staining your bathtub. Experimenting with different combinations can be fun, but always remember to mix thoroughly to avoid any pockets of concentrated color or fragrance. The choice of mold is essential in determining the shape and solidity of your bath bombs. Specialized bath bomb molds are designed to perfectly pack the mixture, but kitchen items like muffin tins or ice cube trays can also serve as effective alternatives. The key to preventing your bath bombs from crumbling is to pack the mixture tightly into the mold. This compactness ensures that the bath bomb holds its shape and doesn't fall apart when handled. After crafting your bath bombs, patience in allowing them to dry is vital. Rushing this process can lead to bath bombs that crumble or crack. Ideally, let them sit undisturbed overnight or even longer in a dry environment to ensure they harden properly. Humidity is the enemy of bath bombs in the drying stage, so choose a dry, warm spot for the best results. The longer they dry, the more robust and fizzier they'll be when it's time to use them. Proper storage is the final step in ensuring your bath bombs remain fresh, fragrant, and fizzy until you're ready to use them. Moisture can activate the fizzing reaction prematurely, so keeping them in a cool, dry place is crucial. Airtight containers are ideal for prolonging the shelf life of your bath bombs, protecting them from humidity and preserving their essential oil fragrances. Why is my bath bomb mixture crumbling?Crumbling can occur if the mixture is too dry. To remedy this, lightly spritz your mixture with witch hazel or water using a spray bottle. Be cautious; too much liquid can trigger the fizzing reaction prematurely.How can I make my bath bombs more colorful?Incorporate mica powders into your mixture for a vibrant touch. Integrate the color slowly and evenly to achieve a consistent hue throughout the bath bomb.Can I add extras to my bath bombs, like petals or glitter?Absolutely! Adding dried flower petals, cosmetic-grade glitter, or even oatmeal can elevate the visual appeal and add benefits to your bath experience. Ensure these additions are skin-friendly and soluble in water to avoid bathtub residue.Why aren’t my bath bombs fizzing as much as I expected?A lackluster fizz could be due to an imbalance in the ratio of baking soda to citric acid, which should ideally be 2:1. Also, ensure your bath bombs are completely dry before use, as moisture can dampen the reaction.How long do homemade bath bombs last?When stored properly in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place, your bath bombs can last up to six months. However, for best performance, consider using them within the first three months.