Why pay the ridiculous prices in the stores for bath bombs when making homemade bath bombs is an easy, fun project you can even do with the kids? The “secret ingredient” that makes the bath bombs fizz is citric acid. It can be a bit difficult to find in stores, but not impossible. If you are stuck for a source, you can order online.
The other ingredients are very common: baking soda, witch hazel, a moisturzing oil such as cocoa butter or jojoba oil (your choice) and fragrance and color if you choose.
As Janice described in the video, you can use most anything for a mold; muffin tins or soap or candy molds work well. If you want to add dried herbs or flowers to your bath bombs, add them to your molds before you press in your bath bomb mixture. Your homemade bath bombs may not be perfectly round like the commercial ones, but who cares? Customize them with your own blends of essential oils to make your own one of kind creations.
Here’s a basic recipe for bath bombs:
* 1 cup Baking Soda
* 1/2 cup Citric Acid
* 15 drops Essential Oil*
* 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. jojoba oil
Witch hazel in a spray bottle)
*Certain essential oils should not be used in bath products because of their potential to sting sensitive skin areas. According to saltworks.us, these oils include: basil, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, and bay (Pimenta and Laurus) and oils that you know can cause sensitivity to your skin.
Instructions:
* Add dry ingredients to a large, clean mixing bowl. (To ensure that your dry ingredients are lump-free, pour them through a sieve first.) Mix together well.
* Add your essential oils drop-by-drop into your dry ingredient mixture. Stir well. Don’t be alarmed if it fizzes a little; this is normal.
* Slowly add jojoba oil with one hand while mixing the ingredients with your other hand. Or ask a friend for a little help!
* Use a spray bottle to add the witch hazel to the mixture slowly. Spritz, mix in with your hands and repeat only until the mixture just sticks together when pressed firmly. Be careful not too moisten the mixture too much.
Visit The Handcrafter’s Companion for some more terrific homemade bath bombs and spa product recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different blends of essential oils and dried herbs and flowers to create memorable bath bombs. Tip: Enclose your dried herbs and flowers in a little cheese cloth bag inside of your bath bomb so you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning up afterwards. Go easy on the color too–older style bathtubs can get stained, so don’t go too overboard.