How to Make Bath Bombs (a Comprehensive Guide)

Learning how to make bath bombs can seem overwhelming when you’re working with ingredients you may not be that familiar with, but it is really easy and only takes a few steps! Here is a super simple recipe to make your own homemade bath bombs, plus lots of extra information so you can be a pro at all things bath bombs.

How to Make Bath Bombs

This easy bath bomb recipe is enough to make about 8 bath bombs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cups baking soda
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon coloring pigment (optional)
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tbsp water
• 15 drops essential oil

Tools:

• large bowl
• small bowl
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• bath bomb molds

Instructions:

Add baking soda, Epsom salt, citric acid, cornstarch, and coloring pigment (if using) to a large bowl. Mix together well.

Mix coconut oil, water, and essential oils together in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously to mix well.

SLOWLY add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. If it starts fizzing, add it more slowly. Keep going until fully incorporated. Mix together until the consistency is similar to wet sand.

Add your bath bomb mixture to your bath bomb mold , packing tightly. Allow them to sit in the molds for about 4 hours, then remove and set on parchment paper or a baking sheet until fully dry, about 20 more hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been asked a lot of questions about making bath bombs over the years, so here are some quick and easy answers to frequently asked questions.

What Makes Bath Bombs Work?

In short, it’s the reaction of the baking soda with the citric acid. Because baking soda has a high pH and citric acid has a low pH, the reaction of the two creates carbon dioxide bubbles when it hits the water.

Cornstarch acts as a thickening and binding agent, slowing the viscosity and fizz of the bath bomb, making it last longer (source).

Epsom salt is a great addition to bath bombs, because it can be good for your muscles and skin, while loosening joints.

The coconut oil and water help create a consistency that helps form and shape the bath bomb. Coconut oil is also great for your skin.

Essential oils provide a variety of benefits, depending on which one you use, but most of all, it adds lovely natural fragrance to your bath. And of course, the coloring pigment is fun if you want to change the color of your bath water.

How to use a Bath Bomb

• Plug your bath tub.
• Fill the bath with warm water.
• Once the bath is full, get in the tub.
• Add the bath bomb and watch it fizz and bubble!
• Soak for 20 minutes, or longer, if you like.

This article on how to use a bath bomb provides more tips on how to enjoy your bath bombs and turn your bath into a spa-like experience!

Are Bath Bombs Safe for Kids?

The short answer is yes. Most homemade bath bombs are safe and fun for kids without allergies (my two little ones LOVE these bath bombs for kids with hidden toys inside), because they’re made with all natural ingredients. If you purchase bath bombs from the store, you’ll want to watch out for heavy or artificial fragrances, dyes, and glitters, which can be unsafe and irritating to the skin.

Also, this goes without saying, but never leave a young child unassisted in the bath.

You’ll also want to be careful about which essential oils you use in bath bombs for kids, because not all essential oils are appropriate for younger children. Here is a guide on safe essential oil use for children.

How Long do DIY Bath Bombs Last?

Homemade bath bombs last up to 6 months, as long as you store them in a dry container away from water.

What Essential Oils are good for Bath Bombs?

There are a lot of different essential oils you can use in homemade bath bombs, depending on what you’re in the mood for. I love relaxing bath bombs, so I often use lavender, roman chamomile, and serenity.

When I’m not feeling well, I turn to eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree essential oil.

This article has more ideas on essential oils for bath bombs.

Can you make Bath Bombs without Cornstarch?

Yes, you can totally make bath bombs without cornstarch. As I mentioned earlier, cornstarch is a thickening and binding agent, which slows down the rate at which the bath bomb dissolves.

But, yes, you can omit cornstarch and the citric acid and baking soda will still create the bath bomb effect, just more rapidly.

Here is my favorite bath bomb recipe without cornstarch.

Can I make Bath Bombs without Buying a Mold?

Yep! If you don’t want to spend extra money, you can certainly make bath bombs without special molds. There are many household items that can be used instead!

Some super easy ideas for DIY Bath Bomb Molds:

• Muffin Tins
• Silicone Molds
• Measuring Cups
• Ice Cube Trays
• Cookie Cutters

Here is a quick reference guide on how to use DIY bath bomb molds from household items.

Other Bath Bomb Recipes

I love making bath bombs and have a lot of different types of bath bomb recipes. If you want something a little more tailored or seasonal, check these out!

• Lush Bath Bomb Recipe
• DIY Mini Bath Bombs
• Relaxing Lavender Bath Bombs
• Rosehip Oil Bath Bombs
• Calendula Bath Bombs
• Epsom Salt Bath Bombs
• DIY Christmas Bath Bombs

Pin it –>

Save this guide to your DIY Bath Pinterest board so you can make bath bombs any time you want!

More DIY Bath Recipes

Love making your own DIY bath recipes? Here are some other recipes you may be interested in!

• 8 Homemade Bath Salt Recipes
• How to Take a Baking Soda Bath
• Homemade Soap Loofah