Why & How To Make Homemade Bath Bombs (+ my five favorite scent options!)
Learn what tools and ingredients you'll need when learning how to make homemade bath bombs as well as why DIY bath bombs are much better than store-bought (especially these headache-relieving DIY bath bombs). And while homemade bath bombs are easy to customize you can also check out five amazing ways to scent your DIY bath bombs.
What You're In For
When To Use Homemade Bath Bombs
Learning how to make homemade bath bombs is an amazing skill to have in your back pocket! DIY bath bombs are great for:
- calming the kids before bed
- a morning activity/craft to do with pre-teen
- saving money
- homemade gifts
Not only are DIY bath bombs easy to make but you're giving people you care about the opportunity to pamper themselves if you use them for gifts.
DIY bath bombs also means that you can customize them and unique to each person you gift to.
My Experience With Homemade Bath Bombs
Confession: For a long time, I hated homemade bath bombs- seriously! For some reason, I couldn't get them to hold together. They crumbled, they didn't fizz or something else went wrong with them.
Learning how to make bath bombs at home was not something that came easily to me. They were almost as bad as the epic fail of DIY sugar and soap scrubs. There were a lot of bad batched. A lot.
And being the frugal person I am, I refused to throw out the bad batches which left me with a jar of "random bath bomb fails" I would spoon into my bath. Since I don't take a whole lot of baths this jar really just hung out in my bathroom for way too long 😛
Since then, I've figured out a few essential tricks when it comes to how to make bath bombs and the perfect homemade bath bomb recipe.
I now have one core formula (below) I use when making DIY bath bombs and teaching my friends how to make homemade bath bombs though I'm sure there are lots others! What I really want to share with you is the biggest tricks I've learned so you know how to make bath bombs at home easily.
Quick Tip: if you're just getting into DIY beauty or skincare products give the blog post "Everything You Need To Know About Making DIY Products" a read. It solves a lot of questions and is a great starting point for beginners!
Why You Should Make Homemade Bath Bombs
Aside from the fact that DIY bath bombs are far cheaper than store-bought, they're also better for your body!
Store-bought bath bombs are often loaded with fragrance and dyes. These ingredients can cause a slew of harmful effects most commonly talked about are hormone disruptions.
Since companies don't need to disclose ingredients in "fragrance" it really leaves us open to absolutely everything.
Learning how to make your own bath bombs means that you're in control of the ingredients and thus, your health. It's always worth it.
Especially since the term "natural" isn't as regulated. This is exactly why I created a list of natural baby products I used personally because so many of us are confused (and rightly so) as to what is actually healthy!
DIY Bath Bombs Ingredients
The ingredients you use in your homemade bath bombs are important. The ratios also took me a long time to figure out.
The list of ingredients below not only helps keep the bath bombs similar to a detox bath but they also ensure maximum fizz.
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 2 tbs almond oil
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon mica
- 3 teaspoon witch hazel
- 20 drops essential oils (for adults)
- Small spray bottle with water
Here's where you can grab a roundup list of my favorite products (and brands) for DIY beauty products and where to buy them.
A Few Notes & Swaps About The Ingredients
I use mica for coloring because it's a natural mineral and I love the color it brings out! It's only fair to warn you though that it does leave a nice shimmer in your bathtub. This means you'll probably want to scrub the bath ring afterward or shortly thereafter.
Truth be told, I only do this when I make them for someone else. For myself, I normally don't color them at all. Or, I just use pink salt (like in these heart-shaped DIY bath bombs) to give a bit of shimmer.
You'll notice I also use almond oil. I find this helps hold the bombs together and also gives a little moisture to your skin! But again, warning: be careful getting out of the bath because the tub might be a bit slippery.
Lastly, witch hazel. This ingredient has a ton of uses but for homemade bath bombs I find it helps the essential oils really bind to the bombs creating a more potent smell.
A quick tip on molds! You can use any silicone mold for bath bombs (muffins, hearts, minis). The circle ones I bought I got locally so I don't have a link for them (womp womp) but they're similar to the medium size on these ones here.
Lastly, if getting them into the molds is freaking you out, keep in mind that making the mixture and simply portioning it into jars for a gift is amazing too! Jars make cute homemade gifts and this way people can scoop as much or little as they like.
Essential Oils For Homemade Bath Bombs
When it comes to essential oils for bath bombs, this is a tricky spot. Obviously, you can opt not to scent them at all. However, more often than not the scent is what makes the bombs!
After far too much research, I choose to use a dilution rate of 10 drops of essential oils to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. This is roughly a 5% dilution rate (this website states you can use up to 20 drops per tablespoon). So while this would be alright for adults, it’s not something I’d recommend for kids.
For kids, I’ve heard it recommended anywhere from 5-20 drops of essential oils for bath bombs. So, I prefer to err on the lighter side. When not in the bath, normally a safe dilution would be 0.5-1% of essential oils to carrier oils. When it comes to homemade bath bombs for kids, I go for 8 drops in total. In my bath bombs for kids, there’s only 1 tablespoon of oil. You can definitely use more if you feel comfortable!
I never used to think twice about essential oil dilutions. However, being around Lea Jacaobson has made me think twice about what I use and how. My advice? Do your research.
Tricks To Making DIY Bath Bombs (Hacks!)
This is where I always stumbled and failed: I could never for the life of me get the bombs to hold together! The always crumbled, I could never get them out of the molds and was left with a jar or crumble or very little fizz.
While the above ingredients do make it better here are a few other crucial tips:
- When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry, mix for longer than you think.
- I used to just kind of throw it all together. But if you spend two solid minutes mixing you will notice a damp like consistency which helps hold the bombs together.
- They won't stick in the bowl and will seem kind of dry but when you press down hard you should notice them get firm. Mix really well and they hold together better.
- Also- the flip. If you're using basic silicone baking molds you can forget this. But if you're making the big round balls, getting the two pieces of the ball together without the contents pouring out can be tricky.
- You have to hold them both sideways and then mash them together. if you try to flip one on top of the other it won't work. Sideways, then into each other. And move fast.
Update: a reader let me in on a secret that she adds the citric acid after the wet ingredients so she's not scrambling and worrying about fizz. Honestly, this is an AMAZING tip.
The Biggest Secret
Only fill your mold halfway. Then, using a silicone spatula, firmly press the mixture into the mold as hard as you can. Spray the top of each bomb ever so lightly with water and repress. Then, fill the mold the rest of the way and repeat (press down, sprat, press down).
You can see a better example of this technique if you check out the in-process images in these stress-relieving bath bombs.
I find I need the double press down or they crumble. There's also a fine line on how much water to spray. 1-2 squirts in a small bottle is perfect. Any more than that and you begin to lose your fizz as the citric acid reacts with the water.
I can't stress enough.. press down firmly.
You want just enough water that it helps them bind and you notice them look somewhat firm. Any more than that and it's too much.
Why Homemade Bath Bombs Are Awesome
As I mentioned above, when you get them right, DIY bath bombs make a really lovely and thoughtful gift (especially these mini ones for kids!) because you can personalize both the color and the scent.
Bath bombs in a spa store run anywhere from $3-7 Canadian per bomb- which is ridiculous!
Learning to make bath bombs allows you to personalize your gifts and is beyond cheaper to do so. Plus, most of the ingredients in bath bombs are also part of a detox bath so the bombs can be really effective!
What To Do After The Bath
Of course, getting your of the bath is the perfect time to slather up with some homemade lotion! But if DIY lotion isn't your thing, you have options.
Primally Pure is my go-to for all-natural beauty products for when I'm too lazy to make my own (or for ones I suck at like deodorant). The reason I love them is that they use ingredients I can both pronounce and purchase - which is hugely important to me. The blue tansy face cream has truly become an addiction 😉
You can read more about my favorite products or hit up Primally Pure and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Scent Ideas For Homemade Bath Bombs
Now into the fun stuff.. scent!
As I mentioned it's extremely thoughtful to give someone a bath of DIY bath bombs made specifically for them. Below are three of my absolute favorites essential oil blends when it comes to bath bombs
These bath bombs are perfect if you need to relax after a long day and get some rest. They help ease both your body and your mind into a relaxed state and prepare you for sleep.
- 10 drops lavender
- 15 drops chamomile
- 5 drops breathe (DoTerra specific blend)
This blend promotes happiness, clarity and calming properties which will help ease away tension.
- 8-10 drops lavender essential oil
- 8 drops grapefruit
- 12 drops orange/citrus
- 5 drops chamomile
- 5 drops clary sage
Perfect if you need a bit of happiness sprung your way. These bombs make you feel light, energized and content.
- 10 drops citrus bliss essential oil
- 5 drops wild orange
- 5 drops lemongrass
Energizer Bath Bombs
These oils have been shown to release tension, stress and boost your alertness they also help to give your mood a bit of a boost.
- 15 drops lemon oil
- 5 drops peppermint oil
These bombs promote relaxation, help relieve tension, and help you slowly relax and unwind.
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Don't forget to pin these tips on How To Make Bath Bombs!
Learning how to make bath bombs at home is one of the easiest, most cost-effective homemade gifts you can make for family and friends. They're simple, pretty, and best of all.. perfectly unique to the individual. Whip up batches of different scents and show your friends how well you know them- everyone needs a bit of pampering!
Sara
I have always wondered how difficult this would be but didn't want to waste money on it knowing that I would fail at it. But I'm pretty sure I have all of these ingredients at home already and these would make great Christmas gifts! Thank you for all of these tips!
fitasamamabear
Haha I failed.. many times! But I finally figured out a few tricks 😉 Thankfully the ingredients are pretty inexpensive and they do make lovely gifts 🙂
Addison
LOVE this article! Thank you, I will be making some bath bombs this weekend 🙂 They are also a great gift idea!
fitasamamabear
have fun making them- I have bunches and love using them for gifts. So simple and so thoughtful!
Erika Ravnsborg
I love bath bombs. They are amazing. The fizz just makes everything melt away
fitasamamabear
Right!? It's so relaxing to just watch them!
Christine
This is awesome! I LOVE taking baths and wish I had more time for them. I am definitely going to try making these bath bombs. Thank you!!!
fitasamamabear
Let me know how they work out for you! My favorite are the sleepy time ones 😉
thatssodarling
So impressive! I don't know if I'd enjoy them as much if I had to make them too lololol.
-Ashley
fitasamamabear
Haha that's fair! Kind of takes the "relax" part out of them 😉
Ngumabi
These are so cute and don't even look like they are homemade
I'm so trying this!
fitasamamabear
Thank you! I normally fail at making things look fancy lol
Carol Little R.H.
Thanks so much for sharing your many times modified and NOW successful recipe!!
Great ideas!!!
fitasamamabear
Haha yes it's been quite the trial! But worth it- I do enjoy them!
The Food Hunter
I need to take more baths it is a great time to relax
fitasamamabear
Yes! With a good book it's sheer luxury.
linda spiker
These are so fun and I happen to adore almond oil!
fitasamamabear
Ah I love almond oil too! I made one batch with avocado oil also and they turned out nice- so hydrating!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Love this! I didn't realize that they're pretty easy to make. This is such a fun way to focus on some self care.
fitasamamabear
They're easy once you get the hang of them! Clearly it took me a bit haha but they are nice to have around!
Becca
Aaahh, I feel relaxed just thinking about these! Bath time isn't just for the littles. 🙂
fitasamamabear
No it's not! Bath and a good book is such an awesome way to wind down!
hal
my niece would absolutely love this project - i'm going to save this one for a rainy day when I need something to do with her!
fitasamamabear
That's a wonderful idea! they're fun to make once you get the hang of it! And I love being able to customize them 🙂
Kelsey
Oooh, I always like to take a bath if I have a headache. Totally gonna make the headache blend! And these would make AWESOME Christmas gifts! 🙂
fitasamamabear
They do make great DIY gifts! All my neighbors/friends get them 🙂
Lucy At Home
I used to use bath bombs all the time, but, since the kids came along, it's rare I get the opportunity to soak in the tub. However, you have inspired me and I think I might be having a go at these!
And congratulations because someone loved this post so much, they added it to the BlogCrush Linky! Feel free to collect your "I've been featured" blog badge 🙂 #blogcrush
fitasamamabear
I know the feeling Lucy! I have a 2yo and an 11 week old haha so baths are normally a rare occurrance. But these do make it relaxing when it happens!
Ohh that's so exciting! I've never heard of BlogCrush I feel so special!
Sheila
How many bath bombs does a recipe make? Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to make them.
fitasamamabear
Hey Sheila,
It depends on your molds! The big circle ones make four but if you do cupcake molds I think it make about six-seven. Hope that helps! They're a fun gift to give 🙂
Emily
The anxiety reducing ones look amazing!!
fitasamamabear
Thank you- they really do smell good!
Amy S.
I find if I mix all the dry (except the citric acid) and wet ingredients together thoroughly and THEN add the citric acid I don't have to worry about adding the liquid to quickly and making it fizz while mixing. My family is a fan of just leaving it loose in a pretty jar in the bathroom. No worries about packing it 🙂
fitasamamabear
Your family is my favorite haha truth be told- I do that a lot too. It's SO much easier and jars make cute gifts! That's a really awesome tip though that I hadn't even thought off- thank you bunches!
Kara
My bath bombs keep cracking. Some of them look perfect when come out but when dry they crack or they won’t stick together in mold. I tried plastic molds , and metal ones and nothing seems to be working.
fitasamamabear
Bath bombs are FINICKY. I'll be the first to admit it took me a silly long time to get them. the trick I've found with cracking is multiple spraying. So, fill the half mold 1/4 way, spray 2-3 times and press it down, fill 2/3 of the way, spray and press down, overfill the half mold, press, spray press. Reapeat on the other half of the mold. Then give it a few more sprays before you jam the two halves together. That sounds complicated but does it make sense? Literally, spraying between pressing them so many times is what saves mine. It could be the liquid to powder ratio is off too but I doubt it. if they're holding together somewhat but not fully, try spraying more!
Donna
I used plastic mold but can’t get them out of the mold.
fitasamamabear
I've never used a full-on plastic mold, the one I have has a special "press point" for the bombs to pop out. My best advice is just to push in on the plastic to try and loosen a bit, they should *hopefully* pop!
Nichole Fritz
Hey there! I am a special ed teacher for 18 and older and we are trying to make bath bombs to sell for our program. I have tried your recipe 5 times now and the bombs are not holding together! I have tried our failed attempts in the water and they seem to be doing what they are supposed to. nice fizzle and scent. I am about to give up on molds and just pour product into a canister and sell it like that.
Any other suggestions for me? I really want to make heart shaped bombs for valentines day.
fitasamamabear
Hey Nicole! From my experience when bath bombs don't hold together (which definitely happens because they're finicky) it's due to two things: the binder (arrowroot or cornstarch) or the pressing method. First, just confirm you're using the right amount of cornstarch/arrwroot. And it's really well mixed in. The second part in holding them together is how you portion them out. If you fill the mold most of the way, then spray and press they won't work: Do it in parts. Fill the mold 1/4-1/3 with mixture, press down firmly, spray, fill another tablespoon or so per mold, press, spray, repeat.
More often than not it's the pressing/spray that is making them crumbly. It takes some practice. One more thing to note: if you're using chunky Empsom salt that can make a difference (too much surface area). Finely ground works better!
Let me know if the troubleshooting helps and if not, I'll see if I send you a quick video! For reference I normally portion/press/spray about four times per mold.
LaNora
I thoroughly enjoy making Bath Bombs!!! I just thought I would maybe help out with the Mica Color not mixing with the oils and dispersing with the bomb just floating to the surface, you can add Polysorbate 80 which I found online will allow the mica to dissolve with the bomb with no residue left behind.
I am always looking for new techniques to improve my experience at making bath products thank you for sharing
fitasamamabear
I love that you enjoy them! They're such a fun project. THANK YOU for the tip on Polysoorbate I've never really looked into that aspect. It would be freaking magical to not have the mica stain anything- amazing tip!
Cheryl Smaciarz
I was wondering about when you take them out of the mold? I made these yesterday, took them out of the mold right away, put them on a plate to dry, I thought, and bu morning they were all hard and spread out into a bunch of blobs and stuck to the plate. Of course, I pried them apart and packaged them for myself.
fitasamamabear
Hey Cheryl,
I typically don't recommend taking them out of the molds for a solid 24 hours. Otherwise they're more prone to be sticky or even crumble. Basically, they're not fully set and nothing has had time to harden. I've taken mine out within 10-12 hours and they're still messy. So wait a good day if you can!
Alexandra
Hi I'm planning to try making bath bombs in a small star shape mold using your recipe, how long should i let them settle before removing them from the mold. It's silicone mold from amazon. Also would storing them in a mason jar afterwards be ok? I'm hoping to start a small side business/hobby from home to bring in extra funds and feel like i can really do this so would appreciate any tips or tricks you are willing to share. Thank you for your time.
fitasamamabear
Hey Alexandra!
You want to let the bombs sit for a full 24 hours- otherwise, they won't harden and stick together. Keep in mind it might take some trial and error on how much/little to spray the bombs to hold together optimally. You want to really press them down and fill the molds almost in quarters (while pressing) so that they hold! You can store them in a mason jar, I do know that sometimes they stick together a bit though but normally they're just fine. If you have any questions or need to troubleshoot feel free to reach out!