DIY Bath Bombs You’ll Love

We all love a good bath, especially as the weather turns cool and a steaming tub of hot water is the perfect way to warm up cold toes. And it only takes a few tweaks to turn your bathroom into a personalized spa – a fluffy towel, a candle, and of course… BATH BOMBS!

We’re big fans at our house, me, my ‘tween daughter, and my 9-year-old son. Bath bombs just make your average bath more fun! But, just like with any beauty products, bath bombs can sometimes be full of artificial fragrances, both of which are a big no-no for my son’s eczema-prone skin.

So, for this holiday season, we decided to make our very own homemade bath bombs. And that’s because we thought they’d be a fun DIY gift for friends (and family), we can customize them to our own personal tastes (and smells), and we’ll know exactly what is in them!

What you’ll need for a basic bath bomb

You’ll need these ingredients for a basic bath bomb base. You can customize your colors, scents and extra ingredients from here!

Supplies:

For customizing:

A note about citric acid:

A lot of people ask – what can I use instead of citric acid in bath bombs? While you can replace citric acid with lemon juice, cream of tartar, I’ve found that a combo of baking powder and apple cider vinegar is the best for making fizzy bath bombs without citric acid.

Sleep better, get softer skin or clear congestion by using the right essential oils

As a certified Aromatherapist, I can’t talk enough about how amazing essential oils are, or how many uses they have. This is especially true when you’re talking about a bath bomb.

Essential oils do way more than smell good! Your trusty oils can be used in your DIY bath bombs to help enhance your bath and support your holistic health – taking them to the next level!

Here are some of my favorite essential oils I personally use all the time!

Clear up congestion – for when you have a stuffy nose

  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus
  • Tea tree

Sleep better – for when you need a good night’s rest

  • Lavender
  • Vetiver
  • Geranium
  • Chamomile

Essential oils for energy – when you need a pick-me-up

  • Sweet Orange
  • Lemon

Essential oils for meditation – when you want mental clarity

  • Palo Santo
  • Frankincense

Basic Bath Bomb Recipe

Supplies:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • coloring pigment – optional
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons almond oil – or melted coconut oil
  • 3/4 tablespoon water
  • 12-15 drops essential oil(s) of your choice
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl (or glass measuring cup)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Bath bomb molds (or muffin tin)
  • If you’re giving these as gifts: Plastic molds you can give away or plastic used for shrink wrapping

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix your baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, cornstarch + powdered color (if you’re using a color)
  2. In a different bowl, combine melted coconut oil, water + your essential oils.
  3. While continually mixing, slowly drizzle your liquid ingredients into your dry ingredients until they’re combined. Your mixture should look a little like a dry, crumbly sand and should NOT be ‘wet.’ A too-wet mixture will activate your fizzy bath bomb mixture!
  4. Tightly, and I mean tightly, pack the mixture into each side of your mold, then press the two sides of your mold together. Let your bath bomb sit overnight in the mold, then tap your mold very carefully to open and remove your bath bomb. It will be fairly fragile, so if you’re planning on giving these as gifts, make sure you transfer these to either plastic molds or shrink-wrap them.

Bonus tips + tricks:

  • Make sure to create a smooth bath bomb by using cornstarch in your formula.
  • To get your bath bombs to harden fully, let them dry for 48 – 72 hours. Don’t use too much moisture to form your bath bombs either, or they can get crumbly.
  • The amount of liquid used may be different if you live in a dry climate. You may need to add some moisture. Just use a spritzer bottle to apply the liquid to your bath bomb(s). This way, you can distribute the liquid for an even coat to bind the ingredients.
  • Spray your bath bomb mold with non-stick spray, so they pop out easily. Just make sure that they are completely dry before using them!

Do you have a favorite way to make your bath feel like a spa? A favorite bath bomb you can’t wait to DIY? Leave your comments below! Be sure to come follow Blendtopia on Facebook to stay connected, and follow us on Pinterest to get even more great ways to help support your mental, physical, and emotional wellness (and of course, more great DIYs).