Easy Bath Bomb Recipes
If you haven’t heard about bath bombs, you’ve surely seen them. They are not only in most beauty shops, but have even begun popping up in grocery stores and other random places! They’re typically brightly colored, smell delicious, and are found in all shapes and sizes, catching your attention right as you’re getting ready to make a purchase. They are all the rage right now, with some bath bombs going for more than a movie ticket!
For example, check out this amazing, out-of-the-box idea from Soozooya: an edible, drinkable, Unicorn Pool Float Bath Bomb!
Is this DIY idea still a little bit too much for you? If you're not yet convinced they’re worth your time or money, then read on. We’ve read all about bath bombs and are ready to break it down for you, below.
What are bath bombs?
At their basic level, bath bombs are a variety of ingredients that are typically beneficial to your health, packed together tightly. When they are placed in water, they essentially fizz in the water, leaving your water smelling good and feeling smooth.
Why is bathing good for you?
Before diving into the benefits of bath bombs specifically, let’s talk about bathing in general. Yes, soaking in a bath comes with quite a few health benefits, and can improve your health in a multitude of ways! It can:
1. Improve heart health
Did you know that the warm water from your bath makes your heart beat faster? Don’t worry, that isn’t a bad thing (as long as the water temperature isn’t too high!). If anything, that warmth gives your heart a healthy workout, making your heart beat faster, which in turns improves blood circulation to the entire body. It can even help lower your blood pressure!
2. Help you breathe easier
With your blood circulation improved in the warm bath water, your breathing benefits too! Why? Because, with your heart beating faster, you naturally breathe more. And, of course, with the natural steam from the water flowing around you, you’ll find your sinuses begin to clear up, your chest to get some relief, and your mind to become clear as it gets more oxygen.
3. Support your brain and nervous system
Yes, soaking in a bath really can help your brain! Taking the time to relax in warm water actually calms your nervous system. And when your nervous system is calm, any stress or anxiety you may have begins to reduce. It helps to improve your mood, think more clearly, and focus on your life more!
4. Relieves pain in your muscles, joints, and bones
Does bathing really help your body to relax? Absolutely! The warm temperature of a bath actually helps to alleviate joint and muscle discomfort. So whether you’re dealing with some arthritis aches, have sore muscles after a long workout, or have pain in any other joints or muscles, you’ll find that pain begins to melt away once you’re soaking in a bath!
5. Cleanses and moisturizes your skin, hair, and eyes
How many of us have heard that taking a bath isn’t effective because you are simply soaking in dirty water? We sure have! But interestingly enough, the body loves bathing. With the heat and steam of the bath, your body naturally opens your pores on your skin and makes you start sweating, which is the body’s natural cleaning process. Your hair thrives off of moisture and is healthier from the steam exposure. And, especially if you have dry eyes, your eyes will absorb the moisture from a bath, providing you some relief.
Convinced yet that baths are, in fact, good for your health? We sure are! Which makes bath bombs sound even more appealing. But the cost can be a definite deterrent. The good news is, making bath bombs isn’t that complicated, as long as you have the basic ingredients and tools on hand!
What goes in a bath bomb?
As you’ll soon read, you can make a variety of bath bombs. All you need are the basic tools and ingredients to get started.
Baking soda
It’s what makes a bath bomb a bath bomb. Combined with the citric acid (below), it creates the fizzing action that is the highlight of the bath bomb experience.
Citric acid
While not as common of an ingredient, it is what makes bathing with a bath bomb feel like soaking in a glorious drink. This combined with the baking soda creates that fizzing, bubbling feeling throughout the bath.
Corn starch
That smooth, silky feeling you hear about with bath bombs? That’s from the corn starch, an ingredient you have to have for an effective bath bomb.
Oil
It helps hold everything together. Coconut oil and olive oil work, but you can make your bath bomb more luxurious with argan oil, among others.
Salt
Epsom salt is ideal for bath bombs, but basic salt would work as well.
Liquid
Water works great as your liquid, but if you’re looking for a little extra, you can find liquids like witch hazel, that will provide a more soothing bath experience.
Colors and scents
If you’re looking to get creative with your bath bombs, this is where you do it. You can add in essential oils, dried herbs, and even natural dyes!
Molds
You’ll need to put your bath bombs into something to dry that is also each to pull out. You can buy molds specific for bath bombs, or you can use something like a muffin tin.
Bath Bomb Recipes
Now that you know what you need to make a bath bomb, enjoy these recipes. We’ve even included the health benefits of the ingredients to make sure you find a bath bomb that helps you relax, heal, and rejuvenate your body!
Basic Bath Bomb
- 8 ounces baking soda (about 1 cup)
- 4 ounces citric acid (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) sea salt or Epsom salt
- 4 ounces cornstarch (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons oil of choice
- 2 teaspoons witch hazel (or water) plus a little more if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or more water)
- 30-40 drops of essential oils or powdered dried herbs (such as ginger)
Directions
- Combine dry ingredients (baking soda, salt, citric acid, and cornstarch) in a large bowl and mix well until combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the oil, witch hazel, and vanilla extract. Stir well. Add essential oils, if using.
- Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients a few drops at a time. Mix well with hands (wear gloves if you have sensitive skin). Add powdered dried herbs if using.
- Mixture should hold together without crumbling when squeezed. You may need to add slightly more witch hazel if it hasn’t achieved this consistency.
- Quickly push mixture into molds, greased muffin tins, or any other greased container. Press in firmly and leave at least 24 hours (48 is better) or until hardened. The mixture will expand some, which is normal. You can push the mixture down into the mold several times while it is drying to keep it from expanding too much. (Note that using the metal molds will create a stronger and more effective final bath bomb.)
- When dry, remove and store in air tight container or bag. Use within 2 weeks.
(Via Wellness Mama)
White Tea Coconut Oil Bath Bomb
White tea: high levels of antioxidants reduces oxidative stress to skin, keeping it looking young, healthy, and vibrant.
Coconut oil: the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil alone means that your skin gets added moisturizing benefits, giving your skin a healthy, supple look.
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 2 tablespoons Epsom salts
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 5 to 6 teaspoons white tea
- A few drops essential oils, optional
- All-natural food coloring, optional
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, and salts. With a whisk or dough cutter, work the coconut oil into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles sand with some larger chunks of oil.
- Working 1 teaspoon at a time, slowly add the liquid to the dry ingredients, stirring it in immediately with a large spoon. The mixture will foam slightly with each addition. Add the liquid until your mixture resembles slightly damp sand. *Be sure to only add 1 teaspoon of liquid at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If you add too much at one time, it will not stop fizzing. It should still be primarily dry, but when you squeeze a handful together, it should stick in a lump.
- If you wish to add coloring or essential oils, do so by mixing them into the liquid ingredients. Before adding the liquid ingredients, divide the dry mixture equally between three bowls. Then divide the liquid ingredients into three equal parts (2 teaspoons each). To one bowl, add the plain liquid (for a white bomb mixture). For pink, for example, add a small amount of pink food coloring to the liquid, then stir it in. Then repeat with green food coloring for green bombs.
- Once the mixture is ready, press it firmly and tightly into each mold. Allow them to dry for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight. Remove from the molds and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Bath Bombs for Specific Ailments
For whatever your ailment is, use this basic bath bomb recipe to make a bath bomb for yourself! Then add in the healing ingredients listed below:
- 1/2 cup Epsom salts
- 2 Tbsp. organic, raw virgin coconut oil
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid – can be found at your local grocery store in the canning section
- Essential oils
Directions
- Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, mixing slowly. You may see some fizz happening already, but that is okay.
- Form the ingredients into small ball shapes.
- Prepare a muffin pan with a few drops of olive oil to make sure each muffin compartment is oiled slightly, so the bath bombs don’t stick after they dry.
- Take the small balls and firmly push them into each muffin mold. Note: don’t put too much of the mixture in, as they expand.
- Leave in a well-ventilated area for at least 3 hours or until they are dry upon touch. If it is muggy, you may need to let them dry overnight.
- Pop them out of each mold and place in an airtight bag.
Using this basic bath bomb recipe, replace the essential oils listed with the ones below to match your ailment.
Cold and Flu
Eucalyptus: contains eucalyptol and alpha terpineol oils that increase respiratory function and promote easy breathing. Add 4 drops.
Peppermint: is calming to your digestive system, quiets nausea and reduces stomachaches. It also helps to open up your nasal passages. Add 2 drops.
Energizer Bath Bomb
Grapefruit oil: is both invigorating and energizing. It is frequently used to support the liver and gallbladder. It also purifies, cleanses, and promotes a balanced metabolism. Add 4 drops.
Lemon: will purify the air. It is both stimulating and energizing, and helps to protect against seasonal flu bugs. Add 2 drops.
Relaxation Bath Bomb
Lavender: is noted for its calming properties. It can calm down skin irritations and can soothe tension from both the muscles and the mind. Add 4 drops.
Frankincense: promotes immunity and cellular health. It is also anti-inflammatory and can evoke feelings of peace, relaxation, and well-being. Add 2 drops.
Bath bombs are a relaxing and affordable way to destress from life. And reducing that stress keeps your mind, body, and skin feeling as healthy, young, and vibrant as possible. We’re heading to the bath – you should do the same!
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