Bath bombs are amazing and can offer so many benefits in addition to being fun with all the fizz! But, is any bath bomb a good choice? Not really. Unfortunately, most that are on the market today contain loads of dangerous dyes and chemicals that can negatively affect your health.
I just posted an article asking the question: are bath bombs safe? Unless it’s a DIY bath bomb, it’s unlikely, as some of the dangers you’re exposed to include toxic fake fragrances, artificial food dyes and glitter that can enter your bloodstream, disrupt your hormones, cause urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Yay, you probably weren’t aware of all that when you last choose one!
However, the good news is that a DIY bath bomb recipe is very easy to make at home, and you can tailor them to your needs by using certain essential oils.
How to Make DIY Bath Bombs
Let’s get started on this DIY bath bomb recipe! In a glass or ceramic bowl, start with the baking soda, citric acid, sea salt and cornstarch. These are key components and where all the fizz comes from. Once these elements interact with water, especially the baking soda and citric acid, all sorts of excitement takes place. Baking soda has the benefits of detoxify and alkalizing the body, while offering softness to your skin. Sea salt provides magnesium that can be absorbed through the skin, and cornstarch also has the ability of helping soften the skin, giving it a silky feeling. Cornstarch also helps to harden the bath bomb. Blend all ingredients well.
In a separate bowl, let’s combine the liquid ingredients. Add the cream of tartar and the witch hazel to help harden the bath bomb. Cream of tartar is the sediment that comes from the bottom of a wine barrel, but it is not alcoholic. It contains high levels of potassium, but since you are not ingesting it, minimal amounts are absorbed through the skin and usually not a problem; however, if potassium is a concern, make sure to check with your doctor. Witch hazel is also a great toner for the skin containing tons of healing properties. It’s astringent properties are great for acne. (1)
Next, let’s mix in the oils. Almond oil is a great choice because it is light and wonderful for the skin. It can soothe chapped skin and has even been known to heal skin damaged by cancer. Benefit-rich coconut oil is, of course, a great addition. In particular, I love its skin softening capabilities while offering antifungal and antibacterial benefits. (2) Ad
Now, let’s add the wild orange essential oil and the rose essential oil. Wild orange is very uplifting to the body and mind offering an invigorating feeling. Rose essential oil is amazing for depression and decreasing anxiety. It also has benefits for the skin, helps balance hormones and could enhance your libido!
Now combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients for your DIY bath bomb recipe.
Lastly, let’s add a hint of color. Using common, off-the-shelf food dyes can cause problems to your health. Instead, use a little beetroot powder to get a nice rosy-pink color and the added benefits of antioxidants!
Once you have blended all ingredients, you can shape your DIY bath bomb recipe into a ball. If you prefer, you can use a silicon bath bomb mold, lightly greased cookie mold or muffin tins to give it a specific shape. Since the mixture may expand, continue to push it into the mold you have chosen in the early stages of setting.
Allow it to set for 1–2 days so that it can form its shape as it dries. Once dry, store in an airtight container. Storing in the fridge can help keep it fresh since there aren’t any preservatives or chemicals in this bath bomb recipe, but using them within 2–3 weeks is best. And, of course, they make great gifts!
When you are ready to use your DIY bath bomb recipe, simply draw a nice warm bath and drop it in! Enjoy the effervescence and the delightful scents while gaining the relaxation that your body and mind may need.
DIY Bath Bomb Recipe with Wild Orange & Rose Oils
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: Depends on mold size
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup finely ground sea salt
- 1½ teaspoons almond oil (optional apricot oil)
- ½ teaspoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon beet root powder
- wild orange essential oil
- rose essential oil
Directions:
- Blend all dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Blend wet ingredients in a another bowl.
- Combine all ingredients.
- Place in mold of choice or just form a ball about 1–2 inches in diameter.
- Allow the bath bombs to dry for approximately 1–2 days.
- To use, place bath bomb in the bath.
- To store, place in airtight container. Storing in the refrigerator can allow the bath bombs to keep for about 3 weeks.
