Fizz & Fun: How To Make Homemade Bath Bombs
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Time to read 9 min
Are you looking to elevate your self-care routine? Bath bombs are a delightful addition to any bath, transforming an ordinary soak into a luxurious experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the wonderful benefits of bath bombs, how to make bath bombs at home specifically for personal use, the science behind their fizzy magic, and popular scent combinations that will invigorate your senses. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
The Benefits of Bath Bombs The Science Behind Bath Bombs Understanding IFRA Guidelines Popular Scent Combinations for Bath Bombs How to Make Bath Bombs at Home for Personal Use Ingredients Needed How to calculate how much fragrance oil to use? I don’t have any citric acid, what do I do? Equipment Required: Step-by-Step Instructions: Are there any side effects to using bath bombs? Conclusion FAQs
The Benefits of Bath Bombs
Bath bombs offer a myriad of benefits that go beyond just looking pretty in your tub!
Relaxation and Stress Relief: After a long day, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm bath filled with the soothing fizz of a bath bomb. The combination of warm water and calming scents can help melt away stress and tension, providing a moment of blissful relaxation.
Skin Benefits: Many bath bombs contain ingredients like Epsom salt and nourishing oils that can hydrate your skin. Epsom salt is known for its ability to soothe sore muscles, while natural oils can leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Aromatherapy: The scents released by bath bombs can significantly enhance your mood. Whether you prefer the calming aroma of lavender or the refreshing scent of citrus, different fragrances can promote emotional well-being and transport you to a state of tranquillity.
The Science Behind Bath Bombs
Before we explore how to make bath bombs, have you ever wondered why bath bombs fizz? The magic happens due to a chemical reaction between baking soda and citric acid. When these two ingredients come into contact with water, they react to create carbon dioxide gas, resulting in that delightful fizzing effect.
Each ingredient plays a specific role in this process. Baking soda is the base that helps create the fizz, while citric acid provides the acidity needed for the reaction. Epsom salt offers muscle-relaxing benefits, and oils add both scent and moisturising properties to your bath.
Understanding IFRA Guidelines
(What is IFRA?)
When it comes to adding fragrance oils to your bath bombs, it's essential to prioritise safety! This is where the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) comes into play. IFRA sets standards and guidelines for the safe use of fragrance ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. These guidelines help determine the maximum allowable concentration of fragrance oils based on their potential impact on skin and overall health, so it is very important to consult the IFRA when learning how to make bath bombs. By adhering to IFRA guidelines, you can calculate the percentage of fragrance oil that is safe to use in your bath bombs, ensuring that you create a delightful aromatic experience without compromising safety. Always check the IFRA compliance for each fragrance you use to ensure you’re within the recommended limits.
Check out the below video for more help with the IFRA documentation:
Popular Scent Combinations for Bath Bombs
Choosing the right scents is a key part in learning how to make bath bombs. The right fragrance will really elevate your bathing experience. Here are some popular scents and their benefits:
- Lavender : Known for its calming properties, perfect for winding down.
- Peppermint : Invigorating and refreshing, great for a morning boost.
- Eucalyptus : Helps clear the mind and promotes relaxation.
- Citrus : Uplifting and bright, ideal for energizing your spirit.
Feel free to get creative! Try blending scents like eucalyptus and mint for a refreshing experience, or mix rose and geranium for a floral delight. Why not add orange zest or rose petals for an added surprise in your bathtub? The possibilities are endless, and personalising your creations can make bath time even more special.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery… we offer the following fragrance oils, dupes of some very well-known scents from a certain UK bath bomb company...
(you know the one where the staff jump on you as soon as you walk through the door!)
You can view our full list of dupes here
How to Make Bath Bombs at Home for Personal Use
So finally, the answer to your question, how to make bath bombs? It's one of those questions we hear all the time!
How to make bath bombs? How to make bath bombs? How to make bath bombs?!
Creating your own bath bombs at home is
not only fun but also allows you to customise them to your liking.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup ( 250g) baking soda
- 1/2 cup (100g) citric acid*
- 1/2 cup (115g) Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup (60g) corn starch (cornflour)
- 2-3 teaspoons water
- fragrance oil (your choice!)
- Optional: food colouring, natural colourants or glitter
How to calculate how much fragrance oil to use?
To calculate this correctly, remember you need to check the IFRA certificate for your chosen fragrance oil, to confirm what the maximum percentage of oil is that can be used safely in your bath bomb! The percentage on the IFRA is based on the total weight of the product, so bear this in mind when calculating the weight of oil to be used! This can trip some people up when they are learning how to make bath bombs.
For example, if the IFRA document says that the maximum percentage of a fragrance that can safely be used in a bath bomb is 25%, this means that out of your completed bath bomb, no more than 25% of the bomb can be made up of fragrance oil. Always remember the maximum amount is not a target, it is just the maximum amount that can safely be used in your product.
Use our handy scent load calculator to make things even easier!
*I don’t have any citric acid, what do I do?
Whilst citric acid is an essential part of the process of how to make bath bombs, there are many reasons why you may not be able to use it. Does this mean that you will never learn how to make bath bombs? No! Citric acid can be replaced with the same amount of lemon juice, cream of tartar, or just use baking soda on its own, see below:
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice and citric acid are similar in that they both contain citric acid but differ in composition and concentration. Lemon juice contains about 5-7% citric acid, making it much less concentrated than citric acid in its pure powdered form. Lemon juice also contains naturally derived components such as water, sugars, and other acids.
Baking Soda Alone: If you prefer to avoid acidic ingredients altogether, you can simply use baking soda as the main ingredient. While you may miss out on some fizz, it will still provide a soothing experience in the bath.
Cream of Tartar: This is another mild option that can be used in place of citric acid. It helps stabilise mixtures and can contribute some fizz when combined with baking soda.
Always conduct a patch test before using any new ingredients to ensure they won’t cause irritation!
How To Make Bath Bombs- Equipment Required:
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Silicone moulds*
*Don’t have any moulds to hand? Try the below DIY options!
Ice Cube Trays: Simple and accessible, ice cube trays can be used to create smaller bath bombs. Just make sure they are well-packed and allow enough drying time.
Muffin or Cupcake Tins: These can create larger bath bombs. Line the cups with greaseproof paper for easier removal.
Balloon Moulds: Inflate a balloon to your desired size, then fill the balloon with your bath bomb mixture. Once it’s dry, you can pop the balloon and remove it, leaving you with a round bath bomb.
How To Make Bath Bombs: Step-by-Step Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch (cornflour). Whisk thoroughly to remove any lumps.
In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: water, fragrance oils, and food colouring (if using).
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, a little at a time, while constantly whisking. The mixture should hold together when squeezed without fizzing.
Pack the mixture tightly into your moulds—you'll need to use two-sided moulds to create a complete sphere. After slightly overfilling each half, secure them together with elastic bands until the mixture is completely dry. It is perfectly fine to skip securing the moulds together for an easier option; this will give a half-sphere-shaped bath bomb. Let them dry for at least 24 hours.
Once dry, carefully remove the bath bombs from the moulds and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them. Et voila! You've just learnt how to make bath bombs!
Are there any side effects to using bath bombs?
Bath bombs are typically safe to use, but it's important to be aware of your own sensitivities and the ingredients in the products you choose when learning how to make bath bombs. Below are some potential side effects to be aware of, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or certain health conditions.
Increased Sensitivity to Sunlight: Ingredients like lemon juice or certain essential oils can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn. Therefore, it is advisable to enjoy your bath bombs at night just before bed!
Skin Irritation: Certain ingredients in bath bombs, particularly synthetic fragrances, dyes, or preservatives, may cause redness, itching, or rashes in some people. If you suffer from sensitive skin, consider making your bath bombs without any dyes or preservatives. You may also wish to use your chosen fragrance oil at lower concentrations.
Dry Skin: Overusing bath bombs, especially those containing high amounts of citric acid, may strip natural oils from the skin, resulting in dryness.
Hydration: Long soaks in hot water with bath bombs can lead to dehydration. It's essential to stay hydrated before and after using them!
Conclusion
Making bath bombs at home can be a delightful and rewarding experience. Not only do they offer numerous benefits for relaxation and skin care, but creating your own allows for endless customisation.
So why not gather your ingredients and start crafting your perfect bath bombs? Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
FAQs
Why do my bath bombs fizzle too much?
Excess moisture, such as too much liquid (like lemon juice), can cause premature fizzing. Make sure to add wet ingredients slowly and in small amounts.
How should I store my bath bombs?
What to do now that you have learnt how to make bath bombs? The house will be coming down with them, but where to put them? Remember to always store bath bombs in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent them from absorbing moisture and losing their fizz!
What if my bath bombs crumble when I remove them from the mould?
If they crumble, they may have been too dry or not packed tightly enough. Adjust your technique for the next batch, ensuring the right consistency and pressure in the moulds.
How to make bath bombs more moisturising?
You can add oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil to your bath bomb mixture to enhance its moisturising properties.
NI Candle Supplies specialises in high-quality candle-making materials, offering a diverse range of waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Committed to inspiring creativity, we provide resources for beginners and seasoned artisans. Our mission is to empower candle makers with quality products and expert guidance, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share a passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
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