How to Make Bath Bombs at Home: A Beginner’s Guide

Published by N-Essentials Team on 22nd Dec 2023

Reviewed By: Kacie La

Bath bombs make unwinding a little more exciting. There are so many different colours, variations and scents available for you to explore, making bath time an adventure from the second you start running the water.

While it’s fun to go to stores and buy all sorts of new bath bombs, you can enjoy them even more when you make them yourself! With the right bath bomb-making supplies, you can DIY all sorts of fun, crazy combinations rather than be limited to what’s in stock at your local store.

If you’re new to the arts and crafts world and are unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Read N-Essentials’ comprehensive guide and start making your bath bombs today!

Why Make Your Own Bath Bombs?

There are several reasons why you should create your own bath bombs, including:

Control Over Ingredients

When you make and collect your own ingredients for bath bombs, you know exactly what is going into that powdery little ball. You can rest assured that there are no unexpected nasties or anything you may be allergic to since you are the one creating it! Tailor the ingredients and scents exactly to your liking, and enjoy the satisfaction of using a product that is perfectly customised to your preferences.

Creative Satisfaction

Creating your own bath bombs offers a unique sense of creative satisfaction. It's a delightful blend of science and art, where you mix ingredients, experiment with colours and scents, and shape the final product. This creative process not only produces a useful item but also provides a fulfilling outlet for self-expression and innovation, adding a personal touch to your self-care routine.

Types of Bath Bombs

Fizzing Bath Bombs

Fizzing bath bombs are the classic type, known for their lively effervescence when dropped in water. They typically contain baking soda and citric acid, which react to create the fizzing action. These bath bombs are perfect for adding excitement to your bath time, offering a playful sensory experience with their bubbling sound and feel.

Ambience Bath Bombs

Many bath bombs are formulated with ingredients like carrier oils and butters that feel great on your skin and give you an overall spa-like experience at home. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or almond oil are common, helping to give the appearance of soft skin. These bombs are ideal for those seeking a luxurious, spa-like experience that pampers you.

Fragrant Bath Bombs

Fragrant bath bombs are designed to enhance the bathing experience with delightful aromas. They are infused with essential oils and fragrant ingredients, like rose petals or lemon zest, to create a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere. From lavender to citrus, these bath bombs offer a variety of scents to cater to different preferences, making your bath time a more enjoyable experience.

Essential Supplies and Ingredients

Here are all the essential bath bomb-making supplies you need to start your creative adventure:

Basic Tools

You need the right tools to make bath bombs properly. While some are household items, you may need to buy others. These tools are:

Bath bomb moulds
Mixing bowls
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups
Spray bottle with water or witch hazel
Gloves
Sieve
Drying tray or rack
Colouring

Oils and Butters

Oils and butters are key ingredients in bath bomb making, contributing to the texture and quality of the final product. Popular options include coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and almond oil. These ingredients help to give the appearance of softened skin, making the bath feel more luxurious. They also serve as binders, ensuring the bath bomb maintains its shape and consistency throughout the making and drying process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fizzing Bath Bombs

1. Measuring and Preparing Ingredients

Begin by accurately measuring your basic ingredients: baking soda, citric acid, and any additional additives like cornstarch or Epsom salt. Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to avoid premature fizzing. Use a digital scale for precise measurements, as this will affect the final outcome. Sift the dry ingredients through a sieve to remove lumps, ensuring a smooth mixture. Proper preparation at this stage sets the foundation for successful, evenly mixed fizzing bath bombs.

2. Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients

Combine your dry ingredients in a large bowl, stirring them together until well mixed. In a separate container, mix your wet ingredients, including oils, water, and any fragrances or colourants. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. It's crucial to add the wet ingredients slowly and mix quickly to prevent the mixture from fizzing prematurely. The goal is to achieve a consistency similar to wet sand, which holds together when squeezed.

3. Adding Essential Oils and Colourants

This step personalises your bath bombs with scents and colours. Carefully add your chosen essential oils for fragrance, mixing them in thoroughly. For colour, gradually incorporate your chosen colourants, whether liquid or powder, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture. It's important to mix quickly and thoroughly to prevent clumping and to ensure the colour and scent are evenly dispersed.

4. Moulding and Drying

Once your mixture reaches the right consistency, it's time to mould. Pack the mixture tightly into your chosen moulds, pressing firmly to ensure there are no air pockets. If using a two-piece mould, overfill each half slightly and press them together until they click. Carefully remove the bath bomb from the mould and place it on a soft towel or drying rack. Let it dry undisturbed for at least 24 hours, ensuring it hardens properly and maintains its shape.