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.
Our Recommended Essential Oils for Bath Bomb Making
You can use any essential oil for bath bomb making, but if you need some inspiration, here are our top favourites:
- Lavender essential oil
- Bergamot essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Cinnamon leaf essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
Shop bath bomb-making supplies online at N-Essentials! If you have any questions about our products, please contact our team.