Easy DIY Bath bombs recipes for adults and children
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Find below some easy DIY Bath bombs recipes suitable for adults and children. A bath bomb can make the bathing process much more pleasant and useful. It will fill the bathroom with a fragrant aroma, and the bubbles will pleasantly tickle your skin.
Bath bombs are come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and have various perfumes. Often in their composition you can find skin-friendly components. The more natural the composition the better effects for the skin.
What are the main ingredients for DIY Bath bombs recipes?
The main task of bath balls is to make the procedure of taking a bath as useful and enjoyable as possible. The main ingredients for a bath bomb recipe are citric acid and baking soda. Citric acid gives the skin a soft matte finish and has whitening properties. It is also an excellent preservative which is why it is often used in cosmetology. Baking soda softens water and has an antifungal effect. It helps getting rid of skin itching, irritation and inflammation. These two components create the effect of a geyser as a result of the reaction with water.
Various essential oils, Epsom salt or sea salt, cornstarch, liquid oils such as olive oil or coconut oil are also used as ingredients for homemade bath bombs. Depending on the personal preferences, you may add dye for coloring, various dry herbs, glitter, cocoa powder, clay, etc. For example, sea salt removes toxins, strengthens the immune system, improves skin elasticity and blood circulation. Some recipes include powdered milk as it has moisturizing properties and makes the skin softer.
As we mentioned colorants, we need to answer the question what colorants are suitable for homemade bath bombs. It is true that the huge popularity of bath bombs is due to their ability to turn the color of the water in your tub into whatever color or multiple colors were used for making them. However, when you purchase ingredients for homemade bombs, you need specific colorants that are made for bath bomb recipes. You should not substitute with food dye as it may stain your tub, especially if you add too much.
Are bath bombs safe for children?
DIY bath bombs recipes allow you to control the composition and ingredients that you use. You should remember that children’s skin is thin and sensitive and you must avoid any ingredients that may cause irritation. Are essential oils good for kids? Yes, if used properly. As you know, besides the pleasant aroma, many essential oils have soothing properties. However, when you want to use such ingredients to make bath bombs for kids, you should not use more than 2-4 drops of oil for a batch. Experts recommend using only a part of the bomb when a child takes a bath. Do not leave the child unattended and make sure that he will not drink from the water.
How to store homemade bath bombs?
Bath balls cannot be stored for a long time. You need to keep them in an airtight container in a dry room so their shape and all useful properties are better preserved. Make sure that they are not in contact with water or in a moist environment. It is best to use them right after you made them. The fresher the bath bomb, the more it will sizzle.
How to use bath bombs?
Bath balls are great for home aromatherapy sessions. The essential oils included in their composition fill the room with fragrant aromas and give real pleasure. They have a positive effect on the mood and well-being, help get rid of stress and fatigue, increase efficiency and normalize sleep. Before using a bath ball you need to choose the best option for yourself depending on the particular need of your skin. Depending on the essential oils used, their aroma can be invigorating or relaxing.
- Citrus oils, cloves, eucalyptus and thyme have a refreshing effect;
- Lavender, sage, myrrh, mint, neroli, orange or mandarines have a relaxing effect and relieve tension.
- Lavender, chamomile, fir, pine, eucalyptus, sage, tea tree strengthen immunity and prevent colds.
- Lemon, rosemary, orange relieve fatigue and restore strength.
- Chamomile, lemon balm, basil, lavender, rose, orange have a great calming effect.
Of course, you need to know if you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and avoid any that may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Fill the tub with water to the desired level and drop a bomb in it. It will immediately begin to sizzle and its components will quickly dissolve in the water. You can either wait for the bomb to dissolve in the water or immerse yourself immediately. Warm baths (36–38°C/96-100°F) can be taken up to 25 minutes, hot baths – no longer than 15 minutes. You can take baths every day or every other day depending on individual preferences, skin type and its needs.
Basic Bath bomb recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (200 grams or 1 cup) baking soda
- 4 ounces (100 grams or ½ cup) citric acid
- 4 ounces (100 grams or ½ cup) Epsom salt or sea salt
- ½ cup corn starch
- 20 drops essential oils of your choice
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1-2 teaspoons water
- 1-2 teaspoons colorant, optional
- Dry herbs, optional
Instructions:
Mix together citric acid and baking soda.
Add salt, corn starch, dried herbs, if using.
Mix together the essential oils, water and coconut oil.
Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ones slowly, few drops at a time. Mix together thoroughly. If the mixture is too dry, add a few drops of water. Make sure that you do not add too much as too much water may cause the dry ingredients to begin fizzing. Test the bath bomb mixture by grasping a handful and checking to see if the mix holds together readily.
Place the mixture into the molds and leave your bath bombs dry in a warm place but keep them from direct sunlight.
Once they are dry and molded together, store in an airtight container in cool and dry place.
DIY Bath Bombs recipes – rose petals
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp rose essential oil
- 1/2 tsp rosehip oil
- 3–4 drops of pink colorant
- 1 tsp water
- dried rose petals
Instructions:
Whisk together the dry ingredients – baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch.
Add the rose essential oil, rosehip oil and colorant. Mix slowly until they are smoothly disbursed.
Add the water and test if the mixture holds together.
Place a few dried rose petals on the bottom of each side of the bath bomb mold.
Fill the molds with the mixture and press.
Press firmly the two parts of the mold together to shape the bath bomb.
Leave bath bomb in the mold for several hours.
Gently remove from mold and brush away excess from the seam.
Place on a soft towel to dry overnight or longer.
DIY Bath Bombs Recipes – Lavender and Rose
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1 1/2 tsp water
- 1 tbsp almond oil
- 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- Dried rose petals
- Dried lavender
Instructions:
Combine all dry ingredients – baking soda, cornstarch, epsom salt and citric acid in a large bowl.
Add dried rose petals and lavender to dry ingredients and mix well with whisk.
Combine water, almond oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil (if using) in a small bowl.
Whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients very slowly. If the mixture is dry add 1/2 tsp water. Test if the mixture hold its form if you squeeze it.
Fill both sides of bath molds slightly over full and press together.
Leave bath bomb in the mold for several hours.
Gently remove from mold and brush away excess from the seam.
Place on a soft towel to dry overnight or longer.
DIY Coconut Bath Bombs
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup citric acid
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp. coconut essential oil
Instructions:
In large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, mix together coconut oil and essential oil.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Fill the mold with mixture, let set and carefully remove bath bomb.
DIY Sprinkles Bath Bombs for children
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup citric acid
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 10-15 drops essential oil, optional
- Water-soluble colorants, optional
- sprinkles or glitter, optional
Instructions:
Mix together all dry ingredients – baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and Epsom salt in a large bowl with a whisk.
Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
Working very slowly, add the wet ingredients” into the dry ingredients and mix to incorporate
Press the bath bomb mixture into the molds. If adding sprinkles, you can mix a dash into your mixture, then pour a bit into the bottom of one of the mold halves before filling.
Leave bath bomb in the mold for several hours.
Gently remove from mold and brush away excess from the seam.
Place on a soft towel to dry overnight or longer.
DIY Glitter Cupcake Bath Bombs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup epsom salt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 3 teaspoons essential oil
- Pink soap color
- Pink glitter
- 8 oz melt and pour soap base
- 4 tablespoons liquid dish soap
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch.
Combine coconut oil, water, essential oil and pink coloring a separate bowl.
Very slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk thoroughly every time you add some of the wet ingredients to prevent the mixture from reacting.
Dust the inside of the mold cavities with pink glitter.
Fill the mold and press the mixture.
Leave the mixture dry for 4 hours before carefully removing them from the mold.
Melt the soap base in a large bowl for 1 minute or until completely melted. Add in the dish soap and mix with a stand mixer until it resembles cupcake frosting.
Put the “frosting” in a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe the soap onto the top of the bath bomb cupcake base.
Add sugar free sprinkles and more glitter on top.
Allow the soap to harden completely before using your bomb in the bath.