DIY Bath Bombs: A Simple & Soothing Project
Bath bombs are a quick and satisfying project to whip up in an evening or weekend. They make wonderful gifts or a special treat for your own soak.
I started making bath bombs simply for the joy of it - for my own evening soaks, colorful fun for my grands, and as sweet little “thank you” gifts for clients after their sessions. I loved experimenting with different molds - hearts, florals, stars -and scents that fit the mood or season. Each one felt like a small, fizzy gift of care.
Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry: baking soda, epsom salts, olive (or other carrier) oil, and essential oils. The only specialty item is citric acid, easily found at bulk food stores or online.
Aromatics
When blending aromas, I lean toward botanicals that offer pain relief and respiratory support, such as camphor, peppermint, eucalyptus, spearmint, rosemary, sage, cinnamon, clove, and/or sweet orange.
For more calming blends - or when making a batch for children - I opt for lavender, chamomile, basil, or spearmint.
Ingredients
2 cups baking soda
1 cup citric acid
½ cup epsom salts
1 Tbsp olive oil
10 - 15 drops essential oils
Water in a spray bottle
Optional: natural food coloring, dried flower petals, or decorative sugar crystals
Instructions
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salts.
Add oils & color: Stir in your carrier oil, essential oils, and food coloring (if using). Mix well.
Hydrate carefully: Lightly spritz with water, mixing continuously. If you notice fizzing, slow down—add just enough water so the mix holds its shape when squeezed.
Decorate molds: Place flower petals or sugar crystals at the bottom of each mold for a decorative touch.
Pack and release: Firmly press the mixture into your molds. Let sit for a few minutes, then gently tap to release.
Dry: Allow smaller bath bombs to dry and harden for about 5 hours: larger forms may take up to 24 hours.
Store: Keep in an airtight container until ready to use.
Yield will vary depending on mold size.
I’ve run into a few common issues and here are some quick fixes that might help
Cracking Bombs
This can happen when you apply too much pressure when filling the molds or the mix is drying out too quickly.
Pack the molds gently and fully. Lightly cover the bombs when removed from the molds: a lightweight kitchen towel or paper towel works well.
Soft Bombs
These are too damp because of too much liquid (oil or water), insufficient drying time, or high humidity.
Reduce the fluids slightly in your recipe; let them dry for 24 hours; or lightly cover them while they dry.
Premature Fizzing
This always happened with either too much moisture during mixing or humidity activating the ingredients.
Spritz very lightly with water (less is more here); mix quickly and thoroughly; and store both the ingredients and finished bath bombs in airtight containers.
Dry & Crumbly Bombs
This occurred due to too little liquid or the mixture being too dry before filling the molds.
Test that the mixture holds its shape when squeezed; spritz a tiny bit more water as needed; work quickly after adding liquids to avoid it drying out.
No Fizz (or Weak Fizz)
This can occur with old ingredients (the baking soda and citric acid need to be fresh), incorrect ratios, and poor drying.
Use fresh citric acid and baking soda; verify ratios; and make certain the bombs are fully dry before storing in low humidity areas. Bathrooms, near sinks, and by open windows are not ideal locations.
Sinking Bath Bombs
Bombs are too dense
Slightly increase baking soda to lighten the mix; don’t overpack molds; always let bombs dry completely.
If you make a batch, I’d love to hear about your creation! ~Barb