Luxurious and fragrant, make DIY bath bombs for any mood or season. This homemade bath bomb recipe never fails, and it’s super-easy to change it up with different scents.
Bath bombs DIY
Who else loves relaxing in a steamy bath with some fizzy bath bombs? There’s nothing like setting the mood with a glass of wine, some candles, and your favorite book or music.
To make the experience even more special, toss one of these DIY bath bombs into the water. The fizzy bubbles, essential oils, and beneficial minerals are a treat for the senses.
Today, I’m going to show you how you can create your own custom bath bombs at home. If you’re anything like me, maybe having these on hand will encourage you to decompress a bit more frequently.
Bring some relaxation into your home and create a spa-like experience whenever you need it. I’ll show you how to make your own DIY bath bombs with this easy tutorial.
If you’re feeling intimidated by this process, don’t be. These are so simple to make and really easy to customize. Let me show you.
Ingredients
First, gather all of your ingredients. I found everything online and linked things up below to make it easy for you. (This post contains affiliate links.)
- Baking soda: This helps add the fizz. Make sure it’s baking soda, not baking powder.
- Citric acid: It works with the baking soda (they neutralize each other) to create an incredible fizz.
- Epsom salt: There are powerfully relaxing properties in Epsom salts.
- Cornstarch: This helps all the ingredients stick together.
- Coloring pigment: Just for fun, colo can give you a visual clue about the scents.
- Almond oil: Incredibly beneficial for your skin, almond oil can help moisturize your entire body as you soak.
- Essential oils: Each oil has different properties. Choose the oils that match your needs, whether it’s relaxation, improved focus, or renewed energy.
- Bath bomb molds: Totally essential to give them the classic round shape!
How to make DIY bath bombs
You will find a full ingredient list and detailed instructions for these homemade bath bombs in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
First, measure and whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
I used a coloring pigment for my DIY bath bombs. Since it’s a dry pigment, you’ll want to include that in this step. Add as little or as much as you’d like to achieve the color you prefer.
Next, in a small cup, mix together the wet ingredients. This is also where you’ll add the essential oils.
You can get essential oils almost anywhere these days. I recommend shopping for these in person so you can find a scent you like.
Also, pay attention to the benefit each oil offers. I made three different varieties. The purple bath bomb has an oil for stress relief, the blue prompts sleep, and the yellow promotes joy.
The next step is very important. You need to add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. You’ll want to do this very slowly, adding a few drops at a time while mixing.
The citric acid is what causes the bath bombs to fizz when it comes into contact with water. Adding the wet ingredients slowly minimizes this effect, allowing you to create the ball.
Once mixed, you’re ready to mold. I picked up these bath bomb molds to create a ball shape. However, you can use things like a cupcake pan or silicon mold to achieve different shapes and sizes.
For this round mold, fill each half, packing it in slightly until it’s overflowing. Then, firmly press the halves together. Let the mold sit for one minute. Once set, tap the mold and pull it apart.
You’ll want to let the bath bombs dry for at least 24 hours before you create your own mini spa in your tub.
It’s that easy!
Frequently asked questions about making DIY bath bombs
Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about DIY bath bomb recipes. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.
How long do homemade bath bombs Last?
I’d say you’d want to use these DIY Bath bombs within about 6 months. I liked to keep mine stored in a moisture-free clear glass jar. You’ll need to be very careful to not get moisture or water on them, as that will start the fizzing process!
Is it cheaper to make or buy bath bombs?
This depends on who you are buying them from and what ingredients you use. If you use pure essential oils, it might be more expensive to make your own if you compare them to bombs with artificial fragrances.
The real reason to make your own bath bombs is to control the ingredients to make body-nourishing and safe bath products you can trust. Plus, it’s fun!
Can bath bombs grow mold?
Yes, bath bombs can grow mold if they are exposed to moisture. Wrap your unused bath bombs tightly in tinfoil or keep them in an airtight container, and they will last longer.
That’s a wrap on DIY bath bombs!
If you have yet to make or even experience a bath bomb, I definitely recommend giving it a try. I know some people get intimated by making homemade bath bombs, and they might take a little practice.
A few of them might fall apart at first, but once you nail it, you’ll see how fun they are to make!
DIY bath bombs make thoughtful gifts too. Add them to a homemade spa gift basket with a bottle of wine and a couple of candles for the ultimate treat. Give someone the gift of relaxation – they’ll love it!
If you like this DIY project, you may enjoy these too:
- DIY Beeswax Candles
- Homemade Felt Ball Coasters
- Tassel Garland DIY
- No-Sew Burlap Table Runner
- DIY Vertical Herb Garden
DIY Bath Bomb Recipe:
DIY Bath Bombs
Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup epsom salt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- coloring pigment - optional
- 2 1/2 tablespoons almond oil - or melted coconut oil
- 3/4 tablespoon water
- 12-15 drops essential oil
- Bath bomb molds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients. Add as much or as little color pigment to achieve desired look. Whisk to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the wet ingredients.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones very slowly. (This is very important; otherwise you will activate the citric acid which is used to create the fizzing affect.) Mix until combined, and the ingredients look like wet sand.
- Fill each half of the mold, packing the mixture in slightly until it’s overflowing. Press the halves together firmly. Let the filled mold sit for one minute. Lightly tap the mold and gently pull it apart to remove the bath bomb. Let the bath bombs dry for 24 hours before enjoying in the tub.
Did nottttt work
Way too much liquid
I should’ve known better. This was my 100th time making bath bombs but it’s been awhile and I forgot ratios.
I didn’t even use half the liquid and I knew it was a screw up. Nothing but mess!
My ingredients mixed fine until I pressed them into the mold then they expanded. Any idea what I did wrong?
These did not work for you. They were too dry and wouldn’t stick together when I put them together with the mold. I had to add moisture.
I helped make these with my third grade class so they had a Mother’s Day gift to give. They loved making them and they worked great. The only change I made was an extra tablespoon of oil and a bit more water.
hi I was wondering how long these would take to dry before they can be handled- I know they would take a full day before they can be used in the tub- but how long before they could be held/handled? Please let me know! Love your recipe!
I’d leave them set 12-24 hours if possible. The longer the better.
xo Michael
Love it, tried it. Beautifully done. Thank you for Sharing your webpage.
Awesome recipe!!! Worked really well!!!Thank you!!!
It’s very interesting to read your post. Follow my blogs for more interesting and informative stories.