DIY Bath Bombs
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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.
nice and interesting post.
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I always have the hardest time with bath bombs. They always fall apart. I’m going to try your recipe instead.
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article. I will make sure to be reading your blog more. Bath Bomb Boxes can increase your sale.
Wow, this recipe is the bomb! Where do you buy the moisture-free clear glass jar to store them?
I tried it and it worked pretty well, Just a quick question, may I add additional essential oil for fragrance?
Yes, just be sure the oil isn’t an irritant to the skin.
xo Michael
Your work has always been a great source of inspiration for me. I refer you blog to many of my friends as well.
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Can I use fragrance oils instead of essential oils?
Hey! Thanks for the awesome recipe! Can’t wait to try it. I am making bath bombs for my sister’s birthday. She happens to like bath bombs in star and heart shapes. I was wondering that since I don’t have bath bombs molds, could I let the mixture dry out in a deep pan or cookie sheet and then use cookie-cutters to cut out the shapes? I wonder if it will still hold. Thanks! Have a nice evening! – Ariana-Jordan
I omitted the water and mica powder and used coconut oil. There’s no need to add alcohol either. My bath bombs turned out awesome the second time around! The first time I used mica powder and used to much and it started dying my skin blue. So watch how much you’re using! I saw something online about mixing mica powder with alcohol and splattering a bit of drops on top of already made bath bombs. I’m probably gonna do that instead!
The bath bombs I made are very durable too. I accidentally dropped one on the floor and it still stayed together. Just make sure to dry yours over night! I dried mine on top of paper to help dry it out more and soak up excess oil.
I found this recipe a couple of weeks ago, and because it’s the top google search result, I went with it. The product links didn’t work but I was still able to find the ingredients pretty easily online!
I used ingredients and followed the instructions to a tee adding dried lavender. I used melted coconut oil and 3/4 tablespoon of wate, a d a silicone mild with 24 2” hearts.
First I was able to perfectly fill the mild which was excellent. But the mixture was so dry and crumbly that I had to put it all back in the bowl. I had to add another 2-3 tbs of liquid to get it wet enough to stick. I used water and this caused the citric acid to activate. After pushing it back into the mild a few times they finally dried and hardened. Hopefully there’s some fizz left!
Next time I’ll try witch hazel and I’ll say it’s not enough liquid in the recipe if you’re adding dried pedals at least. But they turned out lovely and the lavender/coconut oil scent is 🙌🏻
Thank you for sharing this recipe! Going to try coconut rose tomorrow!!
I want to make human shaped bath bombs instead of round ones so I bought a silicone human mold. Do you have any tips for using this? Should I cut it in half so it resembles a bath bomb mold more?
This recipe is *nearly* spot-on! There is a lot of info (and many bad recipes) online for bath bombs. This post shares great insight and one of the very best recipes I’ve found. I’m giving it 5 stars because I think it deserves top place in the Google search engine, but I think it could use some small modifications.
1) For a faster and more fool-proof recipe, use witch Hazel in a spray bottle. You can add all the “wet” ingredients (sans-water) at once and spray with WH as needed thereafter. This should be added to the instructions as an alternative option.
2) This recipe yields (4) 2.5” diameter cylindrical bath bombs. The size of mold should be noted in the recipe itself. Having to search the blog for a LINK to the molds used is not optimal.
Other than these two things, the recipe is perfect and I’ve used it as the base for bath bomb making on multiple occasions. Each time I come out of the bath relaxed and with my skin feeling nourished.
Thank you!!!!!!
Love the idea I’ll definitely give that a try
i would like to know if a different oil can be used, like Jojoba oil, since I have this on hand?
These sound great!!
Love the idea and the DIY sounds fairly easy, I’ll definitely give that a try 🙂 ..I can already smell it in the air
I like your variation, especially with the orange zest. I recently made some for birthday gifts for some teenage girls and they were a hit.
Hello Michael,
Found the recipe to be very great and healthy.
I actually get used to the usual shower gel mostly, yet I think this is going to be a new try for me and my family.
On your word, it is going to give a relaxing bath in no time. 😀
Can you just let me know if I can use anything else instead of baking soda?
Wondering if it may cause some allergy issues.
I just made them… tested leftovers in water and it sizzles wonderfully… my first bath bombs and they came out great… thanks for staring.
This recipe doesn’t work. I don’t recommend. i used all the correct ingredients and measurements and i spent 3 hours trying to make it work. don’t waste your time😡
I modified to what I had on hand, so I used gel food coloring and coconut oil, and actually cooking vanilla. I did, however, measure out the additional liquid instead of the water so it wasn’t too wet. It was probably more forgiving, because I used smaller molds, but ultimately they were adorable and fizzy in the bathtub! I’d guess this is a pretty versatile recipe and plan to try oat flour instead of cornstarch next!