Store-bought bath bombs are not only expensive, but they can also be toxic! They often contain dyes and artificial fragrances that are absorbed by our largest organ, our skin.
This simple Homemade Bath Bomb recipe uses quality ingredients and pure essential oils to create an all-natural, affordable bath bomb. Practice a bit of self-care today with this easy recipe!
Let’s face it, as busy adults we all wish we could take more baths. It can be hard to set aside personal time to unwind and relax in a bath. My tub is usually occupied by tiny humans and their floating toys.
When I do finally get the tub to myself, I reach for a bath bomb with essential oils to intensify the effects and make the best use of the (little) time I do have. Plus, bathing in a tub can reduce stress, ease aching muscles, and may calm a restless mind.
Bath Bomb Ingredients
- The base of a Bath Bomb is citric acid and baking soda. This is what creates the fizz.
- Epsom salts are known for soothing achy or tight muscles. Adding Epsom salts to a bath can also increase magnesium levels in the body, which can be depleted by stress.
- Coconut oil is a natural source of Vitamin E. This makes it great for moisturizing the skin.
- Adding essential oils to a bath bomb can have numerous therapeutic benefits. Listen to your body and choose an oil to support how you are feeling!
Substitution Tips
- We chose to leave food dye out of this recipe. If you wanted to add a little color, we recommend these natural food colorings. You can also hide small toys inside if you are making them for kids.
- This bath bomb recipe was tested with both fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil. I enjoyed the coconut oil best since it left my skin soft and moisturized, similar to the feeling of a light body oil. You could also use sweet almond oil with a similar effect.
- We used a 2″ metal mold, but you could also use a mold like this cute silicone rose option. These take a little longer to dry, but the flat bottom makes them easy to store. They also make great gifts!
New to essential oils? Learn more about the brand of essential oils we use and why we chose it.
Homemade Bath Bomb Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 3/4 cup of citric acid
- 3/4 cup of Epsom salts
- 4 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon water in a spray bottle (optional)
- 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2″ metal bath bomb molds
Directions
- Combine baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salts in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to break up any clumps and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine fractioned coconut oil and the essential oil of your choice. We like lavender and Stress Away best!
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the baking soda mixture. It is very important that you do not add the liquid too fast. This will cause the mixture to activate prematurely. If the mixture seems too dry, use the spray bottle to add a bit of water one spray at a time.
- Use a spoon to slowly combine the ingredients. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
- Fill both sides of the mold and press together firmly. Both pieces of the mold should close together tightly.
- Remove bath bomb from the mold and leave out overnight to dry.
- Makes 3-4 bath bombs.
- Drop in a warm tub and enjoy!
Additional Essential Oils to Try:
- Stress Away
- Sacred Mountain
- Ylang Ylang
- Geranium
- Frankincense
- Orange
- Rosemary
Melinda says
My girls want to make this for friends and was planning g to make these a couple of days in advance, so want to clairify: should it remain in freezer till take to friends or after the stated freezing time, can they wrap in the cellophane and it be good to go days later? Thank you! And I greatly appreciate the links to help see the exact ingredients.
Diana M says
Hi Melinda! Putting it in the freezer is optional. I found it helped set the bath bomb if I was trying to use it right away. You can skip this step and let them dry overnight, and then wrap in cellophane.
Nicole says
Does the coconut oil leave a residue in the tub?
Diana M says
Hi Nicole! Yes, it did leave a small amount of coconut oil residue in the tub for me. Not really enough to clean right away and it was easy to wipe away. I think it may have helped clean my bathtub, too. 🙂
ME says
My bath bombs NEVER turn out lol…apparently the wet sand that I have been on is wetter than the wet sand feel needed for a bath bomb. I’ll keep trying! But…how long do you leave in the molds? Do you take them out of the molds and dry on towel?
Diana M says
I found that popping them out right away and really packing the mold tight helped. It should be pretty formed once you take it out of the mold. I place the bath bombs in a muffin tin so they keep their shape, and let dry overnight.
Angie says
Are the bath bombs fizzy when used? I know some don’t fizz very muh
Diana M says
Hi Angie! Yes, they will fizz quite a bit in the bath. Be sure to store them in an airtight container if you don’t plan on using them right away. They will lose some of their fizz if they are exposed to air.
Milena Hettwer says
How many can you make with this recipe, is there a way to add color to them and can you change the oils or is lavender the one used the most. Thank you for your time
Diana M says
Hi Milena! This recipe yields 3 bath bombs. You can add natural coloring to the recipe if you wish. Just a few drops. We listed a few other essential oil options in the post, but feel free to add your favorites. Enjoy!
Susan says
My daughter wants to make these at her DIY bday party with friends. Can the friends take them home right after making them or do they need to sit undisturbed overnight to dry out? Would using the freezer for 30min help? Thank you!!
Diana M says
Hi Susan! If you want to quick set them place the bath bomb (still in the mold) in the freezer for 30 minutes. I found they disssolved a bit faster in water. Drying them overnight will give you the best results.
Jenna says
Wow, I didn’t know that Epsom salt could actually increase magnesium levels in the body! That’s great to know! I will use these after a day of sweating a lot!