Bath bombs

Course DIY

Keyword bath bombs, citric acid, diy spa, homemade gifts

Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Baking soda, citric acid, sea salt, cornstarch and oils pressed into molds. Let them dry, then drop one in a full tub.

What You’ll Need

8 ounces baking soda 1 cup
4 ounces citric acid 1/2 cup
4 ounces sea salt 1/2 cup
4 ounces cornstarch 3/4 cup
2 TBSP carrier oil
2 tsp witch hazel or water in a spray bottle
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
60 drops essential oils of choice (optional)
2 TBSP dried flowers or herbs (optional)
10-20 drops natural food dye (optional)
Digital scale bath bomb mold, medium mixing bowl, fine mist spray bottle

Directions

Stir the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and sea salt together well in a large bowl.
Stir the carrier oil, vanilla, essential oils, and dye (if using) together in a small bowl.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry a little at a time, working it in with your hands until crumbly.
Mix in the dried flowers or herbs, if using.
Spritz with the witch hazel or water and mix by hand until the mixture holds together when squeezed ("should feel like wet sand"). If needed, add a little more witch hazel.
Pack firmly into silicone molds, muffin tins, ice cube trays, or bath bomb molds.
Flip the molds over onto a flat surface to release the bombs. Leave them to dry for 48 hours, or until hard.

Notes

Drop one in a warm bath. Store airtight away from moisture; shelf life about 6 months. This is a 0.5% essential oil dilution (1/2 percent, NOT 5 percent). Use caution with cinnamon, clove, ginger, and lemongrass oils. Dried herbs are a gentler choice for sensitive skin, and kid-safe blends are best for children. Safety: patch test; keep dry until use; wear a mask or work gently so citric acid dust is not inhaled and keep it out of eyes; dye and oils can stain or slick the tub; keep away from small children who might mouth them; not for internal use.