We all love Lush bath bombs, but we're also well-acquainted with the fact that they can get expensive -- which is where DIY comes in, of course. It turns out that it's actually pretty easy to make your own bath bombs -- most are made with baking soda and citric acid (which is what makes it so satisfyingly fizzy) and not much more. Plus, with dozens of aromatic essential oils to choose from (not to mention fun add-ons, like cosmetic grade glitter and dried flowers), there's a ton of room for customization. That said, you can basically create the DIY bath bomb of your dreams with a little practice... and once you've perfected it, you can start gifting it to all your friends.
So, curious to learn how to make bath bombs? Read on for some great recipes!
Image via @lushcosmetics
So, curious to learn how to make bath bombs? Read on for some great recipes!
Image via @lushcosmetics
Don't these almost look good enough to eat? Scented with orange essential oils, these adorable DIY bath bombs will add a refreshing feel to your spa night.
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup corn starch
1/4 cup Epsom salt
2 Tbsp almond oil
1/2 tsp orange essential oil
1 Tbsp water
orange food coloring (gel works better)
Optional: body glitter
Directions:
1. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, then mix into the dry. Mix quickly as you pour the wet ingredients in as the water will start to react. Make sure to mix very well.
3. If using glitter, sprinkle some in the molds, then promptly scoop in the mixture and press down. Slightly overfill, then press the two halves together firmly. Allow it sit a few minutes, then remove one half to allow for evaporation. They can be fully removed shortly after, or sooner if need be.
4. You can store out if using within a few days, but it is best to store bath bombs in air tight packaging longer term, so they will hold their scent well.
Recipe and Image via blommi.com
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup corn starch
1/4 cup Epsom salt
2 Tbsp almond oil
1/2 tsp orange essential oil
1 Tbsp water
orange food coloring (gel works better)
Optional: body glitter
Directions:
1. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, then mix into the dry. Mix quickly as you pour the wet ingredients in as the water will start to react. Make sure to mix very well.
3. If using glitter, sprinkle some in the molds, then promptly scoop in the mixture and press down. Slightly overfill, then press the two halves together firmly. Allow it sit a few minutes, then remove one half to allow for evaporation. They can be fully removed shortly after, or sooner if need be.
4. You can store out if using within a few days, but it is best to store bath bombs in air tight packaging longer term, so they will hold their scent well.
Recipe and Image via blommi.com
Everything's about coconut oil right now, so why not add it to your bath bomb recipes as well? It'll mix nicely with the essential oils, while also helping your skin stay nice and hydrated as you bathe.
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup Epsom salt
3 Tbsp coconut oil, divided
1 tsp almond oil
Vegetable-based food coloring
Your choice of essential oils
Mica (optional)
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients and stir well. Divide evenly into 3 smaller bowls.
2. Melt 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a cup. Add 2 - 3 drops of food coloring and stir well. You won't really be able to see the final color until mixed with the dry ingredients, so just use your best guess. Add approximately 1/3 tsp almond oil (eyeballing it is fine!) and 5 - 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice.
3. Pour the coconut oil mixture into one of the bowls of dry ingredients. Use your hands to mix it all together, breaking apart chunks as you go. If you would like to adjust the color, melt a little bit more coconut oil and stir in the dye. Then pour it into your bath bomb mixture and continue mixing.
4. Do this, except with different food coloring, for the two remaining bowls.
5. Pack the mixtures into whatever mold you like (I used plastic fillable balls from the craft store), layering the colors on top of each other and along the sides of the mold. If using a ball mold, pack each side until overflowing, and squeeze both halves together to close.
6. Freeze for 20 minutes.
7. To remove the bath bomb from the mold, warm the sides of the mold with your hands (this will help melt the coconut oil) and squeeze either side until the bomb pops out. Sprinkle with mica for a little shimmer.
To use:fill your tub with warm water and drop in the bath bomb. It will fizz and release the scent and all the skin-softening agents. Soak for 20 - 30 minutes.
Recipe and Image via helloglow.co
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup Epsom salt
3 Tbsp coconut oil, divided
1 tsp almond oil
Vegetable-based food coloring
Your choice of essential oils
Mica (optional)
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients and stir well. Divide evenly into 3 smaller bowls.
2. Melt 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a cup. Add 2 - 3 drops of food coloring and stir well. You won't really be able to see the final color until mixed with the dry ingredients, so just use your best guess. Add approximately 1/3 tsp almond oil (eyeballing it is fine!) and 5 - 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice.
3. Pour the coconut oil mixture into one of the bowls of dry ingredients. Use your hands to mix it all together, breaking apart chunks as you go. If you would like to adjust the color, melt a little bit more coconut oil and stir in the dye. Then pour it into your bath bomb mixture and continue mixing.
4. Do this, except with different food coloring, for the two remaining bowls.
5. Pack the mixtures into whatever mold you like (I used plastic fillable balls from the craft store), layering the colors on top of each other and along the sides of the mold. If using a ball mold, pack each side until overflowing, and squeeze both halves together to close.
6. Freeze for 20 minutes.
7. To remove the bath bomb from the mold, warm the sides of the mold with your hands (this will help melt the coconut oil) and squeeze either side until the bomb pops out. Sprinkle with mica for a little shimmer.
To use:fill your tub with warm water and drop in the bath bomb. It will fizz and release the scent and all the skin-softening agents. Soak for 20 - 30 minutes.
Recipe and Image via helloglow.co
Oatmeal and lavender are both known for their soothing properties -- so it's only logical to combine them during bath time! Think of how nice your skin will feel...
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup quick cook oats
1 1/2 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil
1/4 tsp lavender essential oil
Purple gel food coloring
Directions: 1. Whisk together the baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, Epson salts and oats.
2. Add the fractionated coconut oil, lavender essential oil, and purple gel food coloring. Mix thoroughly. Add water only if needed while mixing to avoid a reaction. Grab a handful of mixture and squeeze if it stays together it is plenty moist enough.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of dried lavender flowers on one side of a bath bomb mold, then top with the lavender oatmeal bath bomb mixture and press down firmly. Top off and fill other side. You actually want to overfill the molds then press together with a good amount of pressure. When using metal sphere molds, twist slightly while pressing, this helps excess mixture fall back into bowl and ensures a tight pack and easy release.
4. Remove the bath bombs from molds gently and set out to air dry before storing in airtight container or shrink bags.
Recipe and Image via beautycrafter.com
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup quick cook oats
1 1/2 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil
1/4 tsp lavender essential oil
Purple gel food coloring
Directions: 1. Whisk together the baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, Epson salts and oats.
2. Add the fractionated coconut oil, lavender essential oil, and purple gel food coloring. Mix thoroughly. Add water only if needed while mixing to avoid a reaction. Grab a handful of mixture and squeeze if it stays together it is plenty moist enough.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of dried lavender flowers on one side of a bath bomb mold, then top with the lavender oatmeal bath bomb mixture and press down firmly. Top off and fill other side. You actually want to overfill the molds then press together with a good amount of pressure. When using metal sphere molds, twist slightly while pressing, this helps excess mixture fall back into bowl and ensures a tight pack and easy release.
4. Remove the bath bombs from molds gently and set out to air dry before storing in airtight container or shrink bags.
Recipe and Image via beautycrafter.com
Aren't these just adorable? The daisy's actually made out of icing -- and it makes for such a sweet finishing touch. Honestly, this looks every bit as cute as a Lush bath bomb -- just think of the gifting opportunities!
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup corn starch
3 Tbsp Epsom salt
3/4 tsp water
2 tsps almond oil
Lemon essential oil
Yellow food dye (optional)
Wilton icing daisy
Plastic ornament mold
Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and epsom salt.
2. In a small bowl combine almond oil, water, dye, and essential oil.
3. Pour wet mixture into dry mixture. Mix with a whisk until fully combined. Test mixture by pressing a handful together. Use a spray bottle to Lightly spray water once or twice if the mixture doesn't hold. Avoid adding too much water or the mixture will fizz and not form in the mold correctly. Once it's the right consistency press mixture into mold and allow to dry at least 2 hours before removing. Set bath bombs on a soft towel to dry overnight.
Recipe and Image via apumpkinandaprincess.com
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup corn starch
3 Tbsp Epsom salt
3/4 tsp water
2 tsps almond oil
Lemon essential oil
Yellow food dye (optional)
Wilton icing daisy
Plastic ornament mold
Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and epsom salt.
2. In a small bowl combine almond oil, water, dye, and essential oil.
3. Pour wet mixture into dry mixture. Mix with a whisk until fully combined. Test mixture by pressing a handful together. Use a spray bottle to Lightly spray water once or twice if the mixture doesn't hold. Avoid adding too much water or the mixture will fizz and not form in the mold correctly. Once it's the right consistency press mixture into mold and allow to dry at least 2 hours before removing. Set bath bombs on a soft towel to dry overnight.
Recipe and Image via apumpkinandaprincess.com