DIY BATH BOMBS
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DIY BATH BOMBS

Tips and Tricks for Making Bath Bombs in Humid Climates


***SPOILER ALERT *** There is a recipe at the end


Bath bombs are a great way to relax, especially after a long day or as an incentive to get headstrong kiddies in the tub. All are good reasons for you to learn how to make bath bombs yourself. With a basic recipe, a few additives and the right liquids, you can create a luxurious experience time and time again.

Pro Tip #1 - The Basis of All Bath Bombs Recipes Follow This Key Principle:

4 oz Baking Soda

2 oz Citric Acid

1 oz Cornstarch


You can see the pattern - however much baking soda you use, cut the amount of citric acid in half and then cut the amount of cornstarch in half of the citric acid. Knowing the breakdown will allow you to experiment and add ingredients that will suit your specific needs.


Pro Tip #2 - Add Citric Acid LAST!


When making bath bombs, especially early on in your experiments always, always add the citric acid in last. Once you have your wet and dry ingredients mixed and you have the color you want, add it in.

I've also found that when splitting the batch into different colors, not being exact when adding the citric acid in last does not affect the quality, so don’t let OCD get the best of you. Eyeballing it is ok.


The key to a successful bath bomb is the right balance between the wet and dry ingredients. Depending on what additives you are using, you will have to tweak it so the consistency is like wet sand.


Pro Tip #3 - Popular Wet & Dry Ingredients


Dry Additives:

  • Colloidal oatmeal

  • Kaolin, Rose or Bentonite clay

  • Activated charcoal

  • Pumpkin powder

  • SLSA

  • Powdered whole or goat’s milk

  • Epsom salt

  • The list goes on and on

Wet Additives:

  • Light oils, such as avocado, almond, coconut or grapeseed

  • If you want to step it up a bit you can use jojoba or argan oil

  • Vitamin E or Pro B

  • Coco betaine (for extra bubbles)

  • Essential or fragrance oil


Pro Tip #4 - Mix it up


A few other options are embeds:

MCT beads, a concentrated bath bomb mix that gives a color blast or molded cocoa butter (but keep them small. You don’t want to slip in the tub). These are just a few ways to give your bath bomb some extra pizzazz.

There are countless ways to jazz up your bath bombs. You can add drizzle on the top, bubble bath frosting, sea salt or add toy toppers or hidden treasures. The only limit is your imagination.


Pro Tip #5 - It's Getting Hot in Here


If you are having trouble with your bath bombs activating while drying, this is especially irksome in humid climates like mine (Texas), in the heat of the summer months. You can try substituting half of the water with 91% alcohol. The alcohol evaporates quickly, which allows your bath bombs to dry faster. And don’t worry, your bombs won’t smell like rubbing alcohol, it really does evaporate. Or you can also try using a dehumidifier in the room where the bath bombs are drying.


Pro Tip #6 - The World of Molds


Part of the fun in making bath bombs, for me especially, is the molds. There are so many shapes and styles it's sometimes gets too hard to choose.

The usual suspects for me is first and foremost the stainless steel round mold. It allows you to knock out a bunch without the wait. Second up would be silicone molds. They are great, because they allow you to make a bath bomb in pretty much any shape under the rainbow, and yes even a rainbow. Last, but not least (usually) is a 3D mold. You can get some unique shapes and really make your bath bombs interesting. I use 3D molds regularly, but sometimes I find them to be a headache. What I’ve found is that if your batch isn’t spot on, the 3D molds can really be a chore. But with that said I love them still.


As Promised - The Recipe


This is not the exact recipe I use, but it is the basis for a quality bath bomb


BATH BOMB RECIPE (makes 7 - 4 oz bombs)


16 oz Baking Soda

8 oz Citric Acid

4 oz Cornstarch

6 Tbsp (dry additive)

1 Tbsp Avocado Oil (or any light oil)

1 Tbsp Distilled water (not tap water)

1 Tbsp Essential or Skin Safe Fragrance Oil

1 Tsp Poly 80 (if using color)

1 Tsp (liquid additive)

  1. Mix all dry ingredients together and set aside (minus the citric acid).

  2. Mix all wet ingredients.

  3. Combine wet and dry and mix until like wet sand.

  4. Add color and mix until desired color is achieved.

  5. Add citric acid until combined.

  6. Put mix into desired mold(s).

  7. Allow to dry for 24-48 hours (depending on your climate)



***Very Important***

Color: micas are usually safe to use, but be sure to check the label. Most will tell you if it is safe to use for bath bombs (neons typically are not). Don’t forget the Polysorbate 80 it is regarded as a safe chemical in skincare and is used as an emulsifier to combine oil and water, so the colors don’t stain the tub.


Making bath bombs can be very fun, but can also be very frustrating. Keep in mind that you are not just making something to drop in your tub, well you are, but there is science involved in order for the bombs to turn out the way you want. Going rogue on your recipe will more than likely not give you the results you want. As you formulate your unique recipe, take notes and keep track of what you are adding and taking away. Believe me, it makes a difference. Think of it like baking a cake. If you start omitting and adding, you can end up with something inedible. It's the same for bath bombs. I hope that with this basic recipe you will have endless opportunities to explore all the possibilities that bath bombs have in store. With all of the different colors, shapes, scents and additives you'll have many years of bath bomb making adventures.


If making bath bombs isn't what you're into, but are interested in creating your own custom handmade soap, bath bombs, mask or scrubs, reach out to me on anytime:




*This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. I am not a doctor or dermatologist. This is information is what I have learned from my research and I urge you to do your own research as well. You know your body and what is safe for you to use. As with any new product or ingredients consult your doctor if you are unsure how it will affect your health. Be safe.

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