We all love bath bombs, these colorful scented balls send fizz and effervescence burst in the bathtub making it look so magical. Bath bombs are expensive in stores, but can we make our very own high quality bath bombs right at home? We know bath bombs making can sound like a really daunting task, but they are in fact incredibly easy when you gather the right materials and proper tools to work with.
Bath bomb ingredients are basically a combination of baking soda, citric acid, and base oils. You can further customise the bath bomb with clays, salts, and essential oils to make it an even more luxurious bath bomb.
How about the bursts and sizzles from the bath bombs? The magical effect which makes a bath bomb fizz is in fact Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA). Yes we know it sounds like a harsh chemical, but SLSA which is derived from coconut and palm oils, is a form of skin friendly mild surfactant with luxurious lather that cleanses dirt and bacteria without drying both sensitive skin and hair. SLSA should not be mistaken with SLS, which is a form of synthetic cleansing agent that is capable of skin irritation.
Another ingredient that we will be using in this bath bomb recipe is Polysorbate 80, a synthetic emulsifier which is usually used in many cosmetics, food, and even medical products. It is in fact a rather important ingredient when making bath bombs because it helps to disperse oil and colours more evenly in the water, and also prevents a terribly coloured ring in your tub which you do not want to end up scrubbing to.
We want to create a bath bomb that feels and looks like one that you bought from the stores, so this recipe for bath bombs calls for SLSA and Polysorbate 80. Let’s get your ingredients and tools ready, and start making your own bath bombs!
This recipe will yield 4 Bath Bombs. Start with the wet ingredients first by melting the butter in the microwave, allow it to cool then stir in the Polysorbate 80 and fragrance/essential oils. Let it sit while we move on to the dry ingredients. Sieve the baking soda and SLSA to remove any clumps then add in the citric acid.
Add in the melted butter mix and use your hands (remember to put gloves on) to knead and mix the mixture until it clumps. If you feel that it is a little dry and does not clump together, spritz some Isopropyl Alcohol or Witch Hazel to it. Once the texture feels ready, go ahead and start molding your bath bombs!
If you are using a silicone mold, you will need to press the bath bomb mix firmly into the mold. If you are using a tin mold, scoop in the bath bomb mix and form a heap in both sides of the tin mold, then press firmly together and brush off any remaining bath bomb mix on the sides. Slowly remove half of the tin mold then place the bath bomb in your palm to remove the other half of the tin mold. Allow it to sit and dry for at least 2 hours. Before using the bath bomb, allow it to sit at least 24 hours before using it in your bath tub.
What You Will Need:
- 135g Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
- 65g Citric Acid
- 32.5g SLSA
- 12.5g Unrefined Shea Butter (you can use any butter of your choice)
- 5g Fragrance Oil
- 5g Polysorbate 80
- Few Drops of Pink Liquid Colorant (you can choose any colour of your choice)
- Witch Hazel/ Isopropyl Alcohol
Tools You Will Need:
- Nitrile Gloves
- Face Mask
- Sieve
- 2 Bowls if you are creating 2 colours.
- Tin Mold / Silicone Mold of your choice