how do i make bath bombs

While a glass of wine, a good book, or lots of bubbles can be the perfect addition to a hot bath, a more colorful and exciting option can be a bath bomb. Usually shaped into a small sphere that fits in the palm of your hand (although you can find fun shapes too!) ), bath bombs immediately begin to fizz and disintegrate as soon as they hit the water, releasing delightful fragrances and fillers to add a pop of color to your bathroom.

Bath bombs can add a little enthusiasm and fun to a soothing self-care ritual, but they typically cost $5 to $15 each and add up quickly. Fortunately, if you choose to make your own bath bombs at home, you won't have to spend your hard-earned money on this delightful treat. The process is simple (it only takes about 20 minutes, plus a day or two of drying time) and can be a relaxing and creative activity because you can customize them with your favorite scents and colors. With this basic recipe, making bath bombs should be easy and you'll be lathering up in colorful, fragrant bath bombs in no time.

Bath Bomb Recipe Ingredients and Materials
Almost all bath bomb recipes require the same ingredients and sizes, with only a few exceptions. The key to great bath bombs is citric acid, which isn't hard to find online.

Of course, for those with sensitive skin, there are other options. For example, citric acid can be replaced with lemon juice, cream of tartar, buttermilk powder or a mixture of baking powder and apple cider vinegar. Food coloring can also cause reactions - so don't use any (or try natural varieties) if you're sensitive. Most other ingredients, including oils and cornstarch, are often used to treat sensitive skin (but avoid them if you notice adverse reactions). If you have sensitive skin, or if your skin is prone to eczema, it is best to avoid any products that are scented. Also, while alpha hydroxy acids are great chemical exfoliants, they can also irritate sensitive skin.

You can purchase citric acid from your local drugstore. Here's everything you need for the perfect bath bomb:.

1 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid (as an alternative, use equal parts lemon juice, tartar cream, buttermilk powder or 1/4 cup each of baking powder and apple cider vinegar)
1/2 cup laxative salt
1/2 cup cornstarch
3/4 Tablespoon. Water
2 teaspoons. Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, rose, orange and lemongrass are popular in the bath)
2 tablespoons. Oil (jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, olive, even baby oil)
A few drops of food coloring
Your choice of molds, such as regular or mini muffin tins, candy dishes, or round plastic molds specifically for bath bombs
Optional: dried flowers or sugar cake decorations, such as flowers or stars
Bath Bomb Instructions
Step 1: Mix all dry ingredients, except citric acid, in a large bowl.

Step 2: Pour all liquid ingredients into a jar with a lid. Close the jar and shake vigorously.

Step 3: Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients, then use your hands to mix and blend them together. At this point, add the citric acid. You may notice a slight hissing reaction due to the citric acid. There is no need to panic as this is normal.

Step 4: Mash the mixture very tightly into the mold of your choice. You can fill the mold slightly and then use a spoon or glass to press the mixture as tightly as possible. Immediately loosen the bombs from the molds onto wax paper and let them dry overnight.

Step 5: Allow the bath bombs to dry completely for a day or two before using them or wrapping them up as gifts.

Step 6: Place a bottle in the tub and enjoy the bursts of color and fizz, inhaling the released fragrance. Turn on some of your favorite music or podcasts to keep you company while you soak, or simply slip into the tub and enjoy your hard work.

Wrap your bath bombs
These bath bombs make the perfect gift (for others or yourself - self-care is important!) . You can put either the large or small ones in cellophane gift bags (like the ones you usually buy for cookies), or put the small ones in wide-mouth glass bottles. Make several batches using different colors and add various essential oils for a range of scents if you want some variety. Body washes usually last about six months as long as they are properly packaged in sealed jars, Tupperware containers or sealed plastic bags and stored in a dry environment such as a cupboard. Storing them in the bathroom or outdoors is not ideal, as steam and humidity can cause the citric acid to lose its effectiveness and your bath bombs won't kick in with the foamy effervescence you want.