DIY Bath Bombs: Easy No-Fail Recipe & Tips
Who doesn’t love a good bath with some yummy smelling bubble bath? What could top bubble bath? BATH BOMBS! Have you seen them. They come in all sorts of scents, sizes, colors, and shapes. Everyone loves a good bath bomb, but I have seen some charge $10.00 plus for one bath bomb. After falling in love with bath bombs I decided to try my hand at making them. Bath bombs have become a hugely popular product to brighten at-home self care. They make bath time fun for kids and relaxing for adults. This DIY Bath Bomb recipe allows you to enjoy the luxury at home without the expensive price tag
Here are the ingredients that is needed to make your bath bomb. You can get as simple or as fancy as you want with soap molds. Check out some of the molds here.
Ingredients needed to make your own bath bombs
Corn Starch: Corn starch is found in the baking aisle.
Citric Acid: Citric acid is a natural ingredient made from citrus fruit. This, mixed with the baking soda, is what makes the bath bomb fizz.
Epsom Salt: Epsom salt is the common name for magnesium sulfate. You can find it online or in the pharmacy section of your grocery store. It is wonderful as a soak for sore muscles.
Baking Soda: Baking soda can be found in the baking section of your grocery store. I prefer to buy it in bulk because it has so many uses around the house from cleaning your garbage disposal, eliminating odors, and even in cleaning laundry. It also helps make the bath bombs nice and fizzy.
Mica Powder: Mica powder is a natural soap colorant that is safe for use in bath bombs. We do want to use the least amount possible, though, to obtain the color you want in your bath bombs. It is also completely optional in this recipe. Also, feel free to use any color you like.
Dried Orange Peel: To make dried orange peel, zest three oranges and allow the zest to dry, in a single layer, at room temperature for two days. You can also find it in the spice section of your grocery store.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are optional in the bath bombs, but they add a lovely scent to your bath. Feel free to skip them if you are sensitive to fragrances or make sure that you use an oil that is safe for use on the skin. I have chosen to use Orange essential oil in this recipe, but you can use any oil you wish. Lavender or Tea Tree oil would be wonderful.
Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is the liquid that will hold the bath bombs together. Warm it so that it is a liquid. You can also use Almond oil.
Water: Feel free to use regular tap water.
Directions To Make Bath Bombs
Measure out all of your ingredients. Choose what color mica powder you would like to add to your bath bombs (if any), which essential oils you would like, and if you want to add any dried ingredients such as orange peel or dried lavender.
Ingredients (Base Recipe)
Dry
- 1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 0.5 cup citric acid
- 0.5 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot)
- 0.5 cup Epsom salt (very fine)
Wet
- 2 tbsp carrier oil (sweet almond, fractionated coconut, grapeseed, or avocado)
- 1 tsp Polysorbate 80 (optional but helps color disperse + reduces tub ring)
- 1–2 tsp 70% isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel in a spray bottle (binder)
- 20–30 drops essential oil or 1–2 tsp skin-safe fragrance oil
Optional add-ins
- 0.5–1 tsp cosmetic mica for color
- 1 tbsp kaolin clay (silky feel + hardness)
- 1–2 tbsp SLSA for extra foam (use a mask; it’s a fine powder)
- Dried botanicals (use tiny amounts so they don’t clog drains)
- Eco glitter/biodegradable sparkle
Tools
Mixing bowls, fine mesh sieve, whisk, gloves, measuring cups/spoons, spray bottle, bath bomb molds (metal/plastic), parchment or silicone mat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sift & whisk dry ingredients. Add baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, Epsom salt (plus kaolin/SLSA if using). Whisk until uniform.
- Mix wet in a separate cup. Combine oil, Polysorbate 80, and fragrance/essential oil.
- Combine wet into dry. Drizzle in while whisking constantly. Texture should feel like barely damp sand.
- Bind with light spritzes. Mist the mixture with witch hazel or alcohol a few sprays at a time, mixing after each. Stop as soon as it holds a squeezed clump without crumbling. (Too wet = premature fizz.)
- Pack the molds. Overfill each half slightly and press together firmly. Tap the outside to release.
- Set & cure. Place on a lined tray. Let firm up 10–20 minutes before moving, then cure 24–48 hours until rock-hard.
- Store airtight. Keep away from humidity to preserve fizz.
Scent & Color Ideas (Crowd-Pleasers)
- Relax & Sleep: 20 drops lavender + 5 vanilla/benzoin; lilac mica
- Spa Eucalyptus: 15 eucalyptus + 5 peppermint; pale mint mica
- Citrus Sunshine: 10 sweet orange + 5 lemon + 3 lime; peach or sunny yellow mica
- Rose Milk: 12 rose FO + 6 vanilla; blush pink mica + a few dried petals
- Unicorn Swirl: Split the batch into 2–3 bowls, tint each, then layer for a swirl
Tip: Start light with fragrance; you can always add a few more drops. Follow IFRA skin-safe usage rates for fragrance oils.
Troubleshooting (Fix It Fast)
- Bombs keep expanding/cracking: Mixture is too wet or humid. Add a tablespoon of baking soda + cornstarch (1:1) and remix. Reduce spritzes.
- Crumbly bombs: Not enough binder. Lightly mist and repack.
- Warts or pitted surface: Wet ingredients added too fast. Sift, whisk well, and add wet slowly next time.
- Weak fizz: Old citric acid/baking soda or moisture exposure. Use fresh, store airtight with desiccant.
Safety Notes
- Avoid use on broken/irritated skin.
- Essential oils aren’t recommended for babies/young kids; consult your provider if pregnant/nursing.
- SLSA can be airborne; wear a mask when handling.
- Oils can make tubs slick—rinse surfaces after use.
Packaging & Gifting
Wrap each cured bomb in shrink wrap or wax paper, then store in a lidded jar/box with a silica packet. Add a label: “Drop 1 bomb into warm bath. Rinse tub after.”
Budget Tips (Savings to Splurge 💛)
- Buy citric acid and baking soda in bulk for the lowest unit price.
- Fractionated coconut or grapeseed are great budget oils.
- Polysorbate 80 cuts cleanup—saves time on scrubbing (time = money!).
FAQ
Can I make bath bombs without citric acid?
Yes. Swap citric acid for 0.5 cup cream of tartar. Fizz is softer but still pleasant.
Why do mine stick to the mold?
Lightly overfill and press firmly, then tap the mold with a spoon before unmolding. Humidity or too-wet mix also causes sticking.
How long do they last?
Best fizz within 3 months when stored airtight and dry.
Are food colorings OK?
They can stain. Use cosmetic-grade micas or lake dyes designed for bath products.
