Bath bombs – Who doesn’t love relaxing in a long, luxurious bath? And if there is one thing that can make a bath even better, it’s that fizzing ball of loveliness that is a bath bomb. Lush Cosmetics are credited with inventing the very first bath bomb. Not only do they smell lush, but they also turn the bath a lovely colour, and of course, they fizz!! Here’s how you can make your own Lush-style bath bombs at a fraction of the store price.
Bath bombs cost up to about £7 each in shops, with some premium brands costing even more. The fabulous range at Lush Cosmetics has shot up in price recently, pricing many of us out of the market. Making your own bath bombs is not only inexpensive, but you can custom-make them to suit your skin.
Some commercial bath bombs contain a dizzying array of ingredients, including preservatives, chemicals, and other substances that can harm sensitive skin. Making your own is quite simple, and the bonus is that you know exactly what is going into them. The ingredients are easy to get and can be bought cheaply from a chemist or online.
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Lush Style Bath Bombs?
The two main ingredients in bath bombs are baking soda and citric acid. Some recipes use Epsom Salts (found in bath salts), and others use corn flour as a filler. The fragrance is either essential oil or cosmetic-grade fragrance oils, and the colours are food colouring. You will also need some oil to help bind the ingredients. Lastly, you will need a mould—these can be bought quite cheaply on Ebay (around £5 for a 5-cavity mould).
The Science Bit
The reaction that gives the bath bomb its characteristic fizz occurs when the baking soda and citric acid come into contact with water. This forms bubbles of carbon dioxide. Cornstarch helps the bombs float. Epson Salt is magnesium sulphate, and it is an ingredient in bath salts, as it relaxes and soothes sore muscles.
Where Can I Find The Ingredients?
You can buy citric acid in a chemist’s shop, which costs about £5 a kilo. Baking soda, commonly known as bicarbonate of soda in the UK, can also be bought at a chemist’s shop. Alternatively, you can find everything you need online. Your initial outlay will be about £20 to set yourself up with moulds and your first set of ingredients, but you can make loads of bath bombs with your initial investment.
Method:
The method for making bath bombs is the same regardless of the recipe. Firstly mix together all the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry. Once thoroughly combined, press into moulds
Bath Bomb Recipe 1.
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup citric acid
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon water
- 4 – 5 drops essential oil
- 3 spoonfuls of chamomile flowers (optional)
Bath Bomb Recipe 2
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup Epsom salts
- 1 tsp. water
- 2 tsp. essential oil
- 3 tsp. oil (olive oil)
- food colouring (any colour you want)
Remember, if you are making these as gifts, to check the safety information on any essential oils that you use. Some oils should not be used by pregnant women or those with high blood pressure or other medical issues. You can also find dupe fragrances of popular brands on sites such as Etsy, which can make your creations smell even more like the real thing. Just make sure that the oils you buy are suitable for cosmetic use and not just for candles and wax melts.
If you use too much colouring, you can stain your bathtub and your skin (don’t ask me how I know this!!). Go easy on the colouring to ensure your recipients don’t end up looking like the jolly green giant.
Bath bombs make lovely low-cost gifts, and you really are limited only by your imagination! Happy crafting.
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