Making your own bath bombs can be a fun and enjoyable (albeit usually messy!) experience. The recipe I use contains Epsom salts, known for helping the body to release toxins, and with muscle relaxation. I also advocate for the use of 100% pure essential oils, rather than chemical filled `fragrances.` Why? Essential oils are derived from plants or flowers, and are known for their aromatherapeutic properties, helping ease physical and mental concerns.
Ingredients
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1 cup citric acid (you can substitute for cream of tartar, if you’d like)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1-5 tsp water (in a spray bottle)
- Essential oil to your preference (usually 60-90 drops)
Directions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl (I recommend glass or stainless steel if you plan on adding essential oil). Stir gently.
- Add olive oil and stir until well mixed.
- Add essential oil (if desired) and stir until well mixed.
- Now for the tricky part. It’s time to add the water, which will cause your mixture to react (fizz). Spritz the mixture and immediately busy the fizzing bit with more dry mix. Stir around. And repeat! You want to get it to a consistency where it just holds together when you squeeze it in your hand. Almost like slightly damp sand. Still a bit crumbly. Continue misting, burying, and mixing, until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Place bath bombs in mold of your choice. If you are using a hard mold; press the mixture firmly into the mood, then firmly tap onto hard surface to remove the bath bomb. If using a silicone mold; press firmly, and leave the mixture in the mold. Either method will take approx 12-24 hours to dry completely.
Notes:
If adding colour (I use soap colourant; some use food colouring)- this will also cause the mixture to react. Mix it in before you add the water. Otherwise, follow the same direction as the water (add the colour- immediately bury, and mix).
Other fun and interesting uses for bath bombs: placed in bottom of shower for aromatherapeutic benefits, in shoes (baking soda is well known for its ability to absorb smells!), in gym or hockey bags, in vehicles, as decorations/deodorizers in a room, and more! Have fun!