How To Make Bath Bombs in 6 Easy Steps

Using a bath bomb is an easy, relaxing way to upgrade bathtime. Most adults agree it’s a lush, spa-like experience and most kids love the fun fizz or rainbow-colored water. But instead of paying an arm and a leg for a premade bath bomb at a bath and body store, you can learn how to make bath bombs yourself. It’s cheaper and it’s a fun DIY.

With these instructions, you’ll be able to have a crafty afternoon and an extra colorful (and relaxing) bath experience later on.

Keep reading for more information on bath bombs—what supplies you need, ingredients to use and how to make them.

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What Are Bath Bombs?

Bath bombs usually come in a circular shape and are packed with fragrance—essential oils, dyes or perfumes—and oftentimes, Epsom salt. According to Live Science, their primary ingredients include baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch.

Before lowering into the bath, you can throw one in the tub while the water is still running. The citric acid inside will cause a chemical reaction that results in the bath bomb fizzing, creating bubbles and turning the water into different colors (before it dissolves).

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What Is the Point of Bath Bombs?

Because of that chemical reaction, bath bombs are single-use. They’ll dissolve on their own but since they can only be used once, what’s the point of a bath bomb?

Aside from the aromas and bright colors, which create an enhanced bathtime experience, many bath bombs also include ingredients that hydrate skin and remedy dryness. It can make your skin feel really, really soft too.

Does a Bath Bomb Clean Your Body?

Not really. Bath bombs are designed to enhance the bathing experience with their scent, color and effervescence. They are not formulated to clean the body like soap or body washes.

What Supplies Do You Need for DIY Bath Bombs?

You will need the following supplies to make a bath bomb:

• Circular, two-sided mold or silicone ice cube tray
• Baking sheet
• Glass jar (small)
• Measuring cup and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Stirring utensil

What Are the Ingredients for Bath Bombs?

You will need the following ingredients to make a bath bomb:

• One cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup corn starch
• 2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 3/4 tbsp water
• 8-15 drops of essential oils (popular ones include lavender, orange, peppermint and eucalyptus)
• Bath bomb molds (see notes under craft steps)
• Optional: Food-grade dried lavender flowers or fresh rosemary
• Liquid coloring for soap

How To Make Bath Bombs Step-By-Step

To make bath bombs yourself, read the following step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients—baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and Epsom salt—and use a fork, spoon or whisk to stir them all together. You want to make sure the mixture is a smooth powder, not clumpy. If you’re using the optional dried herbs or flowers, you can add them in now as well. Set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Add all the wet ingredients—coconut oil, essential oil(s) of your choice and water—in a glass jar.

Step 3: Now for the color! Using a color of your choice, add 1 to 2 drops to the wet ingredients. Stir. If you’re only using one color, skip to step four.

If you want to make a bath bomb with two colors, you have to split the wet ingredients in half (and then split the dry ingredients in half, too). Add 1 to 2 drops of the first color into one of the wet mixtures; add 1 to 2 drops of the second color to the other wet mixture. Then, continue to step four.

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Step 4: Bit by bit, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. This has to be done extremely slowly because if you add it too quickly, it will fizz up. Pro tip: You may want to use a whisk for this part.

Step 5: Once combined, knead the mixture together (kind of like dough), adding small bits to the bigger “ball” at a time. If it’s too dry, it won’t combine well, so add a little bit of water until it is more moldable.

Step 6: It’s time for the molds! If you’re using only one color, fill both sides of the circular mold, packing it in tightly (with just a little bit of overflow). Put the two pieces of the mold together, scraping off any excess. Remove one side of the mold and place it (with the other half of the mold still on it) on a baking sheet to dry. Let it sit for one hour, and then you can remove the other side.

Not using a circular mold? No problem! A silicone ice tray works too! To use this method, add the bath bomb mixture to each ice cube mold, flattening it down so the tops are smooth. You should wait 10 minutes before turning the tray over and removing them. Let them dry overnight.

If you’re using two colors, fill one side of the circular mold with one color and fill the opposite side with the other color. Put the two mold pieces together, scraping off any excess. Remove one side of the mold and place it (with the other half of the mold still on it) on a baking sheet to dry. Let it sit for one hour. Then, you can remove the other side of the mold.

Finally, if you’re using two colors and a silicone ice cube tray, fill half of the tray with the first color, then add the second color on top. Flatten it down so the tops are smooth, then wait 10 minutes before turning the tray over and removing them. Let them dry overnight.

Related: The 15 Best Body Lotions for Aging Skin, According to Board-Certified Dermatologists

Your homemade bath bombs are now officially ready to use. (Another pro tip: They also make great gifts!).

And if you’d rather find a pre-made dry mix for bath bombs, those exist too! 

This might save you a little bit of time while making your DIY bath bombs!

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