How to Make a Bath Bomb

Bath bombs are products you can buy at bath stores that fizz when they are thrown into a bathtub full of water. These have a nice scent and they really leave you smelling great. But unfortunately, they can cost quite a bit. Here is a guide to show you how to make your own and save a little money in the process.

The first step is to find a mold you like. You can buy molds made for melt & pour soap, or you can get a traditional bath bomb ball shape by using empty plastic Christmas ornaments which come in halves to be filled. These are available at most hobby stores, and if you can't find them, ask the store clerk.

Next you need to find a scent and color you enjoy. These are optional, but they are what make it look like a really professional quality bath bomb. Your possibilities are nearly endless, but make sure that you use fragrance oil. Essential oils are far too strong, and you can cause serious damage to your skin. Also, depending on the essential oil, it may cause serious illness. Stick with the fragrance oils which are cheaper and come in a greater variety of flavors anyway.

Third, find a good oil to use. If you want a convenient oil to use, vegetable oil is acceptable, but a high quality bath bomb will use something like massage oils. Good oils to use include emu oil, vitamin E oil, or sweet almond oil. You may have luck finding these at a spa or a bath store, or you may need to turn to the Internet to find what you want. From Nature With Love offers a large selection of not only oils, but the other ingredients you will need as well. Make sure to use an oil that will not go rancid easily.

Fourth, gather all your other ingredients. You will need two bowls, wax paper, baking soda, cornstarch, and citric acid. Citric acid can typically be found at drugstores, although you may need help from the store clerk in finding it. Combine 2 tablespoons citric acid with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 cup baking soda in one bowl. In the other bowl, you combine 1/4 teaspoon fragrance oil, 3-6 drops food coloring, and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil. The important thing to remember is that the dry ingredients get mixed with other dry ingredients and the wet ingredients with other wet ingredients. After they are all mixed within their two separate bowls, you slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Do NOT mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones. The reason for this is because the citric acid is what causes the bath bomb to bubble and fizz when you put it in the bath water. Citric acid does not react well with water. If you pour the dry ingredients into the wet, it will react in the bowl instead of in your bath like it's supposed to.

This mixture will feel dry, but resist the urge to add more liquid. This will also cause the bath bomb to react prematurely. Scoop some of it into the mold, and pack it tightly. While it's still wet, gently remove it from the mold, and place it on the wax paper. It may seem to be dry after two to three hours, however you should wait a week for best results.

Viola! You have made your very own bath bomb. Now go enjoy it in your own bath, or give them as gifts. You may even decide to sell these in stores yourself.