This post may contain affiliate links.
You’ve probably bought bath bombs from the store at some point, just like I did. They’re fun, and they make baths feel great. My kids love them too, especially when they fizzle in the water. But let’s face it—bath bombs can get expensive if you’re using them often.
So, we decided to try making them ourselves at home. To our surprise, it was really simple! With a few basic ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils, we made our own bath bombs that work just as well as the store-bought ones. Plus, it’s more affordable, and we can customize them however we want. Now, bath time is just as fun, and we save money in the process.
Ingredients
- ½ cup corn starch
- 1 cup regular baking soda
- ½ cup Epsom salt
½ cup citric acid - 6 teaspoons olive oil (any carrier oil will work just fine)
- 10-15 drops essential oil (you can use lavender, eucalyptus, lemon etc)
- Large bath bomb mold
- 2 tablespoons hibiscus powder (You can make your own hibiscus powder by grinding up the hibiscus dried flowers)
How to Make DIY Hibiscus Bath Bomb
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, baking soda, and Epsom salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
- Add the essential oil drops to the olive oil and mix well.
- Gradually pour the infused oil into the dry ingredients, mixing continuously until the mixture holds together like damp sand. If it doesn’t clump, add more infused oil one teaspoon at a time.
- Once the mixture is the right consistency, slowly mix in the citric acid. The Citric acid is what triggers the fizzy reaction in a bath bomb when it combines with baking soda and water.
- Add the hibiscus powder and mix thoroughly.
- Fill your bath bomb molds, packing the mixture tightly so it overflows slightly.
- Press the two halves of the mold together and twist until the edges touch.
- Gently remove one half of the mold, then repeat for the other side.
- Place the bath bombs on a surface and let them dry for at least 24 hours or until they are firm to the touch.
If they are still crumbly, allow them more time to harden.
How to Store Bath Bombs
To keep your homemade bath bombs fresh and effective, store them in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Moisture can cause them to activate prematurely, which will ruin their fizzing effect.
Placing them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight seal, helps preserve their quality. You can also individually wrap each bath bomb in plastic wrap or parchment paper to protect them from air exposure.
When stored properly, bath bombs can last up to 6 months, though their scent and fizzing power may gradually diminish over time. For the best experience, use them within a few months of making them.
How to Use Bath Bombs
Using a bath bomb is an easy and fun way to upgrade your bath. First, fill your tub with warm water, making sure the temperature is comfortable but not too hot. Then, drop the bath bomb into the water and watch as it fizzes and releases its fragrance and oils. While it dissolves, relax and let the soothing ingredients soften your skin.
After your bath, give your skin a quick rinse if needed and be sure to rinse out the tub, especially if your bath bomb contained glitter or flowers.
