Easy DIY Bath Bombs

Easy DIY Bath Bombs are the perfect homemade gift. With orange, clove, and vanilla essential oils, along with detoxifying and skin-softening ingredients make these bath bombs wonderfully special.

Soaking in a tub full of hot water and a bath bomb is one of my favorite ways to relax.

Easy DIY Bath Bombs

Is there anything so relaxing and wonderful as a hot bath with a sweet-smelling effervescent bath bomb?

I love hot baths - they are so soothing and relaxing. I'm always on the lookout for great products that enhance my bathtime, but they can be really expensive. Making my own lets me customize the scents, colors, and size.

What is bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay is rich in calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and potassium, among other nutrients. It also helps to cleanse your skin and remove toxins from the body. It is especially good for oily skin.

What is polysorbate 80?

Like most people, I get a little nervous when there's an ingredient I've never heard of in my food or cosmetics. Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier to help mix the color in these bath bombs. While large amounts can be dangerous, this small amount is considered safe.

There isn't really a very good substitute, however, it can be left out if you are concerned.

Bath Bomb Materials

2 cups baking soda
1 cup citric acid
¼ cup cream of tartar
¼ cup bentonite clay
¼ cup dead sea salts
⅓ cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon polysorbate 80
5-10 drops orange essential oil
5-10 drops clove essential oil
5-10 drops vanilla essential oil
1-2 drops of orange mica colorant (optional)

Equipment Needed

Stainless steel bath bomb molds
Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol
1 large mixing bowl
4 small mixing bowls
whisk

How to Make Easy DIY Bath Bombs

In a large mixing bowl, add the baking soda, citric acid, bentonite clay, dead sea salts and cream of tartar. Whisk dry ingredients together.
Add the coconut oil. This binds all the ingredients together, so your bath bombs don’t crumble when you touch them!
Next, add the polysorbate 80. This helps the coconut oil disperse more evenly in your bath water, makes the bath bombs bubbly and prevents the mica from sticking to the side of the tub.
Add the essential oils. Mix well. You may need to use your hands to break down any lumps and make sure everything is mixed in. The mixture is perfect when it holds together when you press it into your hands and feels like wet sand.
Separate the mixture evenly into the 4-small bowls.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of the orange mica colorant to one of the bowls.
Leave the other with no color.
Layer the colors in your bath bombs molds until the mixture is slightly overflowing.
Press the molds together and grind to remove the excess mixture.
Gently tap each side of the mold to release the bombs.
Allow them to dry a minimum of 24 hours.

Tips for Easy DIY Bath Bombs

Making bath bombs takes some practice. This is one of those projects where you must measure the ingredients just right to ensure you have the correct amount of each ingredient.

Be sure to melt the coconut oil before you add it to the dry ingredients.
The consistency of your bath bombs should feel like wet sand.
Let the finished bath bombs dry for 24 hours to be sure they are set up correctly.

How do I store bath bombs?

The best way to store them is to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in a cool dry place.

These easy DIY Bath Bombs will last about 3-6 months.

How do you use a bath bomb?

Fill the tub about halfway with hot water. Drop the bath bomb into the tub near the running water. As the bath bomb dissolves, you can swish the water around to mix it throughout.

If you like, add 1 cup of Epsom salts to your bath for added relaxation.