Soak Away Your Worries With DIY Bath Bombs
Revitalize your body and mind with our nature-inspired bath bomb recipes.
When the weather outside is blah, sometimes our moods start to match. (Here, have a hug.) Fortunately, we have just the thing: luscious bath bombs that soothe the skin, senses and spirit with nurturing ingredients.
Each recipe features some of our favorite nature-inspired scents and their unique benefits. Make a big batch of them for the next time you need a minute (or 20) to yourself.
Essential bath bomb recipe
Ingredients
Dry Base
1 cup baking soda
½ cup citric acid
½ cup Epsom salt or sea salt
¾ cup cornstarch
Dried herbs (optional, based on scent customization below)
Liquid Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil of choice (such as coconut or olive)
2 teaspoons witch hazel (or water)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or water)
15-20 drops of base essential oil (based on scent customization below)
15-20 drops of complementary essential oil (based on scent customization below)
Tools
Latex or rubber gloves
Mold or greased container (such as a muffin tin)
Eyedropper
Spray bottle
Instructions
- Put on gloves if you have sensitive skin
- Combine dry ingredients and mix until well combined
- In a separate bowl, combine liquid ingredients
- Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients a few drops at a time with the eyedropper. Mix well. Add dried herbs (optional)
- Combine until mix is crumbly and can just hold its shape when squeezed. Add more witch hazel or water with a spray bottle as needed to achieve desired texture, working quickly so the mix doesn’t have time to fizz
- Add mixture to molds or a greased container (such as a muffin tin). Press firmly and leave 48 hours, or until hardened. (You can press while drying so it doesn’t expand
- Tap molds with a spoon to release. Wrap in tissue paper or plastic wrap and store in airtight container or bag. Use within two weeks (before they start losing their fizzing power)
Tip: Get your tub in bath-ready shape with Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist. It has impressive surface coverage and three times more cleaning power* so you spend less time scrubbing and more time soaking.
Customize your bath bombs by scent
Now that you have the main recipe, you can customize your bath bombs with some of our favorite nature-inspired scents!
Lavender Bath Bombs
- Essential oil: lavender and either hemp, sage or chamomile
- Dried herbs (optional): lavender and/or chamomile
Lavender takes its name from the Latin root lavare, which literally means “to wash.” It’s known for its calming properties and can help you relax and unwind. Make it a part of your bedtime routine, and dream of running through the hills of Provence.
Rose Bath Bombs
- Essential oil: rose and either cedar, vanilla or geranium
- Dried herbs (optional): rose petals
Is there anything more lovely, feminine and timeless than the scent of roses? But this blossom’s beauty is more than petal deep. Rose essential oil can (ahem) increase romantic interest, lift your mood and moisturize skin. Talk about flower power!
Lemon Bath Bombs
- Essential oil: lemon and either mint, eucalyptus or pomegranate
- Dried herbs (optional): lemon zest or lemongrass
Also known as “liquid sunshine,” this vibrant pick-me-up can help boost positivity, concentration, alertness and energy. It can also help brighten skin by removing dead skin cells and excessive oil. Wedge a lemon bath bomb into your afternoon schedule, between chores and dinner, and you’ll soon regain your zest for life.
*vs. the leading APC bleach spray on kitchen grease