Baths are the ultimate cure-all. Had a bad day? Didn’t sleep a wink last night? Just plain stressed? A hot soak is pretty much all you need to start feeling better immediately. In fact, I used to turn to a glass of wine after a rough day, but lately I find that taking a bath is even better for decompressing and turning my mood around quickly. Especially when I can kick things up a notch with an aromatherapy bath bomb. These bath bombs are the perfect mixture of relaxing essential oils, cleansing baking soda and muscle soothing Epsom salts to help you soak away the stress.
All the bath bomb recipes I found called for citric acid to help create the fizzing action that makes bath bombs so much fun. But since I couldn’t find it at any of the stores I went to, I was forced to improvise! Luckily, fizzy essential oil bath bombs can be made with some simple ingredients most of us already have lying around the kitchen, like lemon juice or cream of tartar. I chose cream of tartar for mine because I had some on hand, but don’t be afraid to experiment with lemon juice if that’s easiest for you.
Once you’ve selected your fizzing agent, all you need is some baking soda, salt, corn starch and essential oils and you’re in business. Here is a quick video we made showing you exactly how to make them:
Bath Bombs
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup Epsom salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons water
- 1 teaspoon essential oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to remove any clumps.
- In a small glass jar, stir together the wet ingredients (make sure the coconut oil is completely melted before combining it with the wet ingredients). Slowly pour the liquid mixture in with the dry mixture, whisking as you go. The dry ingredients might fizz a little as you pour. If this happens, try adding the wet ingredients more slowly.
- Once all the wet ingredients are combined with the dry, take a small amount in your hand and squeeze it together. It should stick together fairly well in one or two big chunks. If it's still too powdery to hold together, try adding a tiny bit more water. Once the ingredients stick together well, spoon the mixture into your molds and press firmly. Let dry for a few hours, or better yet overnight, before attempting to remove from the molds.
Oh my gosh this is awesome. I am adding this to my list of diy projects. I’ve tried the lush products bath bombs and they are awesome but so pricy :(. Plus it’s great to control what’s going in it. Keeps my mind at ease ;)
I’ve never had a problem finding citric acid. Look for “Fruit Fresh” in the section where the canning items are. It’s not all that expensive here in Texas. I love bath bombs. I make them for gifts around Christmas time, along with soap and lotion bars.
When I’ve been able to find citric acid in stores, it’s crazy expensive. The best place to buy is Amazon.
I’ve made them without cornstarch as it can encourage yeast infections. Bath bombs are amazing though!
Really? Can you just eliminate it, or does it need to be replaced by something?
The ease of making these bath bombs makes me wish I had a bathtub at home. Not long now until my trip to Vietnam when I’ll get to use the hotel bathtub though!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com