How are Bath Bombs Made?

After spending time in the frightful weather, and a long tiring day, nothing feels right than a relaxing bath inside a bathtub with a suitable bath bomb. An elevated bathing experience full of fun and optimal relaxation gets attributed to the right bath bomb. Could you be struggling with the meaning of a bath bomb? No need to fret; this article will give insight into everything you need to know about a bath bomb. You may need to continue reading to grasp some knowledge.

Bath bombs are one of the best innovations in the beauty industry today. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of their existence. You may be the researching or Googling kind of a person and came across bath bombs but don’t understand them. Consider yourself lucky for landing to this article as you will get enlightened on what bath bombs are and everything concerning them. Surprisingly, others even confuse them with tangerines! Let’s start by the meaning of a bath bomb.

Defining a Bath Bomb

It is a hard-pressed blend of various dry fixings which bubble or fizz when put into the water. Bath bombs come with multiple ingredients to enhance various benefits while one takes a bath. Natural essential oils get used to help smoothen and moisturize your body. Others come with different fragrances to soothe your senses and feel the environment with sweet smells ideal for aromatherapy.

Bath bombs come elegantly made with beautiful colors. Because of their attractive appearance and size, many people find them ideal for giving as gifts. Others get made for health purposes such as chest decongestion. The relaxation that comes with these bath bombs is optimal. They are also perfect refreshers. Are you wondering if the history of bath bombs? Check out the following;

Bath Bombs’ History

A French chemist called Rene-Maurice invented the first aromatherapy. As he discovered the benefits of essential oils, people also got to realize that certain smells are perfect in soothing and relaxing our bodies and mind. It was then that the aromatherapy got born. In approximate 20 years back, one of the Lush founder, Mo Constantine created fizzy bombs that used the aromatherapy concept.

Fortunately, materials used in making these fizzy bombs get found locally, and it is easy to make one. You can get a fizzy bomb in almost any market today. Others followed Mo’s footsteps and explored her invention of a fizzy bomb with the aim of improving and making it more beneficial. As a result, the market today gets flooded with many bath bombs in different shapes, colors, scents, and purposes. But the science behind bath bombs is interesting. Are you eager to know? It is as follows;

The Science behind Bath Bombs

According to Frankie Wood-Black, a chemistry instructor at Northern Oklahoma College, bath bombs gets made from three vital ingredients; cornstarch, baking soda, and citric acid. As an experienced maker of bath bombs, he further explains that bath bombs also contain Epsom salt, perfumes and dyes. When citric acid and the baking soda combines with water, a chemical reaction happens that causes the bath bombs to fizz. The chemical formula for sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is NaHCO3. When put in water, the baking soda dissolves quickly where the Na+ (positively charged sodium) separates from HCO3- (negatively charged bicarbonate).

The citric acid separates too where one H+ (hydrogen ion) breaks off from the entire molecule. Then HCO3- and H+ mingle and undergo some reactions very fast. As a result, CO2 gets formed. Carbon dioxide is a gas and therefore forms bubbles in the water. These bubbles are responsible for the delightful fizz that comes with bath bombs. If the bath bombs contain some scented oils or perfumes, the carbon dioxide bubbles help to release them into the air. Without the hydrogen that gets dissolved in the water, the remaining citric acid molecule and the sodium becomes water.

The cornstarch found in the bath bombs comes with a crucial role. It helps in slowing down the reaction by binding itself to the citric acid and baking powder. As a result, both end up dissolving slowly, making the fizziness to last for approximately three to four minutes. Bath bombs come in different shapes and sizes as stated below.

Bath Bombs Shapes

bath bomb coffee

The world is competitive, and different bath bombs manufacturers come up with all sort of shapes to lure customers. People prefer different forms, and a shape you love may be a shape despised by another. With this in mind, makers of bath bombs become innovative in giving shapes to their bath bombs to accommodate as many people as possible. Some come in a ball-like shape, which is the traditional shape of bath bombs. Others come as heart, starfish, square, rectangle, triangle, Fanta soda, sprinkle doughnut, crescent moon, or candy shaped. The list is endless.

Regarding bath bomb shapes, the world can act as your oyster. The forms are unique and limitless. If you are the creative kind of a person, you can use various molds to come up with all sorts of shapes. Some bath bomb recipes produce fantastic bath bomb shapes. For example, you can use your hands, hard plastics, or silicone molds. Others use wax paper, and ice cream scoopers to create unique bath bomb shapes that turn peoples’ heads. You now know the shapes that come with bath bombs but have no idea what they contain. Let’s look at what constitutes a bath bomb.

What Does a Bath Bomb Contain?

Bath bombs get made with multiple ingredients. For moisturizing, smoothening, and softening the skin, most bath bombs come with essential oils. To make the bath bomb friendly to the environment and animals, the essential oils used are usually 100% natural. Some of the essential oils used include orange, lavender, lime, citrus sinensis peel, mentha piperita, citrus tangerine peel, and eucalyptus globulus leaf. Others include cymbopogon schoenanthus, lavandula angustfolia, pogostemon cablin, mentha viridis leaf, melaleuca alternifolia, and sunflower seed. You can also use Shea butter, sweet orange, lemon, lavender, jasmine, frankincense, grapefruit, rose, or peppermint.

They also contain base ingredients like ground oats, baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid or clay. Epsom salt or buttermilk powder gets used to make the bath bombs fizz. Vitamins E and A get used to enrich the bath bomb. For the soothing aromatherapy scents rose petals, lemon, mango, orange, and cocoa butter get used. Also, rose, lavender, strawberries, citronella, blueberries, or peppermint fragrances get used. When it comes to colors, the list is endless. You can use the primary colors or a blend of some of them to create unique and beautiful looks. After analyzing how the bomb baths work, what it contains, its history, and shapes, you may be eager to know the benefits of bath bombs. They include the following.

The Benefits of a Bath Bomb

In earlier years, people took baths to get clean. But the trend has changed recently. Thanks to the advent in technology and development in innovation, people have designed ways to give their baths a luxurious touch and create a whole new experience. A bath bomb is the center of these relaxing, fun, and aromatherapy baths. You may be wondering why people use bath bombs in their bathing water; the benefits are numerous and include the following;

  1. Perfect for the Skin

Bath bombs come with softeners and emollients that help in moisturizing and softening the skin when bathing. What’s impressive is the fact that despite your skin type, these bath bombs make your skin silky, soft and supple. Though they get to cleanse your skin, they also manage to soothe and pamper it due to the ingredients used. The fact that your skin gets youthful, velvety, and sinuous makes it worth to use the bath bombs. Try to read here the best bath bombs for dry skin.

  1. Vegan-Friendly and 100% Natural

Bath bombs are bath time treats made free from chemicals and with 100% natural ingredients. Other bath products consist of chemical makeup that is toxic and harmful to the environment and animals. Impressively, your skin does not get irritated since the bath bombs contain no harsh irritants. Instead, they come with great skin softening properties. More so, they also calm and protect your skin.

  1. Opulence Atmosphere

You will fall head over heels with the luxurious atmosphere created by bath bombs. When dropped into the bathtub water, they start fizzing or removing bubbles. As they do so, they release sweet smelling fragrances into the air that soothes one’s senses. The scents come with aromatherapy benefits and create a tranquil environment as one takes a bath. Besides, you will love the beautiful colors displayed by the bath bombs as they rotate around while fizzing. These effervescent balls successfully transform your bathing experience into a joyful one. It’s bewildering how a bath bomb can turn your bathtub into a spa.

  1. Healing Properties

Many bath bombs contain citric acid and sodium bicarbonate responsible for the famous fizzing sensation. But other than this, the two ingredients help in cleaning, repairing, and deodorizing the skin. Impressively, they also strengthen the blood vessels. As a result, you get excited because you get to look younger. The rejuvenating enzymes in the bath bombs enhance healthy and glowing skin.

  1. Purposeful Scents

Bath bombs are renowned for their fantastic aromatherapy benefits. What’s stunning is the fact that the scents stay on your skin the entire day. More interestingly, various scents serve specific purposes. For example, citrus scents get recommended when taking your morning bath as it is a perfect energizer. Your sleepy mind and tired skin gets woken up and enables you to face the day’s challenges. For the evening baths, relaxing fragrances such as lavender gets recommended. They help in optimal relaxation and enhances a good deep sleep.

Are you a bath bomb fan? Then try different bath bombs with multiple ingredients and smells. You might find a few that you love and can use them in intervals instead of a particular bath bomb all the time. If your business in the bathtub is to shower and go, trying spicing up your bath experience with bath bombs. The benefits derived are good for your body and skin. But you may ask whether bath bombs come with any disadvantages. Check out the following;

Is it Dangerous to Use a Bath Bomb?

It is a million dollar question because nothing feels good and relaxing than a hot bathtub with a bath bomb. More so, when you settle for a glass of wine or a good book while in this setting, the experience is heavenly. But when certain news break like in the case of a girl aged ten years who got rushed to the emergency room after developing a rash in her entire body after using a bath bomb leaves us questioning the safety of these bath bombs. What’s even shocking is the fact that the bath bomb used by this girl was certified. It had passed all the necessary safety tests before being released on to the market. Such incidences may freak many people out, making them run home and throw their beloved bombs away.

But not so fast, some bath bombs can never contain harmful ingredients, at least if we are to go with the words of reputable bath bomb makers like LUSH. Ingredients used in making these bath bombs may result in unpleasant reactions on our skins and cause redness or itchiness. Most of these bath bombs look elegant, but all that glitters is not gold! To avoid using a deadly bath bomb and making unwanted visits to the hospital, use the following tips to choose a safe bath bomb.

  1. Check the Ingredients Used

You should learn the core ingredients used in bath bombs and how they work. For example, the fizzing happens when citric acid and baking soda combine in water. Other safe components may include natural essential oils and scents, sea salt, food grade coloring or cocoa butter. Do research and get to discover the safe materials used in various bath bombs. Before purchasing, always check the package for the ingredients used and the expiry date. If any element is not familiar to you, Google or conduct thorough research about it to get all its details. If it’s not safe, don’t purchase that bath bomb. Also, avoid bath bombs that contain ingredients that sound super chemical-y.

  1. The Slip Factor

Check out if your bathtub is slippery after putting the bath bomb. Slippery bathtubs are extremely dangerous when getting in or out. Oils and butter leave residue on to the bathtubs. Ensure you clean your tub thoroughly before using a bath bomb. It will help minimize the residue. The oils usually grime on the surface of the bathtub and stick to dirt.  Use hot or warm water while using any buttery bath product to help melt the oils. As a result, the oils rinse away easily. Otherwise, go for a bath bomb with no butter and oils.

  1. Know Your Allergies

Just like you do with other beauty products, ensure that you get to know what ingredients do not get along with your body and skin. Submerging yourself in water containing a bath bomb made with ingredients you get allergic to may turn out to be a deadly venture. Always inspect the ingredient list to ensure that it doesn’t contain any of your allergens.

  1. Super Sensitive Skin

Like in the case of any allergies, inspect the bath bomb first with a small portion of your skin. If it doesn’t react to your skin, then you can use it. If it responds to your skin and feels sensitive, avoid that bath bomb like the plague! Also, avoid bath bombs that had caused infections before in your urinary tract.

  1. Go Natural

100% natural ingredients are friendly to the animals and the environment. Go for bath bombs made with natural materials, food-grade colors, and mineral-based glitters. The components may be simple but effective in giving maximum relaxation and fun experience. Always read those labels and know what’s in the bath bombs you want to use. If you follow this to the latter, the chances are that you’ll always be safe.

You now have much insight about bath bombs except how they are made. No need to fret; this is how they get made.

How Is a Bath Bomb Made?

colored bath bomb

Soaking yourself in a warm or hot bathtub is a perfect way to unwind and relax. But it’s even better when you add a homemade bath bomb and transform your tub into a deluxe spa treatment and a tranquil environment.  But some of these bath bombs come with a high price tag, and we may not afford to buy one. The best option is to learn how to make your bath bomb at home. Besides, it’s easy, fun, and the materials are easy to find. Some are even in your kitchen drawer or shelf! Others are available in the store next door. Also, you get to test your creativity and prompt your smell buds by using various ingredients and fragrances. You may be wondering how to make a bath bomb. No need to fret; apply the below step by step guide to making your bath bomb. You may also check here our guide the best way on how to package bath bomb.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Equipment

First, gather the following necessary equipment:

  • A sizeable mixing bowl
  • A pair of Vinyl or latex gloves; for protective and sanitary purposes. Citric acid stings when it comes into contact with scratches and cuts
  • A kitchen scale
  • A dusk mask; to prevent breathing in fine powders
  • Eye protection; some powder can get very irritating when they get into the eyes
  • A sieve; to get rid of lumps found in the mixture
  • Hand sprayer; for clean cold water
  • Suitable molds: for shaping the bath bombs. You may not like the shape your hands can make, but you can use molds like muffin trays, chocolate molds, cube trays, and disposable shot glasses. Besides, you cannot fail to get something in your kitchen that can act as a suitable mold.

Step 2: Ingredients

Then assemble the following ingredients:

  • 150g of citric acid
  • 5ml to 10 ml of preferred essential oils or fragrance
  • 300g of bicarbonate of soda
  • 5ml of preferred carrier oil. For example sunflower, grape seed, jojoba, olive, and sweet almond oil
  • Color; you can use food colors, and powdered or water-based colors from a reputable supplier of body or bath products.

If it’s your first time making a bath bomb, it’s recommended you get to note certain things. For example, big bath bombs are hard to make than the smaller ones because they crumble easily. Besides, small bath bombs are stronger. Start by making small batches then progress to larger ones when you get confident. Weather conditions affect bath bombs. If it’s raining or humid while making bath bombs, decrease the amount of water you are to use in the mixture. Otherwise, it might begin to fizz leaving you with a heap of bubbling mixture. You need not to worry; you will eventually get to learn the ropes, though some trial and error methods get involved.

Step 3: Measure the Ingredients

Measure the citric acid and bicarbonate of soda and put them in the mixing bowl. Sieve the mixture to remove useless lumps and impurities. Then mix them thoroughly.

Step 4: Add a Scent

Take the fragrance and essential or carrier oil and add them into the mixture. Many fragrance or essential oils don’t cause the mixture to fizz, but the likes of citrus oils do. If it happens, ensure you mix very fast.

Kindly note that essential and fragrance oils never get mixed. You get to use either of them.

Step 5: Separate the Mixture

If you intend to make a bath bomb with multiple colors, then you need to divide and separate the mixture into different bowls equivalent to the number of colors you plan to use. For example; into three separate containers if you want to make a bath bomb with three colors.

Step 6: Add the Color

After dividing and separating the mixture, then add the colors to the mixes.  If using cosmetic or liquid food colors, add them gradually in drops until the desired shade gets achieved. You should get fast in your mixing to prevent the mixture from fizzing. For the powdered color, add small amounts and mix until you get your desired shade. The mixture’s tone should be uniform, therefore avoid spots in the mix by ensuring the mixture is well mixed.

You can use renowned techniques for mixing the mixture thoroughly. For example, the apple crumbles method where the mixture gets rubbed in-between the fingers continuously. Also, don’t allow the mixture to stand as you add the color. Otherwise, it will start setting slowly. The speed at this point is crucial.

Step 7: Add Water

Spray a small amount of water at a time on to the mixture. Ensure you continuously work and mix as you spray in water to avoid the mix from fizzing. Avoid too much water. The mixture should be crumbly and holds together in your hand when squeezed. It should be like a sand castle made using slightly damp sand.

Step 8: Mold the Mixture

Then scoop the mixture with your hands and put it in your molds. For a mold with two spherical parts, slightly overfill and compress the mix in both parts and press them tightly to form a completely spherical shape. After some few minutes, tap the mold lightly to release the mixture from one part of the spherical mold. Then remove the half part slowly and leave the bath bomb in the other half of the mold for close to 20 minutes to set.

Step 9: Dry the Bath Bombs

After allowing the bath bombs to set for 20 minutes, remove them from the mold. Then place them in a warm but dry place for some hours to dry. Examples of an ideal place to dry your bath bombs are in a wood wool nest or a folded bubble wrap. The bath bombs dry better and prevent the circularly shaped bath bombs from flattening on the bottom.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Bath Bomb

And voila! Your handmade bath bombs are ready. Go ahead and put one in your hot bathing water and enjoy! But remember, bath bombs fizz more when fresh. Always store the bath bombs in a dry place if not packing them. Shrinks wraps are great in keeping the bath bombs fresh for longer. But after making your bath bomb, you may not be aware of how to use it. Here is a guideline on how you use a bath bomb.


Lush How it’s Made: Intergalactic Bath Bomb


How Do You Use a Bath Bomb?

People prefer taking a shower for a quick wash, and a hot bath for relaxation and meditative experience. Bath bombs are renowned as one of the best beauty products to enhance a pleasant bathing experience. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to use bath bombs. Could you be one of them? You don’t have to put on a long face; here is a comprehensive guide on how to use a bath bomb.

  1. Fill Your Bathtub with Water

Ensure the water’s temperature is comfortable for you and fill as deep as you prefer. The water should be hotter if you intend to stay in the bathtub for a long time. You may also need to add some comfort accessories like a pillow to help rest your head as you relax for long in the bath.

  1. Then Drop the Bath Bomb You Prefer Into the Water

The bath bomb will start fizzing and bubbling. Eventually, it will get dissolved fully, saturating your bathing water with essential oils, fragrances, salts, and butter. You can enter into the bathing water as the bath bombs fizz.

  1. Relax in a Comfortable Position in the Bathtub

Allow the water to soak you as you lay back and relax. You can listen to your favorite songs, read a book, or stare in the tranquil environment and wind out.

  1. Get Out of the Water

Water cools down naturally. When this happens, you need to get out, drain the water and put warm, clean water in the bathtub to rinse yourself. But if the bath bomb you were using was colored, black, or had glitters, you get recommended to rinse yourself in a shower.

  1. Clean the Tub

After draining the water, ensure you clean your bathtub. You can use warm water to rinse it off or use a sponge or brush to effectively remove all the dye residues to prevent the tub from getting stains. In this regard, you may wonder whether bath bombs are compatible with soap. Here is the insight.


Is Bath Bomb Compatible with Soap?

Of course! Bath bombs get made with soap to help loosen oil and dirt on the skin’s surface. Soap enhances the cleaning ability of the bath bombs. But the best bath bombs are made from reputable companies. Are you eager to know the best brands for bath bombs? Continue reading to grasp some knowledge.

bath bomb


Best Brands for Bath Bombs

A perfect bath bomb offers optimal relaxation, great aromas, a fun experience, aromatherapy, soothes the skin and is hypoallergenic. A person gets fully rejuvenated in using such a bath bomb. It also comes with no risks to both animals and the environment. Some bath bombs manufacturing companies have done a great job in ensuring their bath bombs contains all these qualities. As a result, they get regarded as the best bath bomb brands in the market and have become famous with many people. Are you wondering of the best brands for bath bombs? They include the following;

  • Lush Bath bombs
  • Essence of Earth bath bombs
  • FancyKU
  • Aromatherapy Fizzing Shower Bombs
  • Village Naturals Bath Shoppe
  • Importikaa
  • Schone Natural Essential Oils Bath Bombs
  • Victoria’s Secret
  • Me
  • Unicorn Bubble Bath
  • Hugo Naturals
  • Seychelles
  • Village Naturals
  • Rejuvelle bath bombs
  • Oliver rocket bath bombs
  • Baby bath bombs

Conclusion

Bath bombs rejuvenate our bodies and comes with many benefits. But due to our tight budget, we may not be in a position to buy one. Fortunately, you can make yourself a bath bomb. Besides, it’s quite easy, fun, and the ingredients are easily accessible. If you are wondering how you can make a bath bomb, the step by step guide illustrated above will help you. Always enjoy your bathtub with your favorite bath bomb. You may also check here the best bath bombs for kids.