Bath bombs are always a pleasant cuddle, but it's not easy to make them. One of the reasons? The main ingredient that is commonly used, namely citric acid, can be expensive and difficult to find. This recipe aims to solve the problem by replacing it with cream of tartar, generally used to prepare desserts. This will give you acid-free bombs that will color the bath water and make your skin extremely smooth.
Ingrediants
- 220 g of baking soda
- 40 g of cream of tartar
- 65 g of corn starch
- 120 g (Epsom salts, sea salt, iodine-free table salt)
- 2 teaspoons of essential oils
- 1 tablespoon of oil (any type of moisturizing vegetable oil, such as sweet almond, coconut, or olive oil will work; use of oil is optional)
- 1-2 drops of food coloring (optional)
- Molds to shape bath bombs
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making the Bath Bomb
Step 1. Make sure you have everything you need on hand
Once you mix the ingredients, you'll need to work at a brisk pace, so prepare yourself well to avoid going through the pantry at the last minute because you can't find something. This recipe makes it possible to obtain a bath bomb with dimensions similar to that of a tennis ball.
- If you prefer to make more or larger, modify the recipe while keeping the proportions intact.
- For example, if you want to make 2 bath bombs similar in size to a tennis ball, calculate 440g of baking soda instead of 220.
Step 2. Pour the dry ingredients into a bowl
Pour 220g baking soda, 40g cream of tartar, 65g cornstarch, and 120g salt into a glass or metal bowl. Do not use plastic or aluminum bowls, as oils may react to these materials.
- You can use different types of salt. Epsom salts are a classic choice for bathroom products, but you can also use sea salt or non-iodized table salt.
- If you can't find cornstarch, you can add another 55g of baking soda and 60g of salt. Keep in mind that this will make the bomb foam much more vigorously and last less.
Step 3. Beat the dry ingredients evenly with a metal whisk
If you don't have one, improvise with 2 forks or chopsticks.
Don't try too hard to do things perfectly; the aim is to mix the dry ingredients. You can also shake them in a closed jar
Step 4. In a separate bowl, mix the oils and food coloring
Pour 2 teaspoons of essential oil into a clean bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and 1-2 drops of food coloring, then mix everything with a spoon.
- The oil is optional, but it will make the bath bomb more hydrating. Sweet almond, coconut, and olive are great options.
- Keep in mind that the food coloring and oil may not mix well, as the main ingredient of the food coloring is water. Consider using an oil-based food coloring.
- Be careful when handling undiluted essential oils, as they can irritate the skin. Once incorporated into the bath bomb you won't have to worry about it anymore.
Step 5. Gradually blend the wet and dry ingredients
Using a spoon, gently pour the wet ingredients into the first bowl and mix well with your hands as you incorporate them. If foam starts to form, you may be adding ingredients too quickly.
To avoid getting your hands dirty, wear plastic gloves
Step 6. If necessary, sprinkle some water on the mixture
To mix the ingredients well, you will probably need water. The exact amount varies, so it's best to add it gradually as you go. In general, less than a tablespoon is enough. Spray it whenever you have trouble working the mixture.
The mixture should be crumbly, but at the same time it should hold its shape when compressed
Step 7. Pour the mixture into the mold
Create a tightly packed pile, then tap it for a smooth, even surface.
If you're using a classic pop-up plastic ball, fill the two halves more than necessary, then gently press them together
Step 8. Let the bomb compact before removing it from the mold
Wait a few hours, maybe all night.
- If you try to take it out of the mold ahead of time, it is likely to crumble.
- Rinse all metal tools thoroughly. Epsom salts can corrode this material over time.
Step 9. Use the bath bomb
Once removed from the mold, it will be ready for use. Fill the tub with warm water, drop the bomb and relax.
Better to use it within a few weeks of preparation. Older bombs lose their effervescent properties
Part 2 of 2: Planning and Perfecting Bath Bombs
Step 1. Select a mold
You can use just about any object, but plastic and glass items are preferable. You can choose one that allows you to make a large bomb or use smaller molds to have mini bombs.
- Plastic can absorb undiluted essential oils, but this is unlikely to happen after making the compound.
- The transparent plastic spheres, divisible into 2 parts and with snap closure, are the most used molds. You can find them in DIY stores. They make it possible to obtain a round shape similar to that of a tennis ball, just like the bombs that are found on the market.
- The chocolate molds feature different cute shapes, perfect for bath bombs.
- Pans for tartlets and cupcakes are also good.
Step 2. Experiment with colors and combinations
You don't have to settle for the usual colors. Try mixing them to create your favorites.
- As beautiful as a bomb looks to you during the preparation process, the final result may not necessarily be as satisfying.
- Keep a diary of all the combinations you have tried and those that have given you the best results.
- Make sure you always use non-toxic, water-soluble and non-staining dyes.
Step 3. Search for the perfect fragrance
Let yourself be carried away by creativity. Mix different oils to get a unique scent. If you don't know where to start, take a cue from online recipes. Some of the most popular combinations are:
- 4 parts of Roman mint and 1 of patchouli;
- 2 parts of orange and 1 of vanilla;
- 1 part of patchouli, 1 part of cedar wood and 2 part of bergamot;
- 1 part of peppermint, 1 part of tea tree oil and 2 parts of lavender;
- equal parts lavender and peppermint.
Advice
- Wrap the bath bombs in cling film and tape them closed for a nice homemade gift.
- Slowly blend the oils and dry ingredients. If you go too fast, the foam can form prematurely, so the bomb won't do its job.
- If the bomb crumbles after taking it out of the mold, try making a smaller one.
- Most recipes lend themselves to the use of cream of tartar (as a substitute for citric acid). Just make sure you halve the doses: if you overdo it with the cream of tartar, the mixture will be too thick and you will not be able to work it.
Warnings
- If the environment is humid, it will take longer for the bomb to dry.
- Some DIY enthusiasts claim cornstarch can cause candidiasis. However, no studies have shown that there is a correlation between the two.
