Fizzy Rose Bath Bombs

If you’re like me, you’re mostly distrustful of corporations hawking their wares, and bath bombs are not excluded.  A quick look at the ingredients of popular bath bombs and you’ll see why.  They are laden with toxic chemicals, artificial colors and fragrances; and you and I likely agree that this is firstly, unnecessary; and secondly, we can make our own!

Let’s start with the basics, however…

Citric Acid is Key

To get the fizz, a chemical reaction between ingredients has to occur; and this is why the majority of recipes contain citric acid and baking soda. One’s acid, one’s base; and when the bath bomb hits water, it starts to react, or “fizz.”

One you’ve got the reaction down, add other skin soothing and softening ingredients like corn starch and epsom salt that act as stabilizers, and coconut oil to bind.  Essential oils lend a lovely scent, and rose clay colors these beauties.

Bath bombs have long-frustrated many a DIYer, myself included, because they are fickle and fall apart easily.  But you needn’t be scared here! This recipe is pretty fail-proof and uses shape-shifting coconut oil as a binder, some sprays of witch hazel to find the right consistency, and takes a quick spin through the freezer to aid in the initial set up.  And then; viola!  Success.

I wanted my bath bombs to get gussied up, so I added secrets inside them of whole, pink rose buds (my ultimate fav thing ever!) that burst from the bath bomb while it dissolves, and cornflower (bachelor’s button) petals for an extra pop of color and aesthetic. I pressed them into a silicone muffin pan that I had, but I’ve since upped my game and got the legit bath bomb molds on Amazon. They. Are. Rad.

Fizzy Rose Bath Bomb Ingredients

1 C of baking soda
1/2 C citric acid
1/2 C cornstarch
1/2 C epsom salt*
2 Tbs rose clay
3 Tbs coconut oil, melted
1 Tbs olive oil
witch hazel extract,** as needed for consistency.  (1 oz. approximately)
30-40 drops essential oil
— I used:
15 drops geranium
15 drops palmarosa
10 drops frankincense
small handful whole rose buds
several pinches cornflower

Also needed:

bath bomb molds or silicone muffin pan
fingertip mister/spray bottle for spraying witch hazel

*I particularly like this brand of epsom salt.  The salt crystals are larger and add a little texture and sparkle to the bath bomb.
** You could use a lovely rose water or hydrosol here, or just plain water too.

How to Make Fizzy Rose Bath Bombs

Combine the first 5 dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk well to evenly distribute. Take care not to fluff up or sniff the citric acid, because its an assault on your nostrils!

In a small, separate bowl, melt the coconut oil and combine with the olive oil, and add the essential oils to them.

Toss the liquids into the dry bowl and say “Bam!” like you’re Emeril.  (Just kidding.  Seeing if you’re still with me here). Stir, whisk, or massage with your hands to incorporate.

At this point, the mixture should be getting close, but the consistency won’t be ‘just right.’  Spray witch hazel at the mixture like you’re casting a spell and mix some more.  Repeat this step until the mixture clumps together in your hands and stays formed.  It should not be too dry, too wet, but, just right.  (I feel confident that you will know that you’ve arrived when you get there, and I’m not joking this time).

For the silicone pan method: If you’re using the lovely garnishes, place 3 whole rose buds and some cornflower petals in the bottoms of the muffin cups and then press the readied mixture firmly into the mold. In this way, the top of the bath bomb is decorated with petals and rosebuds. Pop the whole muffin pan into the freezer for a few minutes for an easy set up, and then gently remove the bath bombs from the tray and set them out to air-cure for 48 hours.

For the bath bomb mold method: Alternatively, If you’re using the bath bomb molds, fill one side of the mold with the mixture and then press rose buds into it. For a large-sized bath bomb, I found that 3 rose buds worked well. Heap more mixture onto the top, or into the other half of the mold and firmly press the two halves together.  In this way, the roses are concealed within, and float to the top of the bath as a secret gift. Gently remove the bath bomb from the mold and place on a plate or tray in the freezer for a few minutes.  Remove and allow to air-cure for 48 hours.

I used a bath bomb right away after making it, but for gifting, it’s best to let them harden a bit before you package them.  Depending on what you use for a mold, this recipe makes approx. 6 large-sized bath bombs or several more small or mini ones.

Happy bathing!

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