Here’s my latest batch of bath bombs, with a twist on my simple DIY bath bomb recipe. These are extra foaming bubble bath bombs, the fizzing and the bubbles are such a wonderful combination. It really does feel like magic, sometimes!
The magic bubble ingredient in this foaming bath bomb is the natural SLSA powder. It is essentially a surfactant that should generate a significant number of bubbles upon contact with hot water. But is it possible to get the same results of a good quality bubble bath with a homemade bath bomb? Absolutely we can!
Want To Make Bath Bombs Your Friends and Family Will Love? I’m Running a 50% off sale on the DIY Bath Bombs Course Today!
SLSA Powder For Bath Bombs
SLSA is a 100% natural powder that has been devised from coconut and palm oil and it should not be mistaken for SLS which is a much cheaper and unnatural ingredient that can be harsh on the skin and often cause irritants. These powders look alike and are often sold side by side so keep this in mind when you are ordering it.Â
Although SLSA is a natural product, it is important to treat this ingredient with care, as when loose, it has the potential to cause irritation to the nasal cavities.
While this will not be a problem when it is sealed within the bath bomb (and then diluted in a full tub of bath water), it can be when you are measuring or pouring it (as particles can pick up into the air in a form of dust). Make sure to use a face mask when handling this ingredient, just as a precaution.
Citric Acid
This sometimes comes in a granular or powdered form, if you do have the choice go for the powdered one, it does not fizz any better it is just easier to work with.
Witch Hazel
I have made this bath bomb numerous times, and it’s only on rare occasions that I have needed to moisten the powdery mix with a spray of witch hazel, having said that, it is always good to have a bottle to hand just in case.
If you do not have witch Hazel, you can use rubbing alcohol or distilled water. The main reason we would make using the witch hazel our first choice is because it tends to make the bath bomb a little more solid and is less volatile.
Making Bath Bombs Unique
The rule of thumb here when making changes or substitutions in this recipe is to keep the ingredients around the same levels.
Baking powder (54%) the citric acid (26%) SLSA (13%) butter (5%) and fragrance around (2%)
So, you can make your bath bomb look and smell however you like, and substitute the butter with any other butter, and your bath bomb will still turn out well.
The following recipe makes around 4 large bath bombs and should keep for around 8 months if they have been stored properly.
The foaming bath bomb recipe is made in much the same way as most of my other bath bombs, so it may help to watch the video, which may give you a better idea of the basic steps.
Watch The Basic Technique First
Super Foaming Bath Bomb Recipe
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy via the links here I may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you, please read my affiliate disclosure.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl (Glass, Aluminium or PET)
Ingredients
- 270 grams Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)
- 130 grams Citric Acid
- 65 grams Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate – SLSA)
- 25 grams Cocoa Butter
- 10 grams Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil
- Liquid Soap Dye (Food coloring works too)
- Witch Hazel (Optional)
Instructions
- Sift the baking soda into a good-sized mixing bowl, this will break up any clumps or lumps that maybe hiding in there.
- Apply your face mask, then weigh out and add the SLSA to the baking soda. Stir until well combined.
- In a heat-proof container, melt the cocoa butter by giving it a few quick bursts in the microwave, or in a hot water bath. Once the butter has melted, stir the fragrance or essential oil into the butter.
- Add the cocoa butter containing the fragrance to the baking soda and SLSA powder. You will need to incorporate this in well so that the butter is fully blended into the powders. I often find using my hands for this is better than a spoon. Once the butter has been added to the powders, and the SLSA has been dampened with the butter, its safe to remove your dust mask.
- Add the coloring, a few drops each time until you reach the color or shade that you are happy with.
- Now it is time to mix in the citric acid. I find adding this at the end rather than at the beginning with the other powders cuts down the chances of the mixture pre- fizzing.Â
- The bath bomb mix should be damp enough that it will hold together when squeezed. If its too dry you may need to add a spray or two of the Witch Hazel. Just remember, that every time you add a liquid to the mix you chance setting off the citric acid, so always add with caution.
- When you are completely happy with the texture of the bath bomb mixture, press it into a mold. Press down firmly so that its tightly packed into the mold with no cavities. You can level the top by placing a piece of waxed paper on top and smoothing it down with a few strokes.
- Leave the bath bombs to set for at least 24 hours before trying to remove them.Once these bubbly bath bombs have been removed from the mold, and as long as they feel hard enough, they should be ready to use. If they still feel soft, give them another 24 hours to finish drying out.Â
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make bath bombs at home is always great fun, and they are so easy and cost-effective to make.
Adding some lather to the bath bomb gives it some good cleansing properties. So, while your skin is being softened with the baking soda, and moisturized with the butter and oils, you can also soak away any dirt.
If you do not have any large molds, try making lots of little ones in ice cube trays, that way you can throw three or four in the bath.
Bath bombs are best kept in a cool dry area in a cellophane bag, cardboard box or a glass container to keep them fresh and to stop them from going soft.
That’s all I have for you today. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to get your hands on my DIY recipes!
