We’ve all heard of bath bombs.
They look amazing, smell amazing and they are really relaxing to use. You can purchase them at most stores as they are gaining more and more popularity. But these can also get quite expensive as they are only used once.
So, roll up your sleeves and make your own in a simple and fun way.
What’s the purpose of bath bombs?
Before we dive deeper into the recipes and fun colors, you need to learn more about this raging trend.
For starters, bath bombs are bathing ingredients packed in convenient, palm-sized balls which dissolve and fizz as you put them in the water. They often contain beneficial ingredients and the smell can give you a spa-like, relaxing experience.
They can have a strong scent, so if that’s something that bothers you, you may want to stay away from commercial versions.
The fizzing happens because baking soda, water and citric acid react together and release carbon dioxide. The bath bomb will break apart and release the colors, scents and oils.
The bath bombs shouldn’t irritate your skin, unless you are allergic to ingredients specifically. However, they can moisturize and nourish your skin, especially if you make your own blends. You can choose to put edible colors in them if you want to add a little bit of fun to your bath.
Bath bombs are not the same as bath salts or bubble bath. They contain baking soda which is great for detoxification. Plant oils are also very beneficial for different problems. Bath salts also remove toxins, but with minerals and they also have other beneficial effects. However, bubble baths are simply there for cleansing the skin and they are made of soap.
Are bath bombs good for you skin?
So, they smell good, they are fun and fizzy. But do they do anything good for you?
This trend in the beauty world has really blown up in the recent years, especially with the younger crowd. Yes – it’s really alluring to look at and has an entrancing scent. But people who are interested in more than just the superficial side of bath bombs did their research in order to find out whether these really do anything except staining your tub.
The balls contain salts, baking soda, colors, oils and sometimes even glitter or rose petals. The combination is fizzy and aesthetically pleasing. But, if you are worried that it can harm your skin, don’t worry – it can’t (unless you are allergic to something in the bomb itself).
Because they contain oils, the bath bombs can actually moisturize your skin as well.
Keep in mind that, if your skin is really sensitive to fragrances and colors, it’s a good idea to avoid them or make your own from ingredients that agree with you. And bath bombs that contain glitter or similar surprise ingredients are really uncomfortable to deal with later.
So, in essence, bath bombs are healthy, especially if you make your own – without glitter – but people with sensitive skin and allergies should stay away from them. You can make your own at home, only using the ingredients that suit your skin and body.
Either way, bath bombs are not there for the health as much as they are there for the experience of relaxation. But it’s good to know that they won’t make your skin itchy and irritated.
Are there any benefits to bath bombs?
As mentioned, bath bombs are there for the sensory experience. There are also baths that are purely functional and those that serve a purpose of healing a health problem through these holistic methods.
However, having that bath bomb experience is a healing purpose of its own. After a long day, what could be better than a warm, colorful, scented bath?
And bath bombs have their benefits too.
Good for your skin
Because most bath bombs have essential oils or softeners, they can help you keep your skin supple and moisturized. Try to find one that has the ingredients that match your skin type and that can help you achieve the effect you want. You can also pick them based on their smell.
Bath bombs are natural
Bath bombs, even if commercially produced, contain only simple and natural ingredients. There’s not much to the science of bath bombs – baking soda, citric acid and oils. Colorants and scents come from edible colors and natural scents of essential oils. They are really easy to store as well and they have a long shelf life if properly packaged. So, companies have no reason to add chemicals.
Bath bombs create an amazing setting
Whether you are looking for relaxing, romantic or invigorating atmosphere, you can find it in the form of a bath bomb. Just drop one in your tub and delightful colors and scents will enchant your bathroom.
Bath bombs can be healing
All bath bombs have baking soda and citric acid. Aside from being cleansing for your skin, they can also repair it and make it more youthful. They can also make your blood vessels stronger. Add some essential oils, and you can have even more benefits.
Bath bombs are a quick way to have aromatherapy
The wide variety of scents available all have a different purpose in making you get into a better mood, release anxiety and beat stress. For instance, citrus baths are invigorating and work well in the morning. But if you take your baths before bed, you should go for lavender.
So, while bath bombs can’t miraculously heal a chronic disease or help with some other health issue, they can certainly help in some aspects. The therapeutic experience focuses on your mind more than your body. Keep trying out scents and blends to find the ones that work for you. Alternatively, make your own and enjoy the lovely, all-natural baths.
DIY bath bombs
After you’ve learned all of this, you probably want to give bath bombs a try. You will probably visit your local stores, only to find that they are a bit more expensive than you are willing to splurge on a single bath experience.
But the amazing trend can be really attractive and you need to try it out.
Well, don’t worry. You can make your own, at home and get the same quality and the same experience as you would from their commercial counterparts. And you can make a whole batch at the price of just one bath bomb.
Homemade baths bombs are made with wonderful ingredients with a low price tag and plenty of health benefits. You can even make them as gifts for your friends or simply use them in your own daily life.
So, how do you make them?
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cups citric acid
- ¾ cup corn starch
- ½ cup epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons oils (olive or coconut oil)
- 30-40 drops essential oils
- 2 tablespoons liquid
- Natural dyes
Baking soda is necessary for the fizzing, as is the citric acid. You’ll have more trouble finding the latter but it’s not that expensive. As for oils, you can use simple oils like olive oil or coconut oil. Simple water will do for liquids. Then you can really play with essential oils and coloring, though both are optional. Choose essential oil blends that you really like.
You will also need:
- A scale to measure everything right, especially if you are looking for more uniform results – for gifts, for example.
- Molds to make nice shapes. Alternatively, you can just use your hands to form balls. Still, molds can give you lovely shapes like roses, hearts, cupcakes and so on.
To make your own bath bombs, do the following:
- Mix dry ingredients
- Mix wet ingredients and add essential oils
- Add the wet ingredients to dry ones
- Mix with hands
- Add coloring if using or dried herbs if you prefer that
- The mix should not crumble when squeezed – add a bit more water if it’s crumbling
- Push the mixture into the molds and leave for 48 hours
- Remove after that and store in airtight containers – it can sit like that for two weeks
References
https://www.rockymountainsoap.com/blogs/blog/bath-bombs-faqs
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