How to Make Fizzy Bath Bombs

By
Chelsea Foy
Chelsea Foy
Chelsea Foy
Chelsea Foy is a DIY expert, writer, author, and the founder of Lovely Indeed, a popular DIY and lifestyle website featured in notable online outlets, such as HGTV and Martha Stewart, She has over a decade of experience with hands-on crafting. Chelsea is also the author of two e-books on crafting and she has instructed DIY workshops across the country.
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Updated on 09/08/20
Bath bombs

The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

Project Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

There's nothing like a long, warm, fizzy bath at the end of the day—and there's something even better about knowing that you made those fizzy bath bombs with your own two hands. Bath bombs can be a fun indulgence or a great gift, and with this simple tutorial, you can make them in batches to use or to share. Once you get the hang of this simple technique, you can customize your creations with various shapes, sizes, colors, and scents to really get creative.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Bath bomb molds

Materials

  • 1 cup Baking soda
  • 1/2 cup Citric acid
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • Food coloring
  • Essential oil of your choice
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Mix the Baking Soda and Constarch

    Mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. For now, keep the citric acid set aside and do not mix it in. Use a mixing spoon to break up any clumps.

    Mixing Dry Ingredients to Create Homemade Fizzy Bath Bombs
    Lovely Indeed

  2. Add Essential Oil

    Add the essential oil a few drops at a time into the mixture and mix until fully incorporated. You may find that it's easier to use your hands to incorporate the oil, rather than a spoon. If desired, you can wear gloves to keep your hands clean.

    Adding Oil to Dry Ingredients to Create Homemade Fizzy Bath Bombs
    Lovely Indeed

  3. Add the Coloring

    Mix the color a few drops at a time into the dry mixture using your hands. The more drops you use, the deeper and more saturated the color will become.

    Tip

    If you're planning on making multiple colors of bath bombs from this single batch, separate the dry ingredients into equal parts in different bowls (you'll need to separate the citric acid as well).

    Adding Color to the Mix to Create Homemade Fizzy Bath Bombs
    Lovely Indeed

  4. Add the Water

    Add water half a teaspoon at a time, stirring the mixture in after each addition. Keep adding water until the mixture becomes the texture of damp sand and will hold in a tight clump.

    Adding Water to Create Homemade Fizzy Bath Bombs
    Lovely Indeed

  5. Add the Citric Acid

    Add the citric acid and thoroughly combine until well-mixed.

    Adding Citric Acid to Create Homemade Fizzy Bath Bombs
    Lovely Indeed

  6. Mold the Ball

    Pack the two sides of your bath bomb mold full of the mixture. Pack it tightly and slightly overfill. Press the two sides of the mold together as tightly as you can. Gently pull off one side of the mold, flip the ball over into your hand, and pull off the other side of the mold.

    Tip

    Handle the bath bomb very gently, as the mixture is still slightly damp and not yet hardened.

    Molding Homemade Fizzy Bath Bombs
    Lovely Indeed

  7. Smooth the Sides

    Use the back of the spoon to smooth the seam of the ball where the molds met.

    Smoothing Homemade Fizzy Bath Bomb Ingredients
    Lovely Indeed

  8. Let the Balls Dry

    The bath bombs need to harden before they can be used. Leave them to dry overnight at room temperature.