What are Bath Fizzies?
Bath fizzies, also known as bath bombs, are balls that when dropped into the tub will fizz and moisturize. You need two essential ingredients to make bath fizzies: citric acid (for the fizz) and baking soda (moisturizing). Bath fizzies can be so much more than just that though! This handout explores ingredients you can use (and why you'd want to) in bath bombs and gives you a number of recipes to experiment with.
How do bath fizzies work?
The key ingredients in bath bombs are sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. When the mixture (usually in spherical form) is placed in warm water, components of the bath bomb dissolve, and the citric acid interacts with the sodium bicarbonate. The chemical reaction in the water causes the mixture to fizz, creating a bubbly, foamy, colourful texture to the water.
Bath bombs are also scented, with the fragrances releasing into the water when the bath bomb dissolves. When the bath bomb breaks apart, all the minerals and detoxifying ingredients are released into the water. The two chemical components are prevented from reacting with each other when the bath bomb is dry thanks to being combined with cornstarch.
How to make bath fizzies
Bath fizzies are a great project to make for yourself or for gift giving to anyone who loves to relax in a nice tub of hot water filled with fragrance and fizz.
Bath Fizzies recipe
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Several drops essential oil (4-10 depending on the fragrance)
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cellophane bag/ribbon
Directions
- Mix olive oil and essential oil together in a bowl.
- Mix baking soda, cornstarch and citric acid together in a separate bowl.
- Make an indention in the center of the mixture and drizzle the olive oil mixture into the indentation, then mix well.
- Add water a little at a time and blend. Adding water causes the fizzing. The cornstarch works as a dry filler. You want it to absorb the water into the cornstarch as much as possible so the fizzie does not fizz while you are mixing the ingredients.
- Once blended, scoop out 1 tablespoon of mixture. Shape into balls squeezing tightly. You can also use a mold, such as a decorative cookie mold. (I have also had kids pack the mixture in paper cups.)
- Allow to dry overnight before packaging.
- Place in cellophane bags and tie off with ribbon.
What are bath fizzies used for?
bath fizzers are used to nourish, soothe and rejuvenate the skin. The oils and salts nourish and moisturise your skin, and the citric acid helps loosen damaged layers of skin to remove them. This replenishes your dry skin to leave it smooth, supple and hydrated.
When is the best time to use a bath fizzies?
It’s best to put a bath bomb in the water before you’re in the water yourself. Let the bath fizzer react with the water to form foamy bubbles before you get in.
Can you use bath fizzies to clean you?
Although bath fizzers have cleansing agents, they won’t be as effective in cleaning you as washing your skin with body wash or shower gel.
We’d recommend having a shower and using shower gel to get truly clean before having a soothing bath using a luxury bath fizzer. This means you’ll be clean from any harsh external factors like dirt, sweat or dust, so you can enjoy your bath fizzer to the full!
How long should you soak in a bath bomb bath?
We recommend soaking in a bath bomb bath for between 20 to 40 minutes. Don’t sit in the water for too long, as this can cause your skin to go wrinkly and dry out.
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