What Does Bath Bombs Made?

It’s no mystery that bath bombs have been all the rage since they first emerged in 1989, and for good reason. They’re bubbly, vibrant, aromatic, sanitizing, and they spark an aesthetic cascade of sparkle that transports you to a dazzling utopia. The bathroom experience is perhaps most enjoyed for its plethora of bath bombs—after all, what’s glamorous about bar soap? These circular explosive fizzies can seem like just the thing you need to make a washing experience something more than a mere obligation.

What Are Bath Bombs Made From?

The three primary ingredients in a bath bomb are baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch. The baking soda and the citric acid is what fizzes once tossed into the water to dissolve. These two ingredients interact to create all that bubbly goodness. The cornstarch holds everything together to make the final dry product a fun, unique shape.

Scents are also essential. Essence water can be used to add smell as well as wet the powders just enough to stick them together in the mold. Once tossed in a bath, the scents will be released as it dissolves.

For the most part, coloring is added as well, but that’s a matter of preference. A colorful bathtub fizzing and sparkling away certainly is appealing! Lastly, as bath bombs are essentially solid cakes, it’s very easy to mix dry ingredients into them to make them even more luxurious.

Often this will be scented materials such as herbs. Another popular addition is Epsom salt for both the healing properties and herbal scents it provides. For some extra fun, small items such as collectibles, jewelry, soap, or other nice treats are added to the center. As the bath bomb dissolves, the treasure is revealed.

How does it Work?

The “bomb” aspect of a bath bomb is the fizziness. But what’s going on in those spheres that make them so fizzy? Two of the key ingredients to a bath bomb are citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. You might also know sodium bicarbonate by its more common name, baking soda. These two ingredients are what cause the impressive and delightful fizz when the bath bomb enters the water.

When sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) comes in contact with water, the sodium (Na) molecules break off from the bicarbonate (HCO3). At the same time, the citric acid is dissolving, with a single hydrogen ion (H+) separating from the rest of the molecule. When the released hydrogen ion from the citric acid encounters the bicarbonate from the baking soda another reaction happens! This time, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is released as one of the end products. The carbon dioxide forms bubbles in the soap and bath water, and rushes to the surface with a delightful fizz.

How to make a bath bomb

Instructions:

1. In your mixing bowl, add in all the dry ingredients. Combine well with a whisk.
2. In your glass jar, add in all your wet ingredients (including liquid colorants or solubilizers if using them). Swirl or stir to combine.
3. Very slowly, pour in your wet ingredients to your mixing bowl. Only add in a little bit at a time, each time mixing with the whisk. A little fizzing may happen at this point. If needed, use your hands to mix further and ensure the mixture and coloring is even with no lumps.
4. If the mixture is too dry, spray the bath bomb mixture with a bit of Witch Hazel Distillate.
5. Test the bath bomb consistency by squeezing a little bit of the mixture in the palm of your hand and releasing it into the bowl. Does the mixture stay compact and in shape or does it crumble and disintegrate? If it's the former, the mixture is ready to mold. If it's the latter, spray a little Witch Hazel Distillate and try again.
6. Fill your bath bomb mold with the mixture a little at a time using some pressure. Filling methods and the amount of exact pressure needed can differ from mold to mold, so some practice may be required here.
7. Gently release the bath bomb from the mold and place it on your tray. Allow to dry for 24-48 hours.
8. Store in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid (or seal with plastic wrap) if not used.

How do you Use a Bath Bomb?

Step 1: Choose your bath bomb

The first step in using a bath bomb is choosing the right one for you. Bath bombs come in many different scents and colors, so choose the one you like. You can also search for bath bombs that have specific properties, such as: B. moisturizing or exfoliating ingredients if you have specific skin care needs.

Step 2: Prepare your bath

Before using your bath bomb, prepare your bath by filling the tub with lukewarm water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature for you, neither too hot nor too cold. You can also add bubble bath or essential oils to the water if you like.

Step 3: Unpack the bath bomb

Once your bath is ready, it’s time to unwrap your bath bomb. Take the bath bomb out of its packaging, being careful not to break it.

Step 4: Add the bath bomb to the water

With your bath bomb in hand, carefully place it in the water. It’s important to do this carefully, as dropping the bath bomb could cause it to break before you’re ready. Once in the water, the bath bomb will begin to fizz, releasing its scent and color.

Step 5: Enjoy the bath

Now is the time to relax and enjoy your bath. The bath bomb will continue to fizz and release its scent for a few minutes, so take your time and enjoy the experience. You can also use this time to read a book, listen to music or just bathe in hot water.

Step 6: Rinse

When you’ve finished your bath, it’s important to rinse off any remaining bath bomb residue. This will help prevent irritation or dryness to your skin. Just turn on the shower or use a cup to pour water over your body to rinse off the residue.

Step 7: Clean

Finally it’s time to clean up. Drain the bath water and rinse the tub to remove any remaining bath bomb residue. You can also wipe down the tub with a cleaning solution to ensure it’s clean and ready for the next use.