How to Make Bath Bombs – 1 kg Recipe

How to Make Bath Bombs – 1 kg Recipe

Making your own bath bombs is easy and fun, and this recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to make a larger batch for personal use or gifting.

This recipe makes approximately 1 kg of bath bomb mixture.

Ingredients

• 550 g Sodium Bicarbonate
• 270 g Citric Acid
• 80 g Cornstarch
• 50 g Kaolin Clay
• 30 g Epsom Salt
• 15 g Polysorbate 80
• 5 g Fragrance Oil
• Bath salt dye if desired
• 90–95% alcohol or witch hazel in a fine mist spray bottle

Method

1. Prepare the dry ingredients

Sieve the sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, cornstarch, kaolin clay and Epsom salt to remove any lumps.

Mix all the dry ingredients together thoroughly.

2. Add the fragrance and Polysorbate 80

Combine the Polysorbate 80 and fragrance oil separately.

Slowly add this mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing continuously.

Mix thoroughly to ensure the fragrance and Polysorbate 80 are evenly distributed.

3. Add colour

If using a suitable bath bomb colour, add a small amount and mix thoroughly.

Always use a colour that is suitable for cosmetic/bath applications.

4. Add the binder

This is the most important step.

Lightly mist the mixture with alcohol or witch hazel while mixing continuously.

Do not add a large amount of liquid at once.

Spray a little, mix well and test the mixture by squeezing a handful in your hand.

The mixture should hold together when squeezed but should not feel wet.

If it starts fizzing while you are mixing, you have added too much moisture.

5. Fill the moulds

Pack the mixture firmly into your bath bomb mould.

Press the two halves together firmly, then carefully remove the bath bomb from the mould.

If the bath bomb cracks or falls apart, add a tiny amount more mist and try again.

6. Allow to dry

Place the finished bath bombs on a dry surface in a cool, low-humidity area.

Allow them to dry for 24–48 hours before packaging.

Once completely dry, package them in moisture-resistant packaging.

Troubleshooting

My bath bombs are cracking

The mixture may be too dry. Add a very small amount of mist and mix again.

My bath bombs are expanding or fizzing

Too much moisture has been added. This can cause the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to react prematurely.

Work quickly and use only a fine mist.

My bath bombs won’t hold their shape

Make sure the mixture is packed firmly into the mould. You may also need a tiny amount more binder.

My bath bombs are soft

They may have been exposed to too much moisture. Allow them to dry thoroughly in a low-humidity environment.

Important Fragrance Information

The fragrance oil amount in this recipe is 0.5%.

Ingredient Information

INCI: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Kaolin, Magnesium Sulfate, Polysorbate 80, Parfum.

If additional ingredients such as carrier oils or colourants are added, these must also be included in the ingredient declaration.

Safety

For external use only.

Avoid contact with the eyes.

Do not use on broken or irritated skin.

Keep dry ingredients away from moisture until ready to make the bath bombs.

Store finished bath bombs in a cool, dry place.

Always follow the safety information supplied with each ingredient.

Make Your Own Bath Bombs with Fun with Soap

Want to make your own bath bombs without buying every ingredient separately?

Look out for our Bath Bomb Kit, containing the ingredients and supplies you need to get started.

Visit www.funwithsoap.co.za to discover our DIY soap, bath and body-making kits and ingredients.