How to Make the Best DIY Bath Bombs in 2024

Learn to make easy DIY bath bombs with this helpful guide. These fizzy, fun bathroom wellness items can be relaxing for adults and highly entertaining for kids. What are the main ingredients in bath bombs? Baking soda and citric acid are vital for a fizzy effect. Do you need citric acid to make bath bombs? Not necessarily, but you’ll need a replacement ingredient that’s also capable of fizzing. 

According to Scientific American, “When baking soda and citric acid are mixed and are then put in water, they undergo a chemical reaction.” The fizziness that we see is carbon dioxide bubbles. The science behind these self-care gifts is fascinating and you can explore all the science-y and scent-y fun by making these DIY gift ideas yourself. 

Jump to Section

• How Do You Make DIY Bath Bombs?
• Professional Bath Bomb Recipe
• DIY Bath Bombs Without Citric Acid
• 3 Ingredient Bath Bombs
• DIY Bath Bombs for Kids
• Tips for Helping Kids Make Bath Bombs

How Do You Make DIY Bath Bombs?

Making DIY bath bombs at home is a perfect indoor activity. Not only are they fun to make, but they also make wonderful gifts for friends and family. You can customize them by experimenting with colors, adding dried flowers or using different molds to create unique shapes. Once you have the basic ingredients, it’s easy to adapt the recipe to what you have on hand.

This DIY bath bomb recipe creates four half-ball bath bombs and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus 2 to 4 hours to set.

Ingredients

• 100g baking soda

• 50g citric acid

• 25g cornstarch

• 25g Epsom salt (optional)

• 2 tbsp oil (such as sunflower, coconut or olive oil)

• ¼ tsp essential oil (such as lavender, chamomile or orange)

• A few drops of food coloring

• Dried orange peel, lavender or rose petals for decoration (optional)

You Will Need

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Plastic molds (muffin tins or silicone molds work too)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, add the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and Epsom salt. Whisk until fully combined.

2. In a small bowl, combine the base oil, essential oil and food coloring. Stir well to integrate the color into the oil.

3. Gradually add the oil mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking as you go. Add a few drops of water (it may fizz slightly) and mix quickly until the mixture clumps together when pressed. Adjust the water to get the right texture—firm but not wet.

4. If adding petals or peels for decoration, place them in the mold first. Then, tightly pack the bath bomb mixture on top, pressing it down with a spoon for a smooth finish.

5. Allow the bath bombs to dry in the molds for 2 to 4 hours, then gently remove. They’re now ready for a fizzy bath treat!

Professional Bath Bomb Recipe

For a more upgraded look and feel, this professional bath bomb recipe includes advanced ingredients to achieve a luxurious effect.

Ingredients (Makes 3)

• 250g Baking soda

• 130g Citric acid

• 3g Kaolin clay

• 3.5g SLSA (for added bubbles)

• 2g Aquamarine mica powder (for color)

• 5g Sweet almond oil

• 6g Chamomile essential oil

• 3g Polysorbate 80 (prevents color from staining the tub)

• 2g Water

You Will Need

• Bath bomb molds

• Large mixing bowl

• Measuring jug

• Weighing scale

• Gloves

• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Weigh and combine the baking soda, kaolin clay, SLSA and mica powder in a bowl, leaving the citric acid aside for now.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine sweet almond oil, essential oil, polysorbate 80 and water. Stir well and mix thoroughly into the dry ingredients.

3. Add Citric Acid: Weigh the citric acid and fold it into the mixture, ensuring an even blend.

4. Check Texture: Squeeze a small amount of the mixture—it should hold together like damp sand. If too crumbly, lightly spray with water, adding only as needed.

5. Fill Molds: Gently pack the mixture into each half of the mold. Press together and let sit for about 30 minutes.

6. Unmold and Dry: Carefully remove each half of the mold, leaving the bath bombs to dry for about an hour.

​​How do you make bath bombs without glycerin? Notice that even our professional bath bomb recipe doesn’t require using glycerin. The ingredient can prevent sticking and creates a smooth feeling on your skin. However, it won’t make or break your bath bomb and isn’t necessary. 

DIY Bath Bombs Without Citric Acid

If you want to make bath bombs but don’t have citric acid, or if you’re looking for a gentler alternative for sensitive skin, cream of tartar works beautifully as a substitute. It creates a mild, enjoyable fizz in the bath while still helping to hold your bath bomb together.

To replace citric acid in any bath bomb recipe, simply swap in 1 cup of cream of tartar for each cup of citric acid. Cream of tartar acts as a mild acid, reacting with the baking soda when it hits the water to create the signature fizz. However, it’s less reactive than citric acid, so the fizz will be softer and slower, offering a longer-lasting and gentler bath experience.

This substitution maintains the structure of the bath bomb and is especially suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Speaking of skin allergies, what is the best oil to use in bath bombs? Anything that isn’t irritating. We recommend testing your skin's reaction to different oils and using one that’s gentle. 

3 Ingredient Bath Bombs

Are you new to bath bomb crafting or want a quick and easy recipe with minimal ingredients? These 3-ingredient bath bombs are perfect. With just baking soda, citric acid and water, you’ll have all you need to create bath bombs that fizz, soften the water and leave skin feeling smooth. 

These make a fun activity for kids and a delightful homemade gift with ingredients you likely already have at home. Plus, they make for good DIY home decor to put in a clear jar in your bathroom. 

You Will Need

• 1 cup baking soda: This forms the base of the bath bomb, softening water and providing a gentle clean.

• ¼ cup citric acid: This reacts with the baking soda to create that satisfying fizz when the bath bomb dissolves in water.

• 2 tablespoons water: Just enough to bring the mixture together; spray it in gradually to avoid premature fizzing.

Follow the previous instructions for assembling the bath bombs. Once dry, these simple bath bombs are ready to add to a bath. They’ll fizz on contact with the water, offering a touch of homemade luxury with minimal ingredients. Plus, making them is an excellent stay-home date idea.

DIY Bath Bombs for Kids

This bath bomb recipe skips citric acid to avoid potential allergens and reduce skin irritation, making it especially gentle for kids.

Ingredients

• ½ cup cornstarch

• ½ cup Epsom salts (Note: Some people may be allergic to Epsom salts; if needed, substitute with baking soda)

• 1 cup baking soda

• 4 tablespoons cream of tartar (acts as a gentler alternative to citric acid)

• 2½ tablespoons coconut oil (adds moisture)

• Water (in a spray bottle for controlled mixing)

• Essential oil (optional, for fragrance; choose child-safe options like lavender or chamomile)

• Food coloring (optional, for fun colors)

• Muffin tin or other molds

Follow the DIY bath bomb assembly instructions. These gentle bath bombs make bath time fun and are ideal for sensitive skin, offering a soothing, kid-friendly treat.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Bath Bombs

Creating bath bombs with kids is an exciting DIY project that combines creativity with a bit of science. Follow these steps to make the process enjoyable and easy, while keeping kids engaged and entertained.

1. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Workspace

Prepare your space by covering the table with a protective layer like newspaper, wax paper or an old tablecloth. This not only makes cleanup easier but also gives kids the freedom to mix and pour without worry. Have all ingredients and tools within reach, including measuring cups, bowls and molds, so they’re ready for each step without interrupting the fun.

2. Explain the Science Behind the Fizz

Before diving in, give a quick, kid-friendly explanation about why bath bombs fizz. Talk about how baking soda and citric acid react when they meet water, releasing carbon dioxide bubbles and creating the fun fizz. For younger kids, compare it to bubbles in soda to keep it simple. It’s a great opportunity to sneak in a mini science lesson and spark curiosity.

3. Start Small with Colors and Mix Carefully

Kids love bright colors, but just a drop or two of food coloring goes a long way in bath bombs. Use colors that are skin-safe and non-staining to prevent any surprises in the tub. Encourage kids to stir well after each drop of color to avoid clumps and if they’re excited about mixing colors, help them experiment with shades like pink, purple or light blue for an extra personalized touch.

4. Let Kids Customize Scents and Add-Ins

Essential oils like lavender, chamomile or orange can make bath bombs smell wonderful and add a relaxing touch to bath time. Allow kids to pick their favorite scent, but keep in mind that only a few drops are needed to avoid overpowering the bath bomb. If they want to add decoration, let them sprinkle in dried flower petals, biodegradable glitter (kids love this) or a pinch of dried herbs for a unique touch. Be sure to remind them that a little goes a long way!

5. Supervise and Assist Throughout

Making bath bombs can get messy and involves some measurements and careful mixing. Be close by to help measure, add ingredients and guide kids through each step. As they get the hang of it, let them take more responsibility, from pouring the baking soda to pressing the mixture into molds. Being hands-on helps boost their confidence and they’ll love seeing their creation come together.

Make these DIY bath bombs on a rainy day, with the kiddos or just with your partner. They’re fun to make and delightful to use. Try your hand at other crafts like candle making or knitting while you’re at it. For even more fun DIY ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!