Homemade bath bombs are hugely popular right now. They’re simple to make, highly customizable, and a lovely homemade gift. Personalize your fizzies with essential oils for scent—lavender for relaxation, peppermint for an energizing lift, or any scent you prefer.
I’ve been using Pink Himalayan salt in my bath bomb recipes because it’s a gentle, mineral-rich salt that dissolves easily when finely ground. If you don’t have Himalayan salt, feel free to substitute Epsom salts or another fine-grain bathing salt. The key is the ratio: use a 2:1:1 proportion of baking soda : salt : citric acid for the best results.
Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs
You can shape bath bombs any way you like. These heart-shaped fizzies were made as teacher gifts for Valentine’s Day using heart-shaped cookie cutters, but silicone molds, muffin tins, or any sturdy mold will work. Place the filled molds on waxed paper or parchment to dry. Let them air dry for about 24 hours, then store in an airtight container.
Ingredients
This recipe is a small batch—double the quantities for a larger yield, keeping the 2:1:1 ratio for the dry ingredients. You’ll also need a few drops of essential oil and optional food coloring.
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup fine pink Himalayan salt (or Epsom salt)
- 1/4 cup citric acid
- 1/2 tsp essential oil (peppermint suggested)
- 30+ drops red food coloring (optional for pink color)
- 1 tsp witch hazel (add a little more if needed)
Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, and citric acid. Mix thoroughly to break up any lumps.
2. In a small separate cup, mix the witch hazel, essential oil, and food coloring. These won’t fully dissolve together—having them in one place speeds up the next step.
3. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients a few drops at a time, stirring constantly. Add, stir, add, stir—slow and steady. A little fizzing is normal as you work; try to minimize it but don’t worry if it happens.
Tip: Stop adding liquid as soon as the mixture holds together when pressed. The goal is a slightly damp texture that forms a cohesive shape without crumbling. If the mix becomes too wet, salvage it by adding more baking soda, salt, and citric acid in the original 2:1:1 ratio. If it’s too dry, add one or two more drops of the liquid blend.
This is the Pink Himalayan salt bath bomb mixture without food coloring added.
4. Pack the mixture firmly into your mold, cookie cutter, or silicone shape. Let it sit for about a minute, then gently remove. If it holds its shape without crumbling, it’s ready.
5. Place the bath bombs in a dry area to air dry completely—typically 24 hours.
6. Store finished bath bombs in an airtight container until ready to use.
Bath bombs are enjoyable to make and great as gifts. Kids especially love the fizzing effect, so they’re a fun bath-time treat. Homemade fizzies are also more economical than many store-bought options once you gather basic supplies.
The small batch recipe above yields the handful of heart-shaped bombs shown below when molded in small cutters or silicone molds.
If you’ve never tried making bath bombs before, start with this simple recipe and experiment with different essential oil blends and colors. Questions about technique or ingredient substitutions? Leave a comment and I’ll respond as quickly as possible.