DIY BUBBLE BATH BLISS: CREATE YOUR OWN SOOTHING SOAK

There’s something incredibly calming about immersing yourself in a warm bath filled with soft, fragrant bubbles. Unfortunately, many commercial bubble baths contain chemicals and artificial ingredients that can irritate the skin. This homemade bubble bath recipe offers an all-natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative for a truly relaxing experience.

Who Doesn’t Love a Soothing Bubble Bath? We all enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath from time to time—I certainly do! I cherished them as a kid, and my love for them has only grown.

What I don’t appreciate, however, are the unnecessary toxic chemicals often found in store-bought bubble baths. Many of these products contain sulfates and synthetic fragrances, which have been linked to issues like endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to non-reproductive organ systems.

What concerns me the most is that many of these bubble baths are marketed toward children and babies.

Below are the ingredients from a popular, expensive store-bought bubble bath:

“aqua/water/eau, sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl betaine, ppg-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide, glycerin, glycol distearate, parfum/fragrance, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, panthenol, tocopherol, tocotrienols, trilinolein, triolein, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, camellia sinensis leaf extract, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10, maltodextrin, methyl gluceth-20, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, buteth-3, tributyl citrate, citric acid, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfite, polysorbate 20, potassium sorbate, disodium edta, maleic anhydride, sodium hydroxide, methylene di-t-butylcresol, phenoxyethanol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, fd & c yellow no. 5 (ci 19140), fd & c red no. 40 (ci 16035)”

Not only is this an overwhelming list of ingredients, but many of them are toxic. For instance, methylisothiazolinone can lead to immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs. Meanwhile, polyquaternium-7, an anti-static agent, poses risks for non-reproductive organ system toxicity and ecotoxicology.

This particular bubble bath isn’t just harmful to your health; it also negatively impacts the environment. And this is just one example—many other store-bought bubble baths have ingredient lists that look alarmingly similar.

That’s why I’ve stopped purchasing store-bought bubble baths and started making my own. It’s incredibly easy to create, all-natural, and significantly cheaper than the average store-bought option.

How To Make Your Own Bubble Bath

To create your own homemade bubble bath, gather the following ingredients and supplies.

BOTTLE

You’ll need a bottle or bubble bath dispenser that can hold 14 to 18 ounces, like the one shown here. The recipe below will yield approximately 18 ounces of bubble bath. If you opt for a larger soap dispenser, feel free to add a bit more castile soap.

I always prefer glass bottles over plastic because essential oils contain powerful chemical compounds that can break down and react when they come into contact with plastic.

UNSCENTED CASTILE SOAP

Castile soap serves as the base for this bubble bath, providing the bubbles you love. This vegetable-based, natural product is suitable for all skin types, including those of babies.

I always choose unscented castile soap so I can customize the fragrance to my liking.

NATURAL BODY WASH (OPTIONAL)

If you have hard water, you might find that the castile soap doesn’t create much lather. In this case, I recommend adding a body wash to your bubble bath.

Opt for a natural option, like Everyone unscented body wash. Even if you don’t have hard water but want an abundance of bubbles, adding the body wash is a great idea. It significantly enhances the sudsing when combined with the castile soap.

VEGETABLE GLYCERIN

Vegetable glycerin helps thicken the bubble bath, enhancing its suds and bubbles while also offering additional moisturizing benefits.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils provide the delightful scent for the bubble bath, as all the other ingredients are unscented. If you want your bubble bath to smell amazing, be sure to add essential oils.

Below, you’ll find various combinations of essential oil scents.

It’s crucial to use only 100% pure essential oils, as some are synthetic. Fake essential oils can be just as harmful as the toxin-laden store-bought bubble baths.

For tips on how to identify fake essential oils and to discover some of my favorite brands, check out my post titled Fake Essential Oil Brands You Should Avoid.

Homemade Bubble Bath Recipe

To create this homemade bubble bath recipe, simply add the following ingredients to your jar or bottle. I typically use an 18-ounce glass bottle for this bubble bath. If you’re using a larger or smaller container, be sure to adjust the quantities of each ingredient accordingly.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup castile soap
  • 1 cup body wash (if you choose not to use body wash, add an additional cup of castile soap)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
  • 30-40 drops of essential oils (see scent combinations below)

Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly and shake well before each use.

Simple Essential Oil Scent Combinations

You can create any scent combination you like with essential oils. If you prefer something straightforward that doesn’t require too many different oils, I recommend the following combos:

Simply add the essential oils to the recipe above, keeping in mind to adjust the amounts if you’re using a larger or smaller dispenser than I suggested.

Combo #1: 15 drops lavender + 15 drops lemon
Combo #2: 15 drops peppermint + 15 drops orange
Combo #3: 15 drops grapefruit + 15 drops lime

Homemade Christmas Bubble Bath

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to create some festive scent combinations for the holidays.

Candy Cane

30 drops peppermint + 10 drops spearmint

Christmas Cookie

20 drops ginger + 5 drops clove + 5 drops cinnamon + 4 drops nutmeg + 10 drops vanilla

Christmas Tree

30 drops fir + 5 drops vetiver + 5 drops cypress

This DIY bubble bath makes a great homemade gift—especially the Christmas-scented bubble baths.

You can sign up to receive free homemade printable gift tags below.

Alternatively, you can sign up to receive the colored bubble bath labels instead.

How To Use Homemade Bubble Bath

To use this homemade bubble bath, simply pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup into the bathtub while the tub is filling with water. Feel free to add more if you’d like it to be bubblier or sudsier.

For extra-large bathtubs, you may need to use more than 1/2 cup of bubble bath.

Keep in mind that homemade bubble baths typically don’t create as much suds as store-bought varieties. This is because store-bought bubble baths contain surfactants, which are responsible for producing those giant, foamy bubbles.

However, surfactants are harmful to the environment, so I prefer my homemade bubble bath.

I’ve heard that whisking an egg white into the bubble bath mixture can help create fluffy, long-lasting bubbles, but I haven’t tried that yet.

How To Store DIY Bubble Bath

This homemade bubble bath should be stored in a sealed container. The glass bottle I recommended earlier is perfect for storing this DIY bubble bath.

Just make sure to keep the pump tightly sealed at all times to prevent contamination from bacteria.

How Long Does Homemade Bubble Bath Last?

This homemade bubble bath can last for 1 to 2 years when stored in a sealed container.

How Often Can Homemade Bubble Bath Be Used?

You can use this homemade bubble bath as often as you like since it contains only natural ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing soak without worrying about harmful chemicals.

However, keep in mind that castile soap can be drying for the skin, so be sure to moisturize well after bathing. If you notice your skin becoming excessively dry, you may want to reduce your usage.

NEED ESSENTIAL OILS?

Make sure to use 100% pure essential oils when putting together this recipe. High-quality oils don’t have to break the bank.

I recommend brands like Simply Earth, Plant Therapy, and Far & Wild, as they all offer high-quality oils at affordable prices.

If you decide to buy from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive an essential oil recipe box, a bonus box, and a $45 Simply Earth gift card, all for just $29.99 (new customers only)!!!

If you’re unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes [here].

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, creating your own homemade bubble bath provides a natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought products.

By selecting your own ingredients, you can ensure that your bath is free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary additives, making it gentle on your skin.

Moreover, you can tailor the scents, textures, and moisturizing properties to suit your preferences and specific skin needs.

I truly hope you enjoy using this homemade bubble bath! If you have any questions about the recipe, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

How Can Bath Beads with Oil Elevate Your Daily Soak?

Are you looking for a way to relax and unwind after a long day at work? Look no further than bath beads with oil. These small, fragrant beads are perfect for adding to your bathwater, providing a luxurious and soothing experience.

What Are Bath Beads with Oil?

Bath beads with oil are small, spherical capsules that dissolve in water, releasing aromatic oils and other ingredients into the bath. They are typically made from natural oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint, among others. These oils are known for their therapeutic properties, which can help ease tension, soothe sore muscles, and promote relaxation.

How Do Bath Oil Beads Work?

When added to a warm bath, bath beads with oil release their fragrance and oils, filling the air with a relaxing aroma. As you soak in the bath, the oils penetrate your skin, providing a range of benefits. Some bath beads with oil contain ingredients that exfoliate and moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Bath oil beads provide a spa-like experience right in the comfort of your own bathroom. They allow you to unwind, relax, and pamper your skin while enjoying the soothing scents and visuals of your bath.

Benefits of Using Bath Beads with Oil

Soothes Sore Muscles

If you’ve been hitting the gym hard or have a physically demanding job, you know how sore your muscles can become. Bath beads with oil can help alleviate muscle pain and discomfort, thanks to the therapeutic properties of essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint.

Promotes Relaxation

The aroma of bath beads with oil is enough to promote relaxation on its own. However, the oils themselves also have properties that can calm the mind and body, helping you achieve a state of relaxation and stress relief.

Exfoliates and Moisturizes Skin

Many bath beads with oil contain natural exfoliants, such as sea salt or sugar, which can help slough off dead skin cells and reveal smoother, softer skin. The oils also moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and nourished.

Helps Improve Sleep Quality

Using bath beads with oil before bed can help promote better sleep, thanks to the relaxing properties of essential oils like lavender. Soaking in a warm bath before bedtime can also help regulate your body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Bath Oil Beads vs. Other Bath Products

When it comes to bath products, there are many options available. Here’s how bath beads with oil compare to some other popular products:

Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are similar to bath beads with oil in that they dissolve in water, releasing fragrant oils and other ingredients. However, bath bombs are typically larger and fizzier than bath beads, providing a more dramatic effect. Bath bombs are a great option if you’re looking for a luxurious and spa-like experience.

Bubble Bath

Bubble bath is a classic bath product that creates a rich foam when added to running water. While bubble bath can be fun and nostalgic, it doesn’t offer the same therapeutic benefits as bath beads with oil. Additionally, many bubble bath products contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a type of magnesium sulfate that is often added to baths to alleviate sore muscles and reduce inflammation. While it does provide some benefits, it doesn’t offer the same aromatherapy benefits as bath beads with oil. Additionally, some people find that soaking in Epsom salt can dry the skin.

How to Make Bath Oil Beads

Ingredients

Wax Beads or Pellets: These are essential for forming the bead’s outer shell. 

Carrier Oil: Choose a skin-friendly carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. 

Fragrance: Select scents you enjoy and find relaxing.

Colorants (Optional): If you want your bath oil beads to have color, you can use skin-safe colorants or mica powder.

Equipment

Double Boiler or Microwave: To melt the wax.

Bath Bomb Molds or Ice Cube Trays: These will be used to shape your bath oil beads.

Mixing Bowl and Spoon: For mixing the ingredients.

Instructions

Cover your workspace with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent any mess.

In a double boiler or microwave, melt the wax beads or pellets. Be cautious not to overheat; follow the package instructions for melting. It’s typically best to melt the wax in small batches.

Once the wax is melted, add the carrier oil to the mix. The ratio of wax to oil can vary, but a common starting point is about 1 part wax to 2 parts oil. Adjust as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Stir in your chosen fragrance oil or essential oil. Add colorants if desired. Remember that essential oils are potent, so use them sparingly to avoid overpowering scents.

Pour the mixture into your bath bomb molds or ice cube trays. Fill each mold or compartment, pressing down to compact the mixture.

Allow the bath oil beads to cool and harden completely. This may take a few hours or overnight, depending on the size of your beads and the temperature of your workspace.

Once the bath oil beads are fully set, gently remove them from the molds. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.

Tips 

  • Use warm, not hot, water. Hot water can be drying and irritating to the skin.
  • Experiment with different scents to find your favorites.
  • Try mixing and matching different bath products to create a personalized spa experience.
  • Be sure to rinse your tub thoroughly after using bath beads with oil to prevent any residue buildup.

FAQs

  1. Are bath beads with oil safe for sensitive skin? Most bath beads with oil are made from natural ingredients and are safe for all skin types. 
  2. How many bath beads with oil should I use? The number of bath beads with oil you should use will depend on the size of your bathtub and your personal preferences. As a general rule, we recommend using one or two beads per bath.
  3. Can I add other bath products, like Epsom salt or bubble bath, to my bath when using bath beads with oil? Absolutely! Bath beads with oil work well with other bath products. In fact, combining different products can help you create a personalized spa experience that meets your specific needs and preferences.
  4. How often should I use bath beads with oil? You can use bath beads with oil as often as you like. However, we recommend limiting your usage to once or twice a week to avoid drying out your skin.
  5. Can I use bath beads with oil in a Jacuzzi or hot tub? We don’t recommend using bath beads with oil in a Jacuzzi or hot tub. These products are designed for use in a bathtub, where the water is contained and won’t circulate through a filtration system. Using bath beads with oil in a Jacuzzi or hot tub can clog the filters and cause damage to the equipment.

Final Takeaway

Bath beads with oil are a simple yet luxurious addition to any relaxation routine. They offer a range of benefits, from soothing sore muscles to promoting better sleep, and can be easily customized to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day at work or simply want to indulge in a little self-care, bath beads with oil are the perfect choice.

So next time you’re in need of a little R&R, why not try adding some bath beads with oil to your bathwater? Your mind and body will thank you.