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Discover how to make bath bombs with this easy and fun recipe. Create vibrant, spa-like experiences right at home with these colorful homemade bath bombs!

DIY Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are a simple and enjoyable way to indulge in self-care. When you drop these fizzing “bombs” into your bath, they dissolve and release ingredients that relax muscles (Epsom salts), detoxify the body and soothe itchy skin (baking soda), hydrate the skin (almond oil), and promote relaxation (essential oils).

For our bath bombs, we selected a fresh grapefruit scent, but feel free to use calming lavender for a nighttime bath or orange blossom to ease anxiety. You can create single-color bombs or go for a fun multi-colored effect like we did, or even skip the color for a classic white bomb.

Homemade bath bombs also make thoughtful gifts. Simply place a few in a cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon. Making bath bombs is a fun and easy activity for both adults and kids (with supervision).

Here’s what you’ll need:

You can find the full printable instructions at the end of this post, but here’s a list of similar products available on Amazon and Target that you can use for making bath bombs:

Baking Soda
Citric Acid
Epsom Salt
Cornstarch
Mica powder
Sweet Almond Oil
Essential oil
Bath bomb molds

Where can I buy supplies to make DIY bath bombs?

You can find citric acid in grocery stores, typically in the canning or baking section. Epsom salt is commonly available at pharmacies or Walmart in the bath and body aisle.

Bath bomb molds and mica powder are sold at Michaels or other craft stores. Essential oils can be found in the home decor section of Walmart, while sweet almond oil is available in pharmacies or Walmart in the beauty or hair care aisles.

And, of course, Amazon is a great one-stop shop for all of these items!

Can you make bath bombs without a mold?

While bath bomb molds are the most straightforward way to shape your bath bombs, there are plenty of creative alternatives you can try! With a little imagination, you can make bath bombs without molds and still get great results.

There are many items you can use to make bath bombs without traditional molds. Try muffin tins, silicone baking molds, silicone muffin liners, ice cube trays, candy molds, measuring cups, plastic Easter eggs, or even cookie cutters—the possibilities are endless!

If you’re looking for a quick and simple method, you can also press the bath bomb mixture tightly in your hands. While it may not be as perfectly shaped, it will still work beautifully in the bath!

What if I don’t have sweet almond oil?

In our bath bomb recipe, sweet almond oil serves both as a moisturizer and a binder for the dry ingredients. However, you can substitute it with almost any oil, such as olive oil or canola oil.

Other great options include jojoba oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil, baby oil, or sunflower oil. You can even use melted coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter for a more luxurious touch.

How do I colour my homemade bath bombs?

We used mica powder to color our bath bombs. Mica is a natural mineral with a metallic sheen, commonly used in cosmetics and soap for its vibrant hues.

Alternatively, you can use a water-soluble liquid colorant to add color to your bath bombs. These dyes, often used for bath bombs and soaps, are skin-safe and won’t stain your bathtub, making them a great choice for a colorful touch without the mess.

Bath Bomb Recipe

Learn how to make bath bombs with this super easy recipe! Pamper yourself with bath bombs that not only look beautiful but smell incredible too.

MATERIALS:

1 cup Baking soda
1/2 cup Citric acid
1/2 cup Epsom salt
3/4 cup Cornstarch
3 tablespoons Sweet almond oil
10-20 drops Essential oils
1/2 teaspoon Mica powder

EQUIPMENT:

Mixing bowl(s)
Spoon
Bath bomb mold

INSTRUCTION:

Step 1: Make the Bath Bomb Mixture
Add all the dry ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir them together until well combined.

Slowly pour in the sweet almond oil, mixing continuously to ensure it’s evenly incorporated into the dry ingredients.

Add the drops of essential oil to the mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute the fragrance throughout.

Stir the mixture thoroughly, breaking up any clumps to ensure it’s smooth and evenly combined.

The mixture may look dry, but when you pick it up and squeeze it together, it should hold its shape and stick together.

Step 2: Add Color
If you want to create bath bombs with multiple colors, divide the mixture into several smaller bowls. Add your chosen mica powder color to each bowl and mix well until no white streaks remain.

We divided the mixture into four portions and added just 1/8 teaspoon of mica powder to each. The more mica powder you add, the more vibrant the color of your bath bombs will be.

Step 3: Form the Bath Bombs
Spoon the mixture into one half of the mold. You can use one color or combine several. Press the mixture firmly into the mold using the back of a spoon or your fingers to pack it tightly.

Once the mold is full, press down on the mixture to pack it in tightly, ensuring it’s compact and holds its shape.

Add another scoop of the mixture on top of the packed layer, letting it mound over the top of the mold without packing it down.

Repeat the process with the second half of the mold, adding the mixture and pressing it down lightly, then mounding it up without packing it.

Repeat the process with the second half of the mold, adding the mixture and pressing it down lightly, then mounding it up without packing it.

Carefully pull the molds apart. If the bath bomb doesn’t come out easily, gently tap the outside of the mold with a spoon to help loosen it.

Unmold the second half of the bath bomb in the same way, gently pulling the mold apart and tapping it with a spoon if needed to release the bath bomb.

Place the bath bomb on a baking tray or another dry surface and let it dry overnight to harden.

Your homemade bath bomb is now complete! Enjoy your relaxing, fizzy creation in the bath!

Helpful Tip:

Troubleshooting

Bath bombs won’t come out of the molds: This usually means the mixture is too wet. Try adding a little more cornstarch to the mixture. Remember, this recipe does NOT require any water.
Bath bombs crumble after coming out of the mold: This happens if the mixture is too dry or wasn’t packed tightly enough. Try pressing the mixture into the mold more firmly. Overflow the molds with extra mixture and press the sides together tightly. If that doesn’t work, add a few more drops of oil to the mixture to help it bind better.

Learning how to make a bath bomb at home is a fun and creative activity! Drop your DIY bath bomb into the water and enjoy the bubbles and fizz as you unwind with a relaxing soak from the bath bomb you made yourself!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own bath bombs is a simple, enjoyable, and rewarding activity that allows you to personalize your bath time experience. With just a few ingredients, you can create colorful, fragrant bath bombs that not only look great but also offer relaxation and skincare benefits. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting them to others, homemade bath bombs add a special touch to any self-care routine. Enjoy the fizzy fun and the satisfaction of using something you’ve crafted yourself!

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the simplest and most effective DIY face moisturizers. I’ll break down the basic ingredients you’ll need to effectively moisturize your skin, and guide you through the steps to apply them in the most beginner-friendly way.

This post won’t cover DIY oil-and-water emulsions, like creams or lotions. While making a cream is not particularly complicated, I wanted to create a beginner-level guide with recipes that anyone—regardless of experience—can easily follow (even if you can’t boil an egg).

Though creating a cream can range from simple to more advanced, it always requires some special tools, a proper emulsifier to mix the water and oil phases, and a preservative. Since creams can be more involved, and not everyone wants to deal with all of that (honestly, I don’t always either), I’ll save that for a separate post.

Here, I’ll explain the difference between hydration and moisturization (and why you need both!) along with an easy way to achieve both without making a cream. After that, I’ll share the 3 most effective hydrators, followed by a simple recipe for creating a customized nourishing oil moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

You’ll only need 3 ingredients (one of which might even be water!) for your DIY face moisturizer.

MOISTURIZING VS. HYDRATING (& WHY YOU NEED BOTH)

The terms moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.

Hydrators are ingredients that add water to the skin (known as humectants). They help to plump the skin and keep it feeling supple. On the other hand, moisturizers are ingredients that provide emollients (oils) to the skin. These oils help smooth the skin and lock in hydration.

All skin types—dry, normal, and oily—need both hydration and moisture. Skin types are defined by the amount of sebum (natural oils) they produce, but regardless of sebum production, skin can still become dehydrated if it loses too much water.

Even if your skin is hydrated, if it lacks a proper protective barrier (meaning the skin’s natural oil production is insufficient), it can feel dry because the water will evaporate.

Hydrators and moisturizers can be separate products, or they can be combined into one. For example, a cream or lotion blends both water and oil phases, providing hydration (water) and sealing it in with moisture (oil).

However, you don’t need to go through the trouble of making a cream or lotion to create effective DIY face moisturizers.

HOW TO PROPERLY MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

To properly moisturize your skin, you need to provide both water and oil. You can do this with a traditional moisturizer (a cream), or for a simpler approach, you can use a hydrating toner (water-based) followed by a nourishing face oil or fat to lock in that hydration, nourish the skin, and smooth it out.

Below is a list of the best and most convenient hydrators and moisturizing oils for creating easy DIY face moisturizers. To use, start by choosing a hydrator from the list to apply as a toner after cleansing your face. While your skin is still damp, apply the face oil of your choice (from the moisturizing oils section). Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.

For added benefits, you can use a quick lymph-draining face massage to help the oils absorb and boost circulation.

MOST EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

THE METHOD

Step 1: Choose one of the hydrating ingredients from the list of hydrators below.

Step 2: Select your carrier and essential oils from the moisturizing oils list.

Step 3: Combine and mix both in your hands before applying to your skin.

Alternatively, apply the hydrator first and follow up with the oil mixture while your skin is still damp.

…and that’s it – easy DIY face moisturizers!

HYDRATORS

Hydrators are ingredients that draw water to the skin (humectants), helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines by plumping the skin. This is the first step after cleansing your face, ensuring your skin gets the hydration it needs.

Pick one of the following hydrators for your DIY moisturizer:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is naturally produced by the body to retain collagen and boost hydration. It helps skin heal, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. You can buy HA powder and make your own, which is often more cost-effective than store-bought products.

Basic HA Gel Recipe:
- 1g of HA powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
- 100g/ml of distilled water (about 1/2 cup)
  Combine the two and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir to create a gel, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting against irritation and water loss. However, it should be diluted, as pure glycerin can have a drying effect.

Basic Glycerin Hydrating Toner:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
- 100 ml distilled water
  Mix in a glass spritz bottle and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is both a humectant and a powerful skin healer, making it a great addition to your DIY moisturizer. It draws moisture to the skin and can be paired with other ingredients for deeper absorption.

How to Use:
Apply a dollop of aloe vera gel directly to your skin, or use the inner flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf to rub over your face and neck.

MOISTURIZERS

After hydrating your skin, you’ll need oils or butters to lock in that moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.

Basic Nourishing Face Oil Recipe:

30 ml / 1 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper
Choose one or more carrier oils (see list below)
Add 6 to 12 drops (1% to 2%) of essential oils
Shake well and apply half a dropper onto damp skin. Massage until absorbed.

If you prefer butters, melt a small dollop between your hands and apply after the hydrator.

Which Oils to Choose According to Skin Type:

Oily or Combination Skin:
Use lighter oils to avoid clogging pores. Good options include tamanu, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip, linseed, apricot kernel.
Essential Oils: Lemon, basil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, thyme.
Normal Skin:
Opt for oils that are balanced, like pumpkin, almond, sesame, argan, jojoba, sunflower.
Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
Sensitive or Irritated Skin:
Use soothing oils like jojoba, rosehip, linseed, or apricot kernel.
Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, frankincense, geranium.
Dry Skin:
Go for heavier, more protective oils and butters like olive, avocado, coconut, sweet almond, or any of the thicker butters (cocoa, shea, mango).
Essential Oils: Chamomile, myrrh, sandalwood, clary sage.
Mature Skin:
Focus on nourishing oils such as rosehip, argan, jojoba, tamanu, and pomegranate.
Essential Oils: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, neroli.