Enjoy a relaxing soak with these simple DIY bath bombs — perfect for pampering yourself or for gifting. They’re easy to make, far less expensive than many store-bought options, and you choose the scent and color.
I’ve been making bath bombs for years, and my children adore them — they’d happily use one every bath if I let them. I especially like adding fractionated coconut oil because it helps prevent skin from drying out during the colder months. A jar of these on the bathroom shelf makes a lovely reminder to slow down and take a little time for yourself.
Below you’ll find the recipe followed by gift ideas and useful tips for packaging homemade bath bombs for the holidays.
My interest in bath and body products grew from teaching small groups about natural body care and essential oils. Even if you don’t use oils every day, a few drops of a quality essential oil can make these bath bombs delightfully fragrant. If you choose to use essential oils, pick a high-quality, pure oil from a trusted brand.
Making bath bombs might seem intimidating at first, but the process is forgiving. The most important caution is to avoid adding too much liquid — especially when using witch hazel to bind the mixture. Read the instructions all the way through before you begin, and set up your workspace with all ingredients and molds ready.
Supplies You’ll Need for Homemade Bath Bombs
- Baking soda
- Epsom salt
- Citric acid
- Fractionated coconut oil (or almond oil)
- Mica powder pigments or cosmetic-safe colorants
- Essential oils (use a high-quality oil you trust)
- Witch hazel in a spray bottle
- 60 mm bath bomb molds or clear ornament molds
- A small spray bottle for witch hazel
How to Make the BEST Bath Bombs
Step 1 — Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, and 1/4 cup Epsom salt until evenly combined.
Step 2 — Add color. Cosmetic mica powders give the best, consistent color. Add a small amount and stir until you achieve your desired shade. Liquid food coloring can work but sometimes affects texture and fizz.
Step 3 — Combine the oil and fragrance. In a small container, mix 2 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil with about 20 drops of your chosen essential oil. Stir briefly so they combine.
Step 4 — Add the wet ingredients slowly. Add the oil and essential oil mixture to the dry ingredients a little at a time while whisking continuously. The citric acid will fizz if it gets too wet in one spot, so distribute the liquid evenly as you go.
Step 5 — Mist with witch hazel. Lightly spray the mixture with witch hazel from a distance and fold it in. Continue misting and mixing until the mixture holds together like damp snow and can be lightly packed in your palm. Avoid over-wetting: if the blend becomes too damp it can prematurely activate and cause the bombs to crumble or expand out of the mold.
If you accidentally over-mist, press the mixture into open molds like muffin tins so it can expand upward while drying. They’ll still work in the tub, even if they aren’t perfectly spherical.
Step 6 — Pack into molds. Firmly pack mixture into one half of a 60 mm mold, then repeat with the other half.
Step 7 — Press and set. Press the halves together tightly and leave the mold closed for 30 minutes. After that initial set time, remove one side of the mold and allow the bomb to dry for at least 24 hours before removing completely.
Step 8 — Store properly. Once fully dry, store bath bombs in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve scent and fizz.
Note about essential oils: I’ve used blends like Stress Away, Peppermint, Christmas Spirit and Lavender in different batches. Be cautious with citrus oils, as they can cause photosensitivity for some people. If you use citrus oils, wait 24 hours before prolonged sun exposure on skin treated with those oils.
DIY Bath Bombs
Quick and easy bath bombs for anyone who loves to pamper themselves.
Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/4 cup Epsom salt
- 20 drops essential oils (adjust to preference)
- 2 tsp fractionated coconut oil
- Witch hazel (in a spray bottle)
- 4 — 60 mm bath bomb molds
- Mica colorant as desired
Instructions
- Combine baking soda, citric acid and Epsom salt in a bowl and whisk thoroughly.
- Mix fractionated coconut oil and essential oils together, then add gradually to dry ingredients while stirring continuously.
- Add mica powder to achieve desired color, mixing evenly.
- Mist the mixture lightly with witch hazel until it clumps like a snowball — be careful not to over-wet.
- Pack mixture into two halves of the mold and press together firmly until they form a sphere.
- Keep the molds closed for about 30 minutes, then remove one side and allow bombs to dry for at least 24 hours before fully unmolding.
Yields: about 4 — 60 mm bath bombs. Prep time: roughly 1 hour including initial setting; drying time: 24 hours.
Gift Ideas for Bath Bombs
These homemade bath bombs make lovely gifts and can be packaged in many creative ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Christmas Ornament Bath Bombs
Fill clear ornament molds with bath bomb mixture. For a festive touch, crush candy canes and place some pieces in the mold before adding the main mixture. After drying, attach ribbon, a small pinecone, and a custom gift tag for a charming holiday ornament that doubles as a bath treat.
Tissue Paper Candy Bombs
Wrap bombs in festive tissue paper and twist the ends like candy wrappers. Add ribbon and a small tag for an easy, attractive presentation.
Bath Set with a Loofah
Create a small gift set by placing a few bath bombs in a clear plastic cup with a domed lid and topping it with a mini loofah. Add a ribbon and a handwritten note for a simple spa-style present.
More Homemade Bath & Body Ideas
- Homemade rosemary and mint soap
- All-natural lip balm
- Lavender bath salts
- Cocoa + mint lip balm with printable labels
- DIY shower gel
- Lemon sugar scrub
- All-natural body butter
- Vanilla and orange spice room spray