Bath bombs are all the rage, and these DIY natural bath bombs are moisturizing, luxurious, and toxin-free! We went on a search for some natural bath bombs but discovered it’s hard to find them without yucky ingredients. So, instead, we made these DIY natural bath bombs.
By Will Odom, Contributing Writer and Erin’s hubby
Around Christmas, I started looking for some bath bombs to give to Erin to help her destress, detox, and relax in the bath all while nourishing her body.
I knew I wanted something that contained no harsh chemicals, artificial colors, or other unnecessary additives. And therein lay the problem.
Almost everything that I came across contained ingredients that I did not want to use. Even many of the so-called natural bath bombs weren’t as natural as they claimed.
So, I began looking at recipes and determined that I could easily make these DIY natural bath bombs.
Plus, we had most of the ingredients in the house. I just needed to order a couple of things to make truly natural bath bombs.
I played around with a few recipes and experimented until I found a combination that worked.
The girls even got in on the action with these DIY natural bath bombs, and we delivered some of these to other family members and neighbors as gifts.
You can also add these to your bath time routine to make your bath feel like a spa.
These DIY natural bath bombs are so easy to make that I thought I’d share the recipe and hopefully inspire others to try it and give the gift of relaxation and nourishment.
Note from Erin: Seriously, y’all–these DIY natural bath bombs are AMAZING! They have been a godsend at this end of this current pregnancy, as I’ve been taking baths with them nearly every night for several weeks. My feet were starting to swell, and taking nightly salt baths with these homemade bath bombs have made a huge difference. After a few nights, I noticed that my ankles were visible again! Woo hoo! Although you can easily take baths with just the salts themselves, I find these DIY natural bath bombs very convenient, and the added oils make them moisturizing, leaving my skin super soft.
DIY Natural Bath Bombs

Dry Ingredients: | Liquid ingredients: |
* 1 cup baking soda | * 2 tablespoon of coconut oil (Amazon) |
* ½ cup cornstarch or arrowroot | * 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (or water) |
* ½ cup citric acid | * 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil (Amazon) |
* ½ cup of Redmond Sea Salt or Epsom | * 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil (Amazon) |
* Plant Therapy Oils or RMO essential oils | |
Optional: | |
* powdered food coloring | Optional: |
* dried flowers or herbs | * liquid coloring |
* vitamin E oil | |
Other Items: | * other carrier oils |
* alumimum ball mold | |
* plastic ball mold |
There are certain ingredients that you can substitute. For example, you can use cream of tarter in the same proportion as you would the citric acid.
I have also seen people use 2-3 tbs of apple cider vinegar instead of citric acid as well. The trick with the ACV is that you have to be quick about mixing it in with the other ingredients because it will fizz up.
If coconut oil is a problem, then increase the amount of another carrier oil of your choice.
If you do use substitutes, it may change the consistency, so you may need to add or subtract some liquid or dry ingredients.
Use code HumbledHomemaker10 for 10% off your total order at Plant Therapy.
1. Combine all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
I chose to use the Redmond Bath Salts (my link will give you 15% off) in these because of their healing and detoxification properties. We use Redmond on a regular basis and love all of their products. If they are sold out are aren’t making it anymore, you can use Epsom salts.
You can either use corn starch or arrowroot. I tried the recipe with both and found that the ones made with arrowroot tended to crack a little bit, but that could be remedied by adding more carrier oil or witch hazel.
Because your skin is the largest organ in your body and absorbs its environment, I chose to use organic ingredients, but you can easily make these with conventional ones.
I chose organic citric acid and cornstarch because many are made from GMO corn or mold.
If it is organic, then it is not genetically modified.
If you want to add color, then I would suggest a colored food powder or even some powered beet (high in vitamins and minerals) or turmeric (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant). Powered works better than liquid food coloring. However, I preferred the natural look with the Redmond Sea Salts.
If you do choose to color them, only use a little coloring to give them a slight tint. If you add too much, it could leave a ring in the tub.
2. Melt the coconut oil and add the other liquid ingredients to it.
You can use a variety of carrier oils that fit your needs for the natural bath bombs. I chose jojoba and grapeseed because of their moisturizing properties, but you could also use almond*, sunflower, or avocado*.
* Use caution with almond oil if someone is allergic to tree nuts, and be careful with avocado because some people with a latex allergy are also sensitive to avocado.
You would also add your essential oils in this step. The amount of oil used will depend on the brand and type of oil. There are endless possibilities to mix and match.
Just make sure you are cautious with the oils, especially if you are pregnant or have other sensitives.
We use a variety of oils from Plant Therapy and Rocky Mountain Oils.
Some of our favorite single oils are:
Some of favorite blends are:
3. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir slightly with a fork or spoon.
It will bubble and fizz a little, but that will not last long.
4. Knead the mixture until the liquid is worked into the dry ingredients.
The mixture should have the consistency of wet sand.
You may want to wear gloves if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients.
5. Take your mold and scoop the mixture into both sides of the mold. Press it down lightly and add more to leave a mound in each half.
You can use the plastic molds or aluminum ones. I tried both and had better results with the aluminum ones for our natural bath bombs.
6. Over the bowl, press the molds together firmly, twisting very slightly as you push the two halves together and allow the excess to fall into the bowl.
7. Tap both halves lightly with your finger or a spoon. Gently pull one half off and then the other.
If it crumbles or falls apart, then dump it back into the bowl and try again, remembering to pack it lightly into each half before bringing them together.
8. Set your natural bath bombs out to dry overnight. Enjoy!!
And use code HumbledHomemaker10 for 10% off your total order at Plant Therapy.
Love a good relaxing bath? Check out our DIY Oatmeal Lavender Bath Teas.
Not the DIY type but still want to take a good detox bath? Read Erin’s post on how to take a detox bath!
If you want to have a little more fun with DIY natural bath bombs especially with the kids, you can use some fun silicone molds and even add some fun little surprises to find when they fizz away.
Julia
Can’t wait to try these. They look so fun. What a great gift idea.
Erin
I LOVE them!
Armelle
Can these be used as shower bombs, which I would put a bit to the side and let *some* water hit it to diffuse the essential oils?
Erin
I think they could but I think you would be missing out on a lot of the therapeutic benefits!! They are super moisturizing, and the salts are very therapeutic.
Helen
Do you have the link to the aluminum molds? It goes to the wrong item right now 🙂
Erin
So sorry, Helen, Try these….http://amzn.to/2l66O21
Jennifer
Have you tried making them with something other than coconut oil? My daughter is allergic. Thanks!
Erin
We haven’t. 🙁 I’m so sorry. I would maybe google other recipes. Maybe something with avocado oil?
Will O
You can just use more of the carrier oil to replace the coconut oil. I just used a combination of oils because of their properties.
Leah
Do the hold up well in the mail?
Erin
They did hold up well when my husband sent them to his sister in MS (we live in NC). I would test several batches and make sure they are holding up well before sending–and of course pack them well.
Elle
Hi! About how many bath bombs does this recipe yield? Thanks!
Stephanie
I am wondering too!
Erin
It depends on if you use the large or small molds. It makes about 6-7 medium sized balls.
Eliana Roth
Hey Erin!
Thanks so much for sharing this! I can’t wait to try it! 🙂
I tried to use the coupon for the bath salts, but it says it’s expired. Do you have a new code?
Thanks so much!
Erin
I don’t. I will check with Redmond.
Stephanie Hopkins
I made these last year and plan on it again this week so I looked up the recipe again!
Aruntej
very wonderful blog thanks for posting.
Jessie
Hi, how do you determine the amount of essential oil to use? I know peppermint and others have to be used in moderation, but I’m not sure how much to add? Thank you!
Will O
I just add about 20 drops or so for the whole mixture…some more, some less depending on the oil. Like you said, peppermint is stronger so I usually add less.
Lisa
Where would I substitute the Vit E oil?? Would it be for the grape seed or sunflower oil?? Or the larger amount of coconut oil?
Will O
You don’t need the vitamin E. It’s optional. You can add larger amounts of coconut oil if that’s what you have.