What's better than a nice, relaxing bath after a long day? A nice, relaxing bath after a long day with a bath bomb! Bath bombs are effervescent balls of luxurious, skin-softening, scent-filled glory. There's only one problem—you have no idea what's in them.
In the world of beauty and personal care products the rules are few and far between. Many ingredients do not have to be disclosed. Instead, they hang out under the rather nondescript umbrella term of "fragrance," which in reality can be any combination of over 10,000 unique ingredients. Some of these ingredients are known carcinogens and endocrine disrupters, but you'd never know because the manufacturers don't have to tell you.
Since beauty products don't just sit on the surface of your skin but are actually absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, these covert culprits posing a threat to your health are worth learning to recognize if only so you can actively avoid them.
Possibly hazardous but nearly ubiquitous chemical ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products have a long and varied list. Yet, some of the most common offenders include phthalates, parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, formaldehyde and propylene glycol. These aren't trace amounts but prominent ingredients in many cosmetics and skin care products...including bath bombs.
Instead of soaking yourself in a tub full of mystery colorants and unknown chemical ingredients, embark on an adventure into making personalized bath bombs to suit your every wile and whimsy.
Homemade Bath Bombs
Ingredients
1 cup baking soda
3/4 cup corn starch
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup sea salt
2 Tbsp. coconut oil (melted)
3 tsp. water
30 drops of your preferred essential oil
Optional: plant-based food coloring
Optional: dried herbs, leaves or flowers
Directions
- In large bowl, mix together dry ingredients.
- In separate bowl, mix together coconut oil, water, essential oil and food coloring.
- Add liquid slowly, a teaspoon or so at a time, to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Form mixture into balls, pressing firmly, or press into bath bomb molds.
- Let bath bombs air dry for 24-48 hours depending on size.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Bath bomb making tips:
The best part of these DIY bath bombs is the endless ability to customize them. Water can be replaced with witch hazel to soothe sensitive skin, different oils can be used to moisturizer dry or dull skin, and you can create any combination of essential oils your heart desires.
If you're making these as gifts, for a fun addition you can put a surprise in the center, like a fortune, a motivational quote or even an inexpensive piece of jewelry inside of a small waterproof container.
Sure, some beauty products are better left to the professionals, but bath bombs are easy to make and a fabulous way to pamper yourself at home. The possibilities are endless, the project is fun and your health will be safer without all the added chemicals and "fragrances."
Plus, your friends will be amazed at what a DIY beauty maven you've become.
