DIY Bath Bombs for Christmas
During the holiday season, some folks strive to surprise family and friends with memorable homemade gifts. If sourcing herbs and other ingredients to create personal care products are your focus, this bath bomb recipe with scented evergreen needles is a popular choice.
Bath bombs, also known as bath fizzies, combine the natural ingredients of baking soda and citric acid, which cause a chemical reaction when dropped into a bath. The oil and cornstarch in the recipe make the water feel soft and silky, and Epsom salts are known to relieve aching muscles.
Since we grow lavender I like making lavender bath bombs but you can use any essential oils and dried flowers and herbs.
Because citric acid can irritate the skin, use gloves when making them. To make them round you can use a bath bomb molds like these. Otherwise you naturally do not need to make them round.
Here is what you need to make six bath bombs:
1 cup baking soda
½ cup citric acid
½ cup Epsom salts
½ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
25 drops of lavender essential oil
Witch hazel (or another hydrosol) in a spritzer bottle
Dried lavender flowers (optional) to decorate
- In a large bowl, begin by blending baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, and cornstarch. Stir well and break up any clumps. In another bowl, blend olive oil and essential oils. Drizzle them onto the dry mixture. Mix well.
- Next, dampen the mixture by spraying witch hazel around the bowl, pausing to stir. If it starts fizzing, stir to contain the reaction. Once blended, place a clump in your hand. The consistency should be that of damp sand.
- Press firmly into a mold or suitable container such as a measuring cup or small, sturdy fruit nappy. Add a couple of dried lavender flowers to the center. Once packed down, tap the container to pop the contents onto a sheet of parchment paper. Any parts that crumble can be repacked for another attempt. For best results, let the bath bomb set for 24 hours.
For more homemade gift ideas check out my post about homemade soaps here , DIY play dough here , immune rollers are great gifts for teachers and lip balms also makes a great gift,
