Why use boring bubble bath when you can have a fizzy scent explosion in your tub?

Bath bombs have become quite popular recently as an alternative to bubble bath.  Bath bombs are like a bath cube, but much bigger and fizzier.  They can be in lots of different shapes, and either contain just fragrance, or fragrance and add-ins like shea butter, cocoa butter, herbs or even glitter!

The fabulous store Lush sells tons of variations of bath bomb.  But they’re easy to make at home for yourself or as gifts.

This recipe was my first attempt at making a bath bomb, and I was really happy with the results.  I’ll definitely be making more of these (and inventing my own scent combos) in the future!

My only criticism was that the little bits of lavender got ALL over the tub afterwards.  I actually put a strainer in the bottom of the tub so they wouldn’t clog the drain.  Just something to be aware of.  The essential oils provided all of the scent, so I think the flower are mainly for appearance.  I will probably leave them out next time!

Lavender Bath Bomb

(makes 1)

Adapted from Grow Your Own Drugs by James Wong

1 tsp. dried lavender flowers

3 TB baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

1 TB. citric acid (you can buy this in a pharmacy)

1 tsp. olive oil

10 drops lavender essential oil

A mould of some kind (I used a silicon cupcake mould, but you could use a cookie cutter, muffin tin, anything!)

How to: First, make sure your bowl and spoon are completely dry. If you get any water in this mix, it will start fizzing. Mix everything in a bowl, until the mixture is damp and powdery.

Press the mixture firmly into your mould.

Let it sit for several hours to try out.  Overnight is even better.  Mine started to get little bubbles on the top as it dried.

Turn out of mould, wrap in foil or plastic, and store in a dry location until ready to use.

To use: Run a bath.  Once the bath is ready, drop in the bath bomb and enjoy the fizzy show!

Have you made a bath bomb?  What scents did you include? Let us know!