Making an Alex Spa bath bomb is a fun and simple project that’s perfect for children and teens. All you need is a few simple ingredients: baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, essential oils, and food coloring.
You can find some of these items at your local grocery and health food store, and others at craft stores or online.
To begin, mix together one cup of baking soda and one cup of citric acid in a mixing bowl. Then add in half a cup of Epsom salts and mix everything together. Now you can add a few drops of essential oils and a few drops of food coloring, if desired.
Next, pour the mixture into a silicone mold. Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into the mold, making sure all the empty spaces are filled. Once you’ve filled the mold, leave it in a cool, dry place for at least an hour.
When the bath bombs are dry, carefully remove them from the molds and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use them, drop one into a warm bath for a fragrant and relaxing soak. Enjoy your homemade Alex Spa bath bomb!.
What essential oils mix well together for bath bombs?
Essential oils can be mixed in different combinations to create a relaxing and therapeutic bath bomb experience. Some essential oils that blend well together for bath bombs are lavender, chamomile, rosemary, geranium, eucalyptus, peppermint, cypress, clary sage, and sweet orange.
Some of these essential oils offer calming and soothing effects while others provide energizing and invigorating effects. Combining different essential oils in a bath bomb also provides a unique and custom spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home.
When creating a bath bomb, try to start with a few drops of each essential oil and then add more of your desired oils as needed. Additionally, make sure to mix the essential oils well so that they disperse evenly in the tub.
What is the ratio for bath bombs?
The ratio for bath bombs varies depending on what type of bath bomb you are making. Generally, the ratio for making a basic bath bomb is 2:1 (two parts baking soda to one part citric acid). This can be changed slightly depending on the desired reaction and results, with the acidic ratio being higher (3:1 for a fizzier reaction) or lower (1:2 for a milder reaction).
Additionally, different fragrances and coatings will require different ratios that should be adjusted accordingly. However, the general ratio for a basic bath bomb is 2:1 (baking soda to citric acid).
What essential oils should not be used in a bath?
Some essential oils should not be used in a bath. Oils with a high concentration of phenols (like thyme and oregano) and menthol (like peppermint and eucalyptus) can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
Additionally, many citrus oils can be photosensitizing, meaning they can cause skin burns when used in a bath and exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, oils that are too potent can be difficult to disperse in the water and can cause skin irritation.
Lastly, it is strongly recommended that oils like clary sage, patchouli, and ylang ylang be avoided during pregnancy. For this reason, it is always important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using essential oils in a bath.
What ingredient makes bath bombs last longer?
A key ingredient in bath bombs that helps them last longer is a binding agent. The most common type of binding agent used in bath bombs is a combination of cornstarch and baking soda. This combination provides enough stickiness to bind all the ingredients together while creating a smooth texture.
Additionally, adding humectants, like glycerin or oil, can help the ingredients of the bath bomb stick together better, even when exposed to moisture. The inclusion of essential oils and fragrances helps balance and preserve the bath bomb.
All of these ingredients help the bath bombs last longer and have a longer shelf life without making them too wet or too dry, ensuring the maximum amount of fizz is released when adding them to bathwater.
Do you just drop bath bomb in water?
Yes, you can just drop bath bombs in water. Bath bombs are a type of bath product that typically contain one or more different essential oil blends, natural food coloring, and sometimes other ingredients like glitter or flower petals.
When you drop them into your warm bathwater, they fizz, releasing the essential oils and other ingredients into your bath. This creates an invigorating and stimulating experience with aromatherapy benefits and can help you to relax.
Do you add water when making bath bombs?
Yes, when making bath bombs, water is an important addition. The water helps to activate the reaction that causes the bath bomb to fizz and bubble in the tub. Generally, a few drops of water are added to the dry ingredients, such as baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch, and mixed together.
For a more intense fizz and bubble effect, more water may be added. Water can also be added to the essential oil and color mixture. This mixture is typically mixed with a spoon, fork, or whisk until the ingredients are completely mixed.
When making bath bombs, it’s important to keep in mind that too much or too little water can affect the end result of your bath bomb. Too much water will cause the bath bomb to fall apart, while too little water will cause it to be too crumbly.
The ideal amount of water needed to make bath bombs will depend on the recipe and individual batches of ingredients.
What makes a bath bomb fizz more?
A bath bomb fizz more if it contains more citric acid and/or baking soda, both of which are natural fizzing agents. The more of either ingredient that is present in the bath bomb, the more the fizzing will be enhanced.
The combination of the two are what makes a bath bomb fizz more. Additionally, the type of oil used can also have an effect on the fizzing, as some oils contain a higher percentage of fatty acids which can also trigger the fizzing process.
The size of the bath bomb itself can also affect the level of fizzing, and a smaller size is often better for a larger fizz effect. Lastly, making sure that the bath bomb is securely sealed and free of any moisture can help to ensure that the fizzing is maximum.
What can you not put in bath bombs?
It is not recommended to put any harsh ingredients into bath bombs, due to the fact that they are meant to be used to relax and soothe the skin. Common ingredients that should not be included in a bath bomb are essential oils that could cause irritation on sensitive skin, particularly those which are high in menthol or eucalyptus; harsh chemicals such as bleach, vinegar, rubbing alcohol and food coloring; and any sharp or hard objects, such as glitter, sugar, flower petals, that could damage the skin, or scratch and clog the drain.
Lastly, do not include any items that have been exposed to mold or high temperatures, as this could cause a reaction with the other ingredients and create a skin issue.
Why are my bath bombs not hardening?
There could be a few reasons your bath bombs are not hardening properly. One possible explanation is that there was not enough of certain ingredients or too much of certain other ingredients. For example, too much liquid ingredients could prevent the bath bombs from hardening correctly.
Another potential cause could be the size or temperature of the ingredients. If the ingredients were cut too small, the reaction between them will not have enough time to take place and harden properly.
It is also important to make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, so that the reaction takes place correctly. Lastly, the ratio of baking soda to citric acid could be off – the ratio should be 3:2.
If the ratio is off, the bath bombs will not set as they should. If you can’t figure out why your bath bombs are not hardening, a simple way to fix it is to try making a new batch, following the recipe closely and ensuring that all ingredients are at the correct temperature, size and ratio.
What is the most important ingredient in bath bombs?
The most important ingredient in bath bombs is baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly alkaline and re-balances the pH level of water.
This helps to create the perfect environment for fizzing and bubbling, giving bath bombs their unique properties. Baking soda also works as a surfactant to help disperse essential oils throughout the bath water for a soothing aromatherapy experience.
Additionally, baking soda provides natural minerals that are beneficial for skin, helping to cleanse as well as nourish. It has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, while also balancing the skin’s natural oils.
Therefore baking soda is an essential ingredient in bath bombs and is what makes them so special compared to other bath products.
How long do bath bombs last homemade?
Homemade bath bombs can last for several months if kept in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight and away from excessive moisture. Generally, it is best to store them in an airtight container, and to ensure that the container is also dry.
This will help keep the bath bombs from dissolving or developing mold. It is also important to keep any containers that are used to make the bath bombs completely clean and free of any moisture, as the moisture may affect the dissolution rate of the bath bomb over time.
Finally, if they are stored properly, bath bombs made with higher-quality ingredients can last up to six months.
Does cornstarch harden bath bombs?
No, cornstarch does not harden bath bombs. Bath bombs are typically made from a combination of baking soda, citric acid, and oils, and the reaction of these ingredients in the presence of water is what causes the foaming, fizzing action of the bath bomb.
The addition of cornstarch would not aid in the hardening of the bath bomb, but it could be used to help give it texture. However, cornstarch does absorb liquid, so if you add too much it may cause your bath bomb to become too dry and crumbly.
To ensure bath bombs of a consistent texture, it is best to stick with the original recipe.
Do bath bombs need cornstarch?
No, bath bombs do not need cornstarch. Cornstarch is a binding agent, so it can be used for bath bombs in certain recipes that require it, however, it is not necessary to make a bath bomb. Bath bombs can be made without cornstarch or other binding agents by using a combination of other ingredients such as baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, essential oils, and other additives.
Additionally, mica powders or other additives are often used to enhance the color and appearance of the bath bomb.
Can I use cream of tartar instead of cornstarch in bath bombs?
No, you cannot use cream of tartar instead of cornstarch in bath bombs. Cream of tartar behaves differently when mixed with bath bomb ingredients and will not achieve the desired effect when used as a substitute for cornstarch.
Cornstarch helps to absorb moisture and slows the rate of reaction between baking soda and citric acid, thereby creating the desired fizz when it comes in contact with water. Cream of tartar on the other hand, is a weak acid and will not produce the same effect.
Using cream of tartar in bath bombs can also result in a weak or “flat” reaction when your bath bomb meets the water. For best results, use cornstarch as indicated in your recipe.