Shop bath bombs can run $7 or $8 apiece, and the fun is over in about five minutes. The good news? Homemade ones take baking soda, citric acid, a little oil and a mold, and a whole batch costs about the same as one fancy store bomb. These 35 DIY bath bombs cover every mood: coffee and cream for latte lovers, lavender for bedtime, pumpkin pie for fall, peppermint snowballs for winter and pastel unicorn cups for a slumber party. A few skip the fizz entirely and melt into a creamy milk bath instead. The secret behind nearly every recipe is moisture. Mist with witch hazel a little at a time until the mix feels like damp sand, then pack the mold tight. Wrap a few in tissue and you’ve got easy gifts for teachers, birthdays and stockings!
1. Coffee and Cream Bath Bombs
Coffee and cream bath bombs are a fun gift for the coffee lover who would drink a latte in the tub if they could. Powdered milk stands in for cornstarch as the binder, which makes the mixture easier to work with and gives the bath a soft, bubbly foam. Ground coffee speckles every bomb. Caffeine won’t wake anyone up through the skin, but coffee is said to boost circulation, and the milk helps soothe dry skin. Pair them with coffee soap or a scrub for a gift set.
Get the full tutorial at Beauty Crafter.
2. DIY Unicorn Frappuccino Bath Bomb
These unicorn frappuccino bath bombs look just like the famous rainbow coffee drink. Mix citric acid, cornstarch, baking soda and Epsom salt, split the batch into three bowls and tint them pink, purple and blue with cosmetic pigment. Stir in melted coconut oil with lavender or cotton candy scent, spritz with witch hazel until it holds a shape, and press the layers firmly into small paper cups. After a night of drying, pipe royal icing on top, add sprinkles and poke in a green straw.
Get the full tutorial at A Pumpkin And A Princess.
3. Pumpkin Spice Bath Bombs
Pumpkin spice bath bombs bring the coziest fall scent into the tub. Rub a few drops of cyclomethicone inside a stainless steel mold so the bombs release cleanly. Sift 3 cups of baking soda with 1 1/2 cups of citric acid, then add about 10 ml of pumpkin spice fragrance oil and 10 ml of coral orange colorant with droppers. Spritz with witch hazel until the mix holds together like damp sand, pack both halves of the mold tightly and twist it open to release.
Get the full tutorial at Purely Katie.
4. Fizzy Cupcake Bath Bombs
Fizzy cupcake bath bombs are a kid friendly gift to make for Mother’s Day or teacher appreciation week. The bath fizzy base is packed into cupcake liners in a muffin pan, then left to dry before coming out of the molds. A swirl of royal icing piped on top sets up firm and looks like real frosting, and a pinch of sprinkles finishes them. Humidity and too much water spray are the usual reasons a batch puffs up, so mist lightly and work on a dry day.
Get the full tutorial at TGIF – This Grandma is Fun.
5. Iridescent Pearl Bath Bomb DIY
Iridescent pearl bath bombs shimmer with a soft ombre of rose gold and aqua. Melt 3 ounces of shea butter, then stir in 1/2 ounce each of Polysorbate 80 and white rose fragrance oil so the color won’t ring the tub. Mix 3 cups of baking soda with 1 1/2 cups of citric acid, add the butter mixture and spritz with witch hazel until it holds. Pack the molds and let them dry. Rub pearly white, rose gold and aqua mica onto each bomb with gloved fingers.
Get the full tutorial at Soap Queen.
6. Allergy Relief Lavender Lemon Bath Bombs
These lavender lemon bath bombs pair two essential oils often used for seasonal stuffiness. Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup cornstarch and 3 tablespoons Epsom salt, then work in 1 tablespoon coconut oil by hand. Split it into two bowls, add 8 to 10 drops of lavender to one and lemon to the other, plus purple and yellow food coloring. Spritz witch hazel about five sprays at a time until it just holds, then layer both colors into the mold for a marbled look.
Get the full tutorial at Girl Loves Glam.
7. DIY Perfect Bath Bomb Tutorial
This perfect bath bomb recipe uses pantry basics and a little patience. Whisk 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup Epsom or sea salt, 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup citric acid. In another bowl, mix 3 teaspoons castor or vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon water, essential oil and a drop of soap coloring. Add the wet mix to the dry a little at a time, whisking so it doesn’t start to fizz. Pack it tightly into ornament or egg molds, snap them shut and dry overnight.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
8. Eucalyptus Bath Bombs
Eucalyptus bath bombs feel wonderful on cold nights, after a workout or when someone’s under the weather. Whisk 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup Epsom salt and 1/2 cup cornstarch, then add 3 tablespoons of almond or coconut oil. Blend peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils, anywhere from 5 to 30 drops depending on strength, plus a little soap colorant if you want one. Spritz water very carefully, a little at a time, then pack and dry the molds.
Get the full tutorial at My Frugal Adventures.
9. Moisture Rich Milk and Honey Bath Melts
Milk and honey bath melts are little balls of moisturizer that melt into warm water and soften dry, itchy skin. Rich mango butter and sweet almond oil form the base, with organic powdered milk and honey stirred in. The lactic acid in milk gently exfoliates and smooths rough patches, while honey draws in moisture and holds it there. Roll the mixture into small balls and let them firm up. They’re a soothing choice for winter skin or after a chlorine filled swim.
Get the full tutorial at Bren Did.
10. Blue Lagoon Bath Bomb
The blue lagoon bath bomb is made for daydreaming about a tropical beach. Mango butter and sea salt pamper the skin, and Polysorbate 80 keeps the color from ringing the tub and helps the butter wash down the drain. After the bombs are molded, drizzle mica colors over the tops with droppers. To get a fine drizzle instead of a plop, tape over the dropper opening and poke a tiny hole with a needle. The result is a splatter of teal, blue and purple.
Get the full tutorial at Tweak and Tinker.
11. Rose Milk Bath Bomb
Rose milk bath bombs pair dried petals with milk powder for silky soft skin. Combine 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup dry milk and 3 tablespoons Epsom salt, then add a handful of rose petals cut small. Stir together 1 teaspoon water, 3 to 4 teaspoons almond oil and 15 to 20 drops of rose oil, and blend into the dry mix. Squeeze a handful; if it crumbles, mist lightly with water before molding.
Get the full tutorial at A Pumpkin And A Princess.
12. Lush Inspired Bath Bombs
These Lush inspired bath bombs use a tested ratio that holds together on the first try. Sift 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup Epsom salt and 1/2 cup cornstarch, then whisk. Mix 2 1/2 tablespoons almond oil, 3/4 tablespoon water and 2 teaspoons essential oils separately. Favorite blends include lavender, ylang ylang and patchouli, or eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender. Add food coloring to the wet mix, combine slowly and pack the molds. Gold luster dust is optional.
Get the full tutorial at MuffinChanel.
13. Golden Egg Bath Bomb
A golden egg bath bomb copies a famous shop treat that pairs a fizzy center with a moisturizing cocoa butter shell. The egg is about goose egg size and coated in fine golden glitter, so dropping it in the tub turns the water into a shimmering swirl. The center fizzes like any bath bomb, while the melting butter outer layer leaves skin feeling soft. Cosmetic grade glitter is the safe pick. These make lovely last minute gifts and stocking stuffers.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
14. DIY Oatmeal Bath Bombs
Oatmeal bath bombs are made for dry, itchy skin. Mix 4 cups of baking soda, 2 cups of citric acid and 1 ounce of micro fine colloidal oatmeal. Melt 4 ounces of cocoa butter, which adds structure and a light chocolate scent, and stir in 1 ounce of oat extract, Polysorbate 80 and an oatmeal milk and honey fragrance. Work it into the dry mix, spritz with witch hazel and pack a two part metal mold. A sprinkle of rolled oats on top finishes them.
Get the full tutorial at Soap Queen.
15. Pumpkin Pie Bath Bomb
A pumpkin pie bath bomb smells like the holiday dessert without the calories. Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup cornstarch and 3 tablespoons Epsom salt with 1 tablespoon coconut oil, then split it into two bowls. Stir 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice and red and yellow food coloring into one, and vanilla into the other. Spritz witch hazel a few sprays at a time until each holds, then layer the orange and cream mixtures in the mold for stripes.
Get the full tutorial at Girl Loves Glam.
16. Mermaid Shell Bath Bomb
Mermaid shell bath bombs hide a candy pearl inside a pink clam shell. Stir 1 cup baking soda into 1/2 cup citric acid, then add 1 to 3 drops of essential oil and 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Tint it with neon pink food coloring a few drops at a time, since too much at once makes it fizz. Spritz with witch hazel and press the mix firmly into a seashell silicone mold. Once dry, sandwich two halves with a squirt of white foam and a light blue candy pearl.
Get the full tutorial at Totally The Bomb.
17. Pink Himalayan Salt Bath Bombs
Pink Himalayan salt bath bombs swap the usual Epsom salt for a mineral rich pink salt. Use a 2 to 1 to 1 ratio of baking soda, Himalayan salt and citric acid. Rather than pouring in liquid, mist with a small spray bottle until the mix is just moist enough to press, then spray once more as it goes into a heart shaped silicone mold. Let them sit 12 to 24 hours to dry fully before popping them out and storing them airtight.
Get the full tutorial at Rebooted Mom.
18. Lemon Meringue Pie Bath Bombs
Lemon meringue pie bath bombs smell sweet enough to eat, so label them clearly. Lemon essential oil gives a fresh, cheerful note, and vanilla oleoresin adds the creamy meringue side. Vanilla oleoresin isn’t a true essential oil but an extract made for scenting products, and it contains no alcohol. Pack yellow and white mixtures into each mold half so every bomb looks like a lemon slice topped with meringue. They make an uplifting gift for a busy mom, tucked into a pie tin.
Get the full tutorial at Beauty Crafter.
19. Magnesium Bath Bombs for Sore Muscles
Magnesium bath bombs are made for a soak after a hard workout. Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid and 1/2 cup cornstarch or powdered milk with 1/2 cup Epsom salts ground in a coffee grinder, which helps the bombs hold together. Stir in 1 tablespoon of magnesium oil along with essential oils chosen for tense muscles. The magnesium carries the oils and tops up the body’s levels through the skin. Pack them firmly and let them dry completely.
Get the full tutorial at Holistic Health Herbalist.
20. DIY Floral Bath Bombs
DIY floral bath bombs take about 15 minutes plus drying time and come out of a flower shaped silicone mold. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup citric acid, 1/4 cup Epsom salt and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Add 12 to 15 drops of rose or another favorite oil and a little olive oil, then work it together. Sprinkle dried rose petals into the mold first so they show on the finished flowers. Pack firmly, dry and unmold. A sweet homemade gift.
Get the full tutorial at Club Crafted.
21. Frozen Snowflake Bath Bombs
Frozen snowflake bath bombs fizz into a blue bath that smells of fresh peppermint. Combine 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup Epsom salts and 3/4 cup cornstarch in a big bowl. In another bowl, mix 1 teaspoon water, 2 teaspoons peppermint essential oil, 3 teaspoons olive oil and 3 to 5 drops of blue food coloring. Whisk wet into dry until evenly blue, pack the mixture into a snowflake silicone mold and let it dry overnight. Store them in a mason jar.
Get the full tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.
22. Mickey Mouse Bath Bombs
Mickey Mouse bath bombs come out of a silicone Mickey muffin pan. Mix 1/2 cup citric acid, 1 cup baking soda, 3 tablespoons Epsom salt and 1/2 cup cornstarch. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons almond oil, 3/4 teaspoon water, 15 to 20 drops of essential oil and a little red cosmetic colorant. Slowly whisk the liquid into the dry mix, press it firmly into the Mickey shapes and let them dry overnight before unmolding. Round molds work too.
Get the full tutorial at The Farm Girl Gabs®.
23. Natural Dandelion Bath Bombs
Natural dandelion bath bombs are colored a sunny yellow without any dyes. Stir 1 1/2 cups baking soda, 3/4 cup citric acid and 1/4 cup fine sea salt together. Combine 1/2 ounce dandelion infused oil, often used for chapped skin and sore muscles, with 1/2 ounce melted shea, mango or cocoa butter. A few drops of sea buckthorn oil give the yellow tint, while litsea and orange essential oils add scent. Spritz with witch hazel and pack medium molds. Calendula works if dandelions aren’t blooming.
Get the full tutorial at The Nerdy Farm Wife.
24. Pokeball Bath Bombs
Pokeball bath bombs are a fun family project for anyone who loves catching Pokemon. Stir 1/2 cup each of citric acid, cornstarch and Epsom salts with 1 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon water, 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 teaspoons of essential oils. Split it into three bowls, a smaller one for black or gray and two larger ones for red and white. Layer red, a thin dark stripe and white into round molds. Homemade bombs come in well under $1 each.
Get the full tutorial at Lemon Lime Adventures.
25. Green Tea Bath Bombs
Green tea bath bombs use green tea seed oil and extract for a moisturizing, spa like soak. Rub a few drops of cyclomethicone inside each stainless steel mold half so the bombs release easily. Sift 3 cups of baking soda with 1 1/2 cups of citric acid, then add 1 ounce of green tea seed oil, 5 to 10 ml of green tea seed extract and 5 to 10 ml of Irish green colorant. Spritz with witch hazel until the mix holds, then pack and release.
Get the full tutorial at Purely Katie.
26. Hot Chocolate Bath Bombs
Hot chocolate bath bombs are mini fizzies with a drizzle of chocolate sauce made from cocoa butter. Sift 1/2 cup citric acid, 1 cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon kaolin clay and 2 teaspoons cacao powder, then blend in 1/4 ounce chocolate fragrance or cacao essential oil. Spray witch hazel 2 or 3 squirts at a time until it feels like sandcastle sand, and pack clear plastic ornament halves. After a 24 hour dry, melt cocoa butter with more cacao powder and drizzle it over the top. The recipe makes 9 or 10 two inch bombs.
Get the full tutorial at Lovely Greens.
27. Lush Inspired Essential Oil Bath Bombs
These essential oil bath bombs copy a popular shop recipe for a fraction of the cost, and a batch whips up in minutes. Baking soda and citric acid make the fizz, and a few natural ingredients like essential oils give the scent. Bright aqua and soft pink batches packed into round and flower shaped molds make a colorful mix. Store them airtight and they make easy DIY gifts. Spending a small fortune on shop bath bombs becomes a thing of the past.
Get the full tutorial at Run To Radiance.
28. Surprise DIY Bath Bombs
Surprise bath bombs hide confetti or a small toy that pops out as they fizz, which makes bath time exciting for kids. Whisk 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 4 tablespoons citric acid and 1/4 cup Epsom salts. Separately mix 2 teaspoons water, 2 teaspoons melted coconut oil, up to 1 teaspoon of essential oils and a matte cosmetic colorant. Add the liquid to the dry in small bits so the citric acid doesn’t react, fill each mold half, tuck in the surprise and press.
Get the full tutorial at girl. Inspired.
29. Lemon Vanilla Bath Bombs
Lemon vanilla bath bombs build on a basic recipe of baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, coconut oil and Epsom salts. The baking soda and citric acid react in the water to create the fizz. A few drops of lemon essential oil and vanilla give the bright, cozy scent, and a few tablespoons of dried lemon peel from the spice aisle add natural color and speckles. Citric acid is easiest to buy online in a 5 pound bag, enough for many batches.
Get the full tutorial at Mom Always Finds Out.
30. Rainbow Sprinkle Bath Bombs
Rainbow sprinkle bath bombs reveal a burst of color when they hit the water and start to fizz. Citric acid is easy to find in grocery stores during canning season, or online year round. The heart shaped bombs are a soft pink speckled with rainbow nonpareils pressed into the tops, which release their color as they dissolve. They smell great, soothe the skin and are fun to make for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day gifts, though they work any time of year.
Get the full tutorial at Bitz & Giggles.
31. DIY Moisturizing Bath Bombs
DIY moisturizing bath bombs use only four ingredients and are made for dry, itchy winter skin. Epsom salt gently exfoliates rough patches, baking soda balances the water, vitamin E oil locks in moisture and coconut oil adds deep softening. The recipe starts with 1 cup of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil and yields about 9 or 10 small bombs in roughly 15 minutes. A few drops of lavender, ylang ylang, eucalyptus or chamomile oil add a relaxing scent.
Get the full tutorial at Good Life Eats.
32. Peppermint Bath Bombs
Peppermint bath bombs need only four ingredients, and one of them is water. Pour 2 cups of Epsom salts into a bowl, then stir in 2 tablespoons of water, 3 to 5 drops of peppermint essential oil and a drop or two of blue food coloring if you like. Pack each half of a ball mold firmly, overfilling a little, then press the halves together and let them dry. These blue snowballs don’t fizz; they soothe and turn the bath an ocean blue.
Get the full tutorial at Bitz & Giggles.
33. Citrus Bath Bombs
Citrus bath bombs are similar to what a specialty store sells, without the high cost. This recipe makes four 2.75 inch bath bombs. Mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup Epsom salt and 1 cup citric acid. Add lemon and orange essential or fragrance oils, plus optional yellow and red food coloring for a sunny shade. Spritz with water from a spray bottle until the mixture holds together, then pack it into bath bomb molds or 2.75 inch plastic ball ornaments.
Get the full tutorial at How Does She.
34. Natural DIY Rose Milk Bath Bombs
These natural rose milk bath bombs get their blush color from rose clay instead of dye. Stir 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of citric acid, 1 teaspoon of rose clay and 1 tablespoon of milk powder together, working out the clumps. Melt 1 ounce of cocoa butter and mix it in with 5 drops each of geranium, clary sage and lavender oil. Sprinkle ground rose petals into a heart mold, spritz the mixture with witch hazel and pack it in. The recipe makes four large hearts.
Get the full tutorial at The Nerdy Farm Wife.
35. Sleepy Time DIY Bath Bombs
Sleepy time bath bombs belong in a nighttime wind down routine. They’re Epsom salt based, so they help with aches, and they add magnesium powder, a mineral linked with relaxation and good sleep. Calming essential oils give the scent, and dried lavender buds pressed on top make them pretty. Molded into scalloped rounds, they work in any shape. Pack a few in a sheer bag as a thoughtful self care gift, and follow the bath with a rich body butter.
Get the full tutorial at Fit as a Mama Bear.
