bath bomb starter kit
A Gift from The Bath Time
Your Bath Bomb Starter Kit
Everything you need to make your first bath bomb: recipe, instructions, ingredients and care guide.
Recipe
Elisheva's Go-To Bath Bomb Recipe
Formulated specifically for 3D bath bomb molds. Hardens well, moderate-speed fizz, lovely lather. Scale to your batch size: most bombs are 2.6 to 4.3 oz.
| % | Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 55% | Baking Soda | Base: creates the fizz |
| 31.5% | Citric Acid | Activator: reacts with baking soda to fizz |
| 2.5% | Carrier Oil | Nourishes and softens the skin |
| 2.5% | Polysorbate 80 | Emulsifier: prevents oil ring in tub |
| 2% | Essential Oil Lavender | Scent and aromatherapy |
| 2% | Isopropyl Alcohol 91%+ | Binder: dries fast, no premature fizz |
| 1.5% | Corn Starch | Filler and skin softener |
| 1.5% | Kaolin Clay | Hardener and skin minerals |
| 1.5% | SLSa | Lather and bubbles |
Recipe
How to Make It
- Calculate your batch sizeDecide how much you want to scale up your recipe. Most average-size bombs are between 2.6 to 4.3 oz.
- Gear upPut on gloves and a dust mask.
- Sift the dry ingredientsSift the baking soda, corn starch and clay into a bowl.
- Add SLSaAdd SLSa. Do not sift, as it may be irritating.
- Mix in your lakesAdd your colorant, lakes, to the dry ingredients.
- Mix to a cohesive powderMix thoroughly together to form a cohesive powder.
- Prepare the liquidsWeigh out the liquids and mix them lightly together.
- Combine wet and dryAdd the liquids to the dry powder and mix thoroughly.
- Sift in citric acidWeigh and sift in the citric acid, then mix well.
- Check the consistencyMake a clump in your hand and drop it back in the bowl. If it holds its shape, you are good to go. Otherwise add one or two sprays of binder: isopropyl alcohol, water or witch hazel.
Instructions
How to Use Your Mold
- Check your mixtureSqueeze a clump in your fist. If it holds shape, you are ready. If it crumbles, add 1 to 2 sprays of isopropyl alcohol.
- Place the bottom piece in the sleeveSlide the bottom half of your mold into the sleeve so it sits snugly. Both mold types use a sleeve.
-
Fill with mixture Plunger molds: fill and flatten the top evenly. 3D round molds: fill with a slight mound on top, so the two halves make firm contact when pressed.Overfilling slightly is better than underfilling. Brush away any excess after pressing.
- Press the top piece downPlunger molds: press the pattern piece firmly down to stamp the design. 3D round molds: press the top half into the sleeve, squeeze both halves together, then move gently up and down to compact the mixture.
-
Tap all around to break suction Using the back of a spoon, tap firmly on the top, bottom and both sides. This breaks the suction between the mixture and the mold walls so it releases cleanly.Do not skip this step: it is the key to clean unmolding every time.
-
Unmold your bath bomb Plunger molds: flip over, remove the base, place on a parchment-lined tray, push the pattern piece through the sleeve and lift carefully.
3D round molds: slide out of the sleeve, lift one half, cup the bomb in your palm and peel the second half away gently. -
Dry for at least 24 hours Place on parchment paper, an egg carton, foam or a soft towel. Keep in a dry spot away from humidity and direct sunlight.3D round bombs: do not lay flat. Rest in an egg carton to keep the round shape.
- Enjoy or wrap and giftOnce fully hard, drop in a warm bath. Wrap in shrink film or a cellophane bag to keep fresh if storing or gifting.
Care
Mold Care Instructions
Rinse with cold water only: no hot water or dishwasher
Hot water warps the plastic, causing the mold pieces to no longer fit together. Always rinse with cool water immediately after use and dry thoroughly before storing.
Store in a cool, dry place
Keep your mold away from direct sunlight, humidity and heat sources. Store all three pieces assembled together, just as they arrived, to protect the shape and details.
Avoid soaking to maintain detail and durability
Never leave your mold sitting in water or with wet mixture inside. Water seeps between the filament layers and can activate your mixture or degrade the mold over time. Rinse and dry immediately after every use.
Shopping List
Everything You Need: Ready to Order
These are the exact ingredients we use at The Bath Time. Click any link to order on Amazon. Sizes available for every batch size.
Baking Soda
Carrier Oil
Polysorbate 80
Essential Oil: Lavender
Isopropyl Alcohol 91%+
SLSa sodium lauryl sulfoacetate
SCI: alternative to SLSa
Corn Starch
Kaolin Clay
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You've got the starter recipe: want the full toolkit?
Bath Bombs 2.0: the complete guide by Elisheva
This guide goes way beyond the basics. Here's what's waiting for you inside:
Colors explained: dyes, lakes and micas, which to use and when.
Glitter, surface painting and embeds for professional-looking bombs.
Drizzle recipe: cacao butter glaze for donuts and cupcakes.
Shower steamer recipe: a whole new product to make and sell.
Creamy Milk Fizz recipe: silky, frothy alternative base.
Full troubleshooting guide: cracks, sticking, warting and more.
Join Our Community of Makers
Share your first batch, ask questions and get inspired by other makers. We'd love to see what you create.
Want to save or print this guide?
Download the full Bath Bomb Starter Kit as a PDF and keep it handy for your first batch.
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