✨ Natural Bath Bombs: Benefits, Ingredients to Avoid, and a DIY Recipe

Bath Bombs: Benefits, Ingredients to Avoid, and a DIY Recipe

Bath bombs can be brilliant for the mind, body and soul—but not always so kind to your bathtub or your skin. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of bath bombs, which ingredients to look for (and avoid), and how to make your own soothing, skin-loving version at home.

What Are Bath Bombs Made Of?

Most bath bombs contain a combination of:

Bicarbonate of soda and citric acid – to create that fizzy magic
Fragrances – often artificial, unless labelled otherwise
Oils or butters – to moisturise the skin
Colorants – can be natural or synthetic
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) – often added to boost bubbles (but can irritate skin)

Not all bath bombs are created equal, and sadly many store-bought options are loaded with synthetic colours, harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances.

Skin-Loving Ingredients to Look For

Natural bath bombs can leave your skin feeling glorious if they include ingredients like:

Coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil – deeply nourishing
Powdered milk – rich in vitamins A, B6, B12 and E
Shea butter – intensely moisturising
Bicarbonate of soda – can balance pH and help soothe skin conditions like eczema

Bonus: the right bath bomb can provide aromatherapy benefits too, using essential oils that boost mood, promote relaxation or help you sleep.

Ingredients to Avoid in Bath Bombs

Watch out for these common irritants:

Fragrance oils – synthetic blends that often contain phthalates
Artificial colours – may stain your tub and your skin
SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) – known to dry and irritate sensitive skin

Instead, look for natural colourants like mica, and additions like dried lavender, chamomile or rose petals.

Why Not Make Your Own?

Making your own bath bombs is easier (and more fun) than you might think. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s going in them.

Basic DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

Ingredients:

150g bicarbonate of soda
75g citric acid
50g cornflour or powdered milk
50g Epsom, sea, or Dead Sea salts
2 tsp coconut, avocado, or grapeseed oil
12 drops essential oils
Spray bottle with water
Bath bomb moulds

Method:

Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, blend your chosen oil and essential oils.
Pour the oil mixture into the dry mix and combine quickly.
Slowly spritz with water while mixing until it clumps together without fizzing.
Pack tightly into your moulds. Tap out and dry overnight in an airing cupboard.

Top Tip: Start simple with your moulds until you get the hang of it—some are fiddly!

Essential Oil Blends to Try

Relaxing:

Ylang ylang + lavender
Sweet orange + cedarwood
Frankincense + rose

Energising:

Lavender + peppermint + grapefruit
Eucalyptus + lavender + orange

Detoxing:

Lemongrass + geranium
Lemon + lavender

Hydrating:

Chamomile + frankincense
Rose + geranium + lavender
Myrrh + sandalwood

Final Thoughts

Natural bath bombs can be a spa day in a fizzing sphere—just make sure you're choosing (or making) ones that treat your skin and senses kindly. Play, experiment, and enjoy the process.

Take care,