DIY bath bomb tutorial……You ever try to relax in the bath after a long day, only to drop $12 on a store-bought “unicorn galaxy” bath bomb that just… fizzles out in 15 seconds and smells like expired Skittles?

Same.
That’s when I swore on my half-empty bottle of lavender oil:
I will learn how to make these fizzy little monsters myself.

And now I have. Which is great, because my stress levels have been higher than my credit card bill during the Sephora sale. And lemme tell you—this DIY bath bomb tutorial is not only cheaper, it’s actually fun. Like, “let’s make a mess in the kitchen and pretend it’s a spa” kind of fun.

Also, it’s easier than I thought. No fancy chemistry degree required. Just a little baking soda, a dream, and maybe an emergency Target run for citric acid (more on that later).

🛁 Bath Bombs = Grown-Up Fizzy Toys

I used to think bath bombs were just for influencers and people with clawfoot tubs. But honestly? Everyone deserves to feel like they’re soaking in a magical potion while binge-watching Love Island.

And the best part about making them?
You can tweak the scents, colors, and ingredients to fit your vibe.
Wanna smell like a lemon popsicle? Go for it.
Prefer something that makes you feel like you live inside an Aesop store? Boom—done.

That One Time I Thought I Invented Bath Bombs

Okay, real quick.
Back in 6th grade, I mixed my mom’s cornstarch, dish soap, and food coloring in a bowl and tried to mold it into a “scented bath stone.” I wrapped it in tin foil and made my sister use it.

It didn’t fizz.
It did turn the tub neon green and made the floor slippery enough to cause minor chaos.

So technically, no—I didn’t invent bath bombs. But I’ve come a long way since then.

What You Actually Need (No Sorcery Required)

✨ Basic DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

Dry stuff:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid (you can find it online or in the canning section at grocery stores)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salts (optional but fancy-feeling)

Wet stuff:

  • 2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil (or olive, almond, etc.)
  • 3/4 tbsp water
  • 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender is a classic, but go wild)
  • A few drops of food coloring (optional, but like… why not?)

Extras (because you’re extra):

  • Dried flowers, glitter (skin-safe), oatmeal, whatever
  • Silicone molds, muffin tins, or those plastic ornament balls that snap together

The “Totally Not Stressful” Process

1. Mix the dry stuff in a bowl.
Try not to sneeze. Baking soda is dramatic.

2. Mix the wet stuff in a separate cup.
Melt the oil if needed. Add your essential oils and food coloring here so you don’t accidentally dye your hand turquoise like I did once.

3. Slowly—and I mean like, sloth-slow—add the wet mix to the dry mix.
Do it bit by bit, stirring constantly.
If you dump it in all at once, you’ll activate the fizz early and your bowl will start foaming like a science fair volcano. And then you’ll cry. And then clean it up. I’m speaking from experience.

4. Once the mix holds together like damp sand, scoop it into your molds.
Pack it tight. Really squish it in there.
If it crumbles too easily, you might need a tiny bit more oil or water—but only a drop or two. It’s a weird balance, like trying to text your ex without sounding desperate.

5. Let them dry overnight.
Yeah, I know, waiting is hard. But they need time to set. Don’t rush it. I rushed one once and it exploded like a bath grenade.

What Happens When You Mess Up (Because You Will)

The first time I made these, I accidentally used baking powder.
Not the same thing. Not even close.
The bomb disintegrated like a sad cupcake in warm milk.

Another time, I added too much water and the whole tray started foaming before it hit the tub. It looked like a tiny haunted marshmallow orgy.

But honestly? Still fun. Still smelled great.

Fancy Tweaks if You’re Feeling Bougie

  • Add dried rose petals for an “I deserve royalty” bath.
  • Matcha powder? Boom, green tea detox bomb.
  • Mix in ground oatmeal if your skin’s feeling all grumpy and flaky.
  • A little cocoa powder gives it a warm scent—and yes, it might look like a brownie. Don’t eat it. (I mean. Try not to.)

Storage = Pretend You’re Martha Stewart

Pop ‘em in a mason jar, wrap ‘em in tissue, or shove ‘em in a sock drawer until you need a bath-day rescue. Just don’t leave them near the sink unless you want your cat to bat one into a puddle (true story).

Why Even Bother?

Okay, yes—Target sells bath bombs for like $5.
But making them is half the fun. It’s like baking cookies, except you don’t eat them and your bathroom smells amazing for hours.

Plus, when someone comes over and you casually say,

“Oh those? I made them.”
they’re instantly impressed. Even if the rest of your life is currently a dumpster fire (mine is, no judgment).

Final Thoughts about DIY bath bomb tutorial

You don’t need a perfect house or one of those deep, freestanding tubs to enjoy a good bath bomb. You just need about 30 minutes, a bowl, and a willingness to get a little powdery.

And hey—if you mess up and it turns into a weird pile of fizzing goo? Still usable, smells good. Still counts.

Make a few. Give ‘em as gifts. Keep ‘em all for yourself. Add too much glitter. Name them like Pokémon. Go full chaotic self-care mode. You earned it.

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