Teach Soap

Yesterday I attempted to make bath bombs using no water, and instead using just oils. It turns out they came out pretty good and with no cracking, although I haven't yet tried them in the bath. I'm curious as to why water is used at all in bath bomb recipes. There are so many recipes that call for it, but it's such a volatile ingredient when you're making bombs that it doesn't really make sense.

Is there any real reason to use water in bath bombs? Is its only purpose as a wetting agent? The only thing that concerns me is that I don't like my bombs to be overly oily, so I don't want to use too much.

Any thoughts on this?

I find that when I use water in bath bombs they dry a little harder. I've done them both ways, and the oil-only ones can be a bit soft and/or crumbly over time - but the failure rate is a lot lower.

Whichever way works for you should be just fine.

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I also failed with my first attempt. I asked here and took the advice. I used the same recipe only I added the citric acid last felt how moist my mixture was with the fragrance and color. Then spritzed with alcohol. I also used 60mm molds (smaller than my first attempt). They turned out pretty solid. I was really happy. I'm gonna try some again, ( if it ever stops raining ). Thanks everyone for the help.

Hi Kitten,

Where did you get your molds that were bigger than 60mm? I know they have some out there that are 80-100mm. Any idea how many ounces a bath bomb that large holds? I'm curious. We have one of those big oval tubs and a single "regular size" bath bomb doesn't quite cut it.

Depending on the weather, if I find that my mixture is a bit dry, I spritz it lightly with witch hazel.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Sorry it took so long to get back. I found large molds at Michaels Crafts in the Decoupage area. I believe they are 80mm.I also found them at Joanne's Crafts. But AC Moore says they stopped carrying them. My recipe listed above made 1 bomb. The other batch I made turned out great. I wrapped in cling wrap and gave them to a friend to try. I'll post how she liked them.

The water will evaporate, so you should not need a preservative.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

You're welcome. Let us know how it goes.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

In the Basic Bath Bomb recipe its
2 parts Baking Soda
1 part Citric Acid
Fragrance Oil/Essential to desired Smell
Witch Hazel to get firmness if needed


I have also added such things as Shea Butter & Jojoba Oil to mine which needed no witch hazel at all.
I have also used Bramble Berry La Bomb colorants to color mine.

Water isn't usually used in Bath Bombs because if they have both the Baking Soda & Citric Acid is them...It will set off the fizzing reaction
Before when I have even had water on my hand, I started getting Fizzing

To give it more Bubbles you can use SLS for some bubble FUN

I am curious what you recipe is?

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Holly
@ Bramble Berry Soap Making Supplies

My recipe is basically yours but with the addition of cornflour. I use a fine mister to spray the water into the mix. The mix does gently fizz but this stops when stirring. I find using too much water will crack the bath bombs and my oil only attempts have not been great either. I might try dropping the cornflour.......mmmm....