Healthy Bath bombs: Bath bombs are the rage. Go to any soaping website, and they are plastered all over the web. But what ingredients do these bath bombs contain? They are often infused with perfume oils that may contain toxic scents that disturb your nervous system. In other words, those seemingly innocent scents may be neurotoxic and may block the liver’s ability to detoxify properly.
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD
As you all know, my mission is to make sure that you ALWAYS make healthy choices, and that means that I am concerned about what you use in your shower and bathtub. So when you reach for a store-bought bath bomb, be careful. When buying these products, you must be a label reader. Remember: if you can’t pronounce it, I can almost guarantee that it is synthetic and toxic. You may want to peruse a website called EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Data Base. You can type in most personal care products and get a health rating on ingredients. Very helpful.
And why is this so important? If we are not careful, what we smell and what our pores absorb can create massive cellular membrane inflammation. So the bath bombs at our local bath and beauty shop might smell good, but more than likely, they will contain ingredients that your cells will HATE! Now what?
Great News for the Health Conscious
There is an easy way to make your own! And whether you have a bathtub or a shower, you can enjoy health-promoting bath bombs with natural essential oil scents.
Bath bombs can be relaxing, detoxifying or immune-boosting, so it is up to you to choose the perfect combination of natural essential oils. Please read over the basic list of ingredients below, as they all have particular health advantages.
Epsom Salts: Epsom salts will draw toxins out of your skin.
Baking Soda: Baking soda will not only alkalize but will also draw out toxins.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is anti-viral, containing lauric acid and capric acid. It can also help to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Citric Acid: Citric acid is found in fruits and vegetables and will give your bath bomb its fizzy quality.
Basic Recipe – Healthy Bath Bomb
- 1/2 cup Epsom salts
- 2 Tbsp. organic, raw virgin coconut oil
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid – can be found at your local grocery store in the canning section
Directions:
- Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, mixing slowly. You may see some fizz happening already, but that is okay.
- Start the process of forming the ingredients into small ball shapes.
- Prepare a muffin pan with a few drops of olive oil to make sure each muffin compartment is oiled slightly so the bath bombs don’t stick after they dry.
- Take the small balls and firmly push them into each muffin mould. Note: don’t put too much of the mixture in as they expand.
- Leave in a well-ventilated area for at least 3 hours or until dry upon touch. If it is muggy, you may need to leave them dry overnight.
- Pop them out of each mould and place them in an airtight bag, so they don’t get soggy. You can use natural parchment paper baggies from your local health food store to store your bath bombs.
Cold and Flu Bath Bomb
Using the basic bath bomb recipe above, mix the following oils into the liquid blend:
- Add 4 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
- Add 2 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol oils that increase respiratory function and promote easy breathing.
- Peppermint is calming to your digestive system, quiets nausea and reduces stomachaches, but it will also do a great job opening up your nasal passages.
Inhale those fumes and feel your sinuses and respiratory system open up!
Energizer Bath Bomb:
Using the basic bath bomb recipe above, mix the following oils into the liquid blend:
- Add 4 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
- Add 2 drops of Lemon essential oil
- Grapefruit oil is both refreshing and energizing. It is frequently used to support the liver and gallbladder. It also purifies, cleanses and promotes balance metabolism.
- Lemon will purify the air; it is stimulating, energizing and helps to protect against seasonal flu bugs.
Soothe the Day Away Bath Bomb
Using the basic bath bomb recipe above, mix the following oils into the liquid blend:
- Add 4 drops of Lavender essential oil
- Add 2 drops of Frankincense essential oil
- Lavender is noted for its calming properties; it can calm down skin irritations and soothe tension from muscles and the mind. The Romans and Egyptians used lavender oil for bathing and relaxation.
- Frankincense promotes immunity and cellular health. It is also anti-inflammatory and can evoke feelings of peace, relaxation and well-being.
Note: Use an additional few extra drops of Lavender essential oil on the bottom of each foot before getting into bed for a good night’s sleep.
All Essential Oils Are NOT Alike:
Essential oils are volatile liquids distilled from plants. The oils must be distilled to protect their chemical constituents. Essential oil integrity is affected by: soil conditions, climate, temperature, harvest season, method, whether the plants are grown in organic soil, low pressure and low temperature. So using anything less than certified, pure therapeutic-grade oils may NOT give you therapeutic benefits.
How to Use Your Healthy Bath Bombs:
- If you only have a shower, turn on the water, get in and place the bath bomb at your feet so the shower water can hit the bath bomb directly. It will immediately start to fizz and fill your lungs with healing essential oil molecules.
- If you have a bathtub, run the bathwater, ensuring that the water is at a comfortable temperature. When the tub is full, get in and drop the bath bomb in the water. As the bath bomb starts to FIZZ, it will emit those wonderful natural scents, so sit back, relax and enjoy the healing fragrances.
As you will experience, it is worth it to take the time to make your own healthy bath bombs. Although it takes advanced planning, remember that we need to protect our bodies from upstream toxins.
Again, what we breathe and what we put on our skin does matter! Protect your health by being proactive. In addition to bath bombs, jojoba oil has many skin-supporting benefits!
Follow my recipes and create your own, and just perhaps—this might be the start of making some healthy, safe handmade gifts for the upcoming holidays. Your family and friends will be so grateful.
Keep it healthy, folks!
Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Dr. Daniel Pompa. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Pompa and his associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Dr. Pompa encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
Awesome article! I love a good bath 🙂 what are your thoughts about fluoride and chlorine in the water? It would seem that these would be absorbed by the skin during a bath. Would it make sense to purchase a quality shower head filter and fill up the tub from up above?
Hi Austin,
Thanks for reaching out. Dr Pompa suggests using a whole house filtration system to protect yourself from toxins in the water system. Check out the full system and others and more info here:https://www.revelationhealth.com/Water-Filtration-02/
I read somewhere a while ago that a teaspoon on one capsule of vit C powder absorbs chlorine, and i would agree, it takes about a minute, then i add some epsom salts. I’ve tired with and without. Hand when travelling – i have no idea about flouride however. Household filters are the best way tho. IMO 🙂
For the recipe, which of those are wet ingredients?
I also want to point out that citric acid, although it does come from fruits, isn’t usually made naturally but synthesized from black mold. It’s cheaper to make tha way. Make sure you purchase citric acid made from non-gmo fermented fruit.
Thanks Pearl, and good point! Looks like just the coconut oil is “wet.” Let us know how the bombs turn out 🙂
I found that the coconut oil amount was not enough to bind the dry ingredients. I ended up adding an additional tablespoon (melted) of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of water. I took about an eighth of a cup of the dry ingredients and put the water and melted coconut oil with it in a separate bowl. I mixed it quickly and let it complete it’s reaction before adding it to the main bowl. This added enough moisture without causing the larger bowl of ingredients to react when combining.
You could also try witch hazel to wet the ingredients further. I put some in a spray bottle and spray a little at a time till it reaches a good constancy. I causes a very minimal reaction. I hope my advice isn’t unwelcome 🙂
hi, thanks for sharing such helpful information on bath bombs.Bath bombs products are made up of sodium bicarbonate and baking soda which is not harmful to human body. Instead, bath bombs ingredients help in cleansing and moisturising your skin.
What color are those bath bombs? I would love to make colorful bath Bombs, what would you suggest (not harmful)
You could use a sprinkle of turmeric powder for yellow color, algae powder for green, and beet root powder for pink 🙂
Limit to how many BB’s per bath? (33 gal tub)
I would think 1 BB would do the job 🙂
Hi! Is Mika (not sure of spelling) healthy to use, as color or not in BB? Thanks.
Hi Suzanne!
Mica is listed as a “low” concern on the EWG website: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703949/MICA/#.WYIF34jyvIU
Hi my name is Maya. I love hand craft and homemade gifts. In fact I don’t think I have ever given any family member a store bought gift! But I have a few questions for you if I may. What of it doesn’t fizz, I mean what if you recipe had some problems just there?( only asking this because my friends said that you had to put shampoo in your bath bomb/water) do you think that humanity will ever find a cure for skin cancer? Please respond
Hi Maya! What I think is that humans need to get used to using things that don’t bubble, lather, foam, and fizz so much. 😉 I would think if it doesn’t fizz it’s not a problem, as most natural products don’t behave the same way we’ve grown accustomed to conventional products behaving.
And I sure hope there will be a cure! Until then, prevention is key!!
I tried making some bath bombs last night (during two days of East Texas rain – took a while to dry out).
I too had to add a considerable amount of extra oil (around 1/2 cup) just to get the bath bomb mixture to adhere together enough to place in the molds. Used high quality essential oil drops for the fragrance and aromatherapy. Also, I added some dried calendula and dried rose buds.
Although they were still rather soft, my wife used one in her bath – it floated and immediately started fizzing away – the fragrance was phenomenal, and she remarked how smooth and moisturized her skin felt after getting out and drying off.
Thank you for your wonderful input. Glad you’re enjoying! 🙂
Several Essential Oils (org. and extracted w/o chems) have significant effects on skin. Lavender creates healthy cells. Frankincense is anti-cancer. And more… EOS are wondeful. Plants are fantastic. ?
? Does anyone know how or what to substitute the baking soda but still makes fizzy BB? My skin is too sensitive for baking soda. TY!
I would just suggest dropping the EOs directly into your bath, maybe with a little coconut oil. 🙂
Buttermilk powder works great to give it a fizz!