BATH BOMB SQUARES

Creating homemade skin care products has a way of graciously and subtly instilling wisdom through challenges and obstacles. This is one of the reasons why I, like many, are drawn to the craft of DIYing. Although you will find a refreshing take on the traditional bath bomb recipe at the end of this text, in my story I also bring honesty and vulnerability with the wish that you may discover something greater. I ask that you join me in embracing imperfection while crafting this Bath Bomb Squares recipe made with natural ingredients, self-discovery, and love for the perfectly imperfect human beings that we are. 

Truth be told, I thrive off of the notion of perfection. Whether it be my home, a photograph, or a planned gathering - I want every little detail to be perfect. If I see any flaws in the end result, I deem my creation a failure. I recently made these bath bomb squares — a recipe I have created many times in the past and felt confident I could make again. I mixed the ingredients together, placed the mixture carefully into the silicone mold, and patiently waited for everything to dry so that when complete, I would have perfectly shaped bath bomb squares.

As I removed each of the hardened squares from the mold, pieces began to crumble away leaving misshapen corners and rigid edges. Rather than feeling empowered and delighted that I had taken the time to create a self-care recipe using natural and organic ingredients, my reaction came coated with a thick layer of dissatisfaction on top of disproportional disappointment. I could not figure out what I had done differently or incorrectly this time around that resulted in less than perfect bath bomb squares. The frustration was so overwhelming that I had to remove myself from my workspace.

After a period of reflection, I returned to the disfigured bath bomb squares where I came to the realization that if I were to only share recipes and projects that came out perfectly, I would be presenting a false truth. I have made many homemade recipes that did not come out as I had thought or hoped they would, but I still use and adore them. If flawlessness is not the end result, we should accept and welcome that outcome because that is life. Life is at its beautiful core, imperfect, just like a batch of bath bomb squares. I hope you enjoy this DIY recipe and welcome the little life lessons it may offer you along the way. 

MAKING BATH BOMB SQUARES

The first step in making bath bombs squares is to determine the type of bath bomb mold you would like to use. There are many options out there, but for this recipe I am using a silicone mold with six squares. 

In a large glass mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of citric acid, 1/2 cup of organic cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons of kaolin clay.

Slowly add 2-1/2 teaspoons of melted organic coconut oil into the dry mixture and gently mix everything together. Using a spray bottle of organic witch hazel extract, begin spraying the mixture until it has reached a damp sand-like consistency that holds its shape. Be careful not to overspray, as this will cause fizzing, which sadly ruins the bath bomb reaction. I find about 1 teaspoon of witch hazel creates a good texture.

You are now ready to place your ingredients in the mold. Add a pinch of organic dried rose petals to the bottom of each square, and carefully add the bath bomb mixture until it fills and forms to the mold. Allow to dry in the mold overnight. Once hardened, remove the bath bomb squares from the mold and transfer to an airtight container. Label your bath bomb squares with the contents and date of creation.

UNDERSTANDING THE INGREDIENTS

BAKING SODA (SODIUM BICARBONATE) 

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is renowned for its ability to soften and relieve irritated skin. The gentle abrasive action of baking soda helps detach dead skin providing a deep cleansing for the pores. Baking soda is typically one of the main ingredients in most bath bomb recipes.

CITRIC ACID

Citric acid, when combined with baking soda and placed in water, prompts a reaction that produces that splendid fizz affect we all love. As an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), citric acid has the ability to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin. This aids in the removal of dead skin cells and encourages the regeneration of new skin tissue.

Note: Citric acid can be chemically produced, so it is important to determine the source it is derived from. 

CORN STARCH

Corn starch acts as a filler in bath bombs steadying the rate at which the baking soda and citric acid dissolve. It also offers wonderful soothing qualities, rendering it a lovely addition in many DIY skin care recipes.

KAOLIN CLAY

Kaolin clay, also known as China clay, kaolinite, porcelain clay, and white clay, is a fine white mineral powder composed of kaolinite. It is one of the more gentle clays available for use on the skin, rendering it ideal for those with dry and sensitive skin. Adding kaolin clay to a bath bomb helps hold the shape.

Note: Do not use metal bowls or spoons when mixing clays (especially bentonite clay) because it will cause the clay to lose its ionic charge.

COCONUT OIL

Carrier oils offer a wide variety of beneficial properties that our skin loves to soak up. In this DIY recipe, I have opted to use coconut oil for its high levels of linoleic acid and ability to reduce inflammation all while moisturizing the skin. It’s worth mentioning that coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that may benefit those with prone to acne and breakouts.

WITCH HAZEL EXTRACT

Witch hazel extract acts as the wet element to shape the dry ingredients in your bath bomb molds. Additionally, as an astringent, witch hazel tightens and binds skin tissue while having the ability to reduce skin irritation and inflammation.

DRIED BOTANICALS

This is completely optional, but I think dried herbs add a pretty touch to these bath bomb squares, especially if you are not using any colorants. I have selected dried rose petals for their delightful aroma and gorgeous color. 

DIY BATH BOMB SQUARES

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1/2 cup citric acid

• 1/2 cup organic corn starch

• 2 teaspoons kaolin clay

• 2-1/2 teaspoons organic coconut oil, melted

• 1 teaspoon organic witch hazel extract

• 1 teaspoon organic dried rose petals

MATERIALS

• Glass mixing bowl

• Wooden mixing spoon

• Spray bottle

• Silicone mold

• Airtight container

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a glass mixing bowl, stir together baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, and kaolin clay.

2. Slowly add melted coconut oil into the dry mixture and gently mix everything together.

3. Spray the mixture with witch hazel until it has reached a damp sand-like consistency.

4. Add a pinch of dried rose petals to the bottom of each bath bomb mold square, and carefully add the bath bomb mixture until it fills and forms to the mold.

5. Allow the mixture to dry in the mold overnight.

6. Once hardened, remove the bath bomb squares from the mold.

7. Transfer to an airtight container and label your bath bomb squares.

HOW TO USE

Place a bath bomb square into a warm bathtub and watch the gorgeous ingredient fizz into the water. If you do not have a bathtub, you can also create a foot bath by placing a bath bomb square into a bowl of warm water and soaking your feet.