Bath bombs have been all the rage ever since they emerged on the scene in 1989. A bath bomb-soak at the end of a hectic day is not only an explosion of color and scintillating scents but one that has immense benefits for your skin. Combine that with the ongoing everything-galaxy trend, and you have got yourself an Instagram-worthy luxurious bath experience.
Now, you can go ahead and buy galaxy bath bombs, but there is just something about making one with your own hands from carefully selected ingredients, scents, and colors customized to your liking. And, trust us, the process couldn’t be simpler.
Follow along to learn how to make the best (and easiest) galaxy bath bombs for nourishing skin and a one-of-a-kind cosmic bathing experience.
Contents
Things You Will Need for DIY Galaxy Bath Bombs
The great thing about DIY bath bombs is that you can customize ingredients according to your preferences. You can choose colors per your liking or switch citrus essential oils for lavender – the choices are endless.
Our DIY galaxy bath bombs are little balls of goodness that are excellent for more than just making bathing fun with ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, essential oils, and coconut oil. They are actually great to cleanse, nourish and pamper your skin.
Here’s everything you need to make the most mesmerizing ( and nourishing) galaxy bath bombs:
- Baking soda – 2 cups
- Cornstarch – 1/2 cup
- Coconut oil – 3 tablespoons
- Citric acid – 1 cup
- Cream of tartar or Epsom salt – 1/2 cup
- Any essential oil of your choice – 20 drops
- Purple, blue, and pink coloring
- Polysorbate 80 – 1 tablespoon
- Activated Charcoal
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowls – 5
- Bath bomb molds
- Cosmetic glitter (optional)
Step 1: Mixing the dry ingredients
Start by mixing baking soda, cream of tartar, citric acid, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. (some people prefer using Epsom salt instead of cream of tartar in their bath bomb recipe)
These ingredients are beneficial in cleansing the skin thoroughly and removing dead skin cells. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties and works well as an exfoliator. Whereas citric acid can shrink pores, brighten and even out skin tone. Moreover, cream of tartar’s antibacterial properties help eliminate skin inflammation and acne-causing bacteria.
Step 2: Adding the wet ingredients
Now for the next step for your DIY bath bomb: In one of the smaller bowls, mix the wet ingredients, which include any essential oil of your choice, polysorbate 80, and melted coconut oil. Once the wet contents are mixed in well, add them to the large bowl with the dry ingredients.
Thoroughly mix the ingredients in with your hands, breaking down any lumps you find. You will know your galaxy bath bomb mixture is the right consistency when it holds its shape upon squeezing and feels like wet sand.
You can also use different essential oils for baths at different times of the day. For example, the Lemon or Orange essential oil is an excellent choice for bath bombs you plan to use for a morning bath. Its refreshing scent will wake you up instantly – not to mention they are great for your skin. Whereas, for a late-night soak, you can go for Lavender essential oil, famous in aromatherapy. It is soothing and believed to relieve exhaustion and anxiety.
Step 3: Separating the mixture and adding colors
Now that your galaxy bath bomb mixture is the desired consistency, separate it equally into the remaining four small bowls.
In the first bowl, add activated charcoal and cosmetic glitter. The glitter is optional, but it adds to the aesthetic feel of your bath bomb – after all, it’s galaxy-themed. For the charcoal, start with one tablespoon and gradually add to achieve the desired color for the black bath bomb mixture. Be careful when using activated charcoal, as it can be very drying for some skin types.
To the other three bowls, add the rest of the coloring. Make sure the colors you use are water-soluble. Some people also tend to use food coloring. Be careful to add only a few drops of each color in its respective bowls. You do not want the mixture to be too wet, or your bath bombs won’t set properly.
Step 4: Filling the bath bomb mold
Now it’s time for the most fun step. Once all bath bomb mixtures are separated and ready, you can start layering them in the bath bomb mold. You can make as many designs and patterns as you like—just alternate colors between each layer in the bath bomb mold. Remember to press in after each layer firmly, so there are no gaps or air pockets.
Twist both halves of the bath bomb mold to remove all the excess mixture. At this point, if you feel like your mix is not holding its shape, you can spray very little rubbing alcohol. Press in gently until you feel a bath bomb has been formed.
Step 5: Letting the bath bombs set
Now comes the waiting part. You have to let your bath bombs sit for at least 24 to 48 hours before you can admire them fizzing away in your bathtub.
You can take the shaped bath bombs immediately out of the mold and let them dry in a non-humid place. Alternatively, you can let the galaxy bath bombs dry in the mold and then gently tap the mold with a spoon to release them once it is completely set.
If you are making your own bath bombs for the first time, we suggest you go with the latter option.
Step 6: Enjoy the Galaxy Colored Swirl in your Bathtub
Once removed from the mold, your out-of-this-world galaxy bath bombs are just one drop away from creating a luxurious bath experience for you.
These visually pleasing bath bombs do not make your bath water look like the Milky Way; they are relaxing and nourishing – not to mention so easy to make on your own.
Try them on your own or gift them to your loved ones; this easy DIY recipe will be a great hit.
