2 cups baking soda/ Bicarb
1 cup Citric Acid
1/4 cup powdered buttermilk
1/3 cup coconut oil
10-20 drops orange essential oil (optional)
Orange fluorescent colour enough until you are happy with the colour you see
Yellow Fluorescent colour enough until you are happy with the colour you see
Bath bomb moulds
Mini muffin tin (optional for the drying process)
1 microwave safe jug
2 large mixing bowls
15-20g Polysorbate 20
THE ROLE OF POLYSORBATE 20
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier. This means it makes oil and water mix. Something they normally do not do. Coconut Oil in the bath bombs which will float on top of the water if you chose not to use Polysorbate 20. The choice is yours if you decide to include Polysorbate 20 or not when making your bath bombs. There is no all natural emulsifier alternative that I have found for making bath bombs.
So it’s your choice to either let those oils float or not!
THE METHOD
In a large mixing bowl, add the baking soda and buttermilk. Mix the dry ingredients together with a spoon or your hands.
In a microwave safe measuring cup melt the coconut oil using short intervals and stirring. Do not let it boil.
To the coconut oil add the orange essential oil and Polysorbate 20 together, and now add to the powder ingredients. Split the mixture in half and add colourant to each mixture. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of colourant.
Mix everything together thoroughly. Use your hands to break down any lumps and make sure everything is mixed in (use gloves if desired). The mixture is perfect when it holds together when squished and feels like damp sand.
If you want a darker colour, add more colourant and mix it in.
Now it is time to pack the moulds. This takes a bit of practice to master. Fill both sides of the mould with the mixture until they are loosely heaped (don’t press or pack, you want loose at this point). Press mould sides together and DO NOT TWIST, ensuring the sides completely touch. Gently tap each side of the mold with your fingers and carefully release the bath bombs. To avoid the bombs breaking during the drying phase, I put them in a mini muffin tin. They fit perfectly!
Allow to dry a minimum of 24 hours. If your climate is wet or cold, allow an additional 24 hours. My rule of thumb is that when it is hard to the touch, they are ready for the tub! Store in an airtight container until ready for use.
