No Citric No Problem

Citric acid for bath bombs

Step-by-Step Cream of Tartar Recipe

This recipe replaces citric acid entirely with cream of tartar. It creates a smooth bath bomb that acts more like a "bath dissolve," melting away to release skin-conditioning oils. [1, 2, 3, 4]

📦 Necessary Materials

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1/4 cup cream of tartar

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (acts as a filler and stabilizer) OPTIONAL

• 1/2 cup Epsom salt or sea salt - OPTIONAL - We don't use it

• 1 tablespoon carrier oil (like coconut, sweet almond, or olive oil)

• 2 teaspoons essential oils

• 1 to 2 drops food coloring or soap dye (optional)

• Water in a small spray mist bottle

• Tools: A metal mixing whisk, a glass bowl, and bath bomb molds. [1, 2, 3, 4]

🥣 Instructions

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Whisk the baking soda, cream of tartar, cornstarch, and Epsom salt together in a large glass or stainless steel bowl until completely free of lumps. Avoid plastic bowls as they can absorb essential oils. [1, 2, 3]

2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour your carrier oil and essential oils into the dry mixture. Thoroughly mix the oils into the powder using your hands, breaking apart any clumps until the texture is uniform. [1, 2, 3]

3. Mist with Water: Spritz the mixture lightly with a water spray bottle while continually mixing. Do not add too much liquid at once or it will prematurely activate the fizz. Stop spraying once the mixture holds its shape when squeezed in your fist, resembling damp sand. [1,] You can see from this video that the bombs to not fizz like they would if you used Citric acid

4. Mold and Pack: Pack the mixture tightly into your bath bomb molds or silicone trays. Press firmly to ensure they do not crumble when removed. [1, 2]

5. Dry Thoroughly: Let the molds sit undisturbed in a cool, dry place for at least 24 to 48 hours. Once dry, store them in an airtight container. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Alternative Considerations

If you choose to use lemon juice instead of cream of tartar, do not mix it into the dry powders directly. Instead, mix your dry ingredients (baking soda, cornstarch, and salts) and slowly mist the lemon juice over the mixture using a spray bottle. Work quickly to blend the liquid in before it starts bubbling up in your bowl. [1, 2]

Without citric acid, home-crafted bath bombs are generally more delicate and softer than commercial alternatives. Handle them gently and protect them from ambient humidity before use. [1, 2]

Additional Insights

For those interested in exploring the chemistry of bath science further, resources like the Bramble Berry Demonstration Video document the fizz testing of various citric acid alternatives. If you want to check a step-by-step photographic process using common baking tools, the wikiHow Alternative Bath Bomb Guide