Buzz
Do you love relaxing in a tub filled with soapy bubbles but prefer to avoid the chemicals in store-bought bubble bath products? You can actually make your own bubble bath using just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have at home. Plus, you can customize it to suit your preferences. This article will guide you through the process of creating your own bubble bath and provide you with some recipe ideas. Keep in mind, however, that homemade versions may not produce as much foam as commercial products.
Ingredients
Basic Bubble Bath
- ½ cup (120 ml) liquid hand soap or gentle body wash
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon light almond oil (optional)
- 5 drops essential oil (optional)
Yields enough for 2 baths
Vegan Bubble Bath
- 1.5 cups (350 ml) liquid Castile soap, scented or unscented
- 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
- ½ tablespoon white sugar
- 5 – 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Yields enough for 6 baths
Steps
Making a Basic Bubble Bath
Choose a soap and pour it into a bowl. Soap is the foundation of any bubble bath. After all, the bubbles come from it. You’ll need ½ cup (120 ml) of liquid hand soap of any kind, as long as it’s gentle. You can opt for scented or unscented soap. If using unscented soap, you can add fragrance later with essential oils. If you don’t have liquid hand soap or body wash, here are some alternatives:
- Dish soap, scented or unscented
- Liquid Castile soap, scented or unscented
- Gentle shampoo, such as baby shampoo
Add some honey to the bowl. Honey not only adds a sweet fragrance but also moisturizes the skin. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of honey. Make sure to use liquid, clear honey.
Consider adding a light oil. If your skin tends to be dry, consider adding 1 tablespoon of light almond oil. If you don’t have light almond oil, you can substitute it with one of the following:
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Milk
Add an egg white to the bowl. It might sound unusual to add egg white to a bubble bath, but it helps create larger, longer-lasting bubbles. To separate the egg white, crack an egg and carefully transfer the yolk between the two shell halves, letting the white fall into the bowl. You can discard the yolk or save it for other uses, such as cooking or making a hair mask.
Consider adding essential oils. If you want to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while soaking in the tub, add 5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Your bubble bath will have a delightful fragrance and help you unwind after a long, tiring day. Here are some essential oils with pleasant scents:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Sandalwood
- Vanilla
Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Gently stir the ingredients after adding them all to the bowl. Avoid over-mixing, as the soap and egg white may start to clump or foam excessively.
Transfer the mixture into a container. You can store your bubble bath in any airtight container. Consider using a mason jar, a glass jar with a screw-top lid, or a glass bottle with a cork.
- Consider labeling the container.
- Decorate the jar with twine or adhesive crystals for a personalized touch.
Store the bubble bath properly. Since your bubble bath contains egg white, it is perishable. Keep it refrigerated when not in use and try to use it within a few days.
Making a Vegan Bubble Bath
Consider making a vegan bubble bath. While egg whites help stabilize bubbles and honey moisturizes the skin, they aren’t essential for a bubble bath. You can still create a luxurious bubble bath without these ingredients. Here’s how.
Find a mixing container. You can use a pot, bowl, or even a jar to mix the ingredients. You’ll transfer the mixture to another container later.
Pour the soap into the mixing bowl. You’ll need 1.5 cups (350 ml) of liquid Castile soap. You can use unscented soap and add your own fragrance later. If you don’t have liquid Castile soap, you can use another liquid soap or shampoo, though they may not be olive oil-based or vegan. Here are some options:
- Unscented dish soap
- Baby shampoo or other gentle shampoos
- Liquid hand soap, scented or unscented
- Body wash, scented or unscented
Add glycerin and sugar. Measure out 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin and ½ tablespoon of sugar. Add both to the bowl. Sugar and glycerin help create larger, longer-lasting bubbles.
- Note that homemade bubble baths may not produce as much foam or bubbles as store-bought products.
Consider adding essential oils for fragrance. Essential oils aren’t necessary, but they can enhance your bubble bath with soothing, relaxing aromas through aromatherapy. Here are some ideas:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Sandalwood
- Vanilla
Mix the ingredients. Use a spoon or fork to gently stir the ingredients together. Avoid over-mixing, as this can cause the soap to foam prematurely.
Transfer the mixture to a sealed container. Pour the bubble bath mixture into an airtight container—use a funnel if needed. You can use any sealable container, such as a mason jar, a glass jar with a screw-top lid, or a glass bottle with a cork.
- Label the jar for a personalized touch.
- Decorate the jar with adhesive crystals or wrap it with twine.
- Glycerin may settle at the bottom of the jar. This is normal, as glycerin is denser than soap and water. Simply shake the jar and stir before using the bubble bath.
Wait before using. Allow the bubble bath to sit for 24 hours before use. This waiting period ensures the mixture fully reacts and stabilizes.
Making Bubble Bath with Alternative Recipes
Add a touch of sweetness with vanilla and honey. Vanilla-honey bubble bath is a popular choice, and for good reason. It combines the sweetness of honey and vanilla extract, along with the nourishing properties of almond oil. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup (120 ml) light almond oil
- ½ cup (120 ml) liquid hand soap or body wash
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Add lavender to your bubble bath. You can include dried lavender flowers in your bubble bath mixture. This will add a relaxing fragrance and a touch of color to your creation. Here’s what you’ll need for a lavender bubble bath:
- 1 cup (240 ml) clear, unscented dish soap
- 2/3 cup (150 ml) liquid glycerin
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 5-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (preferably one that complements lavender)
- A few sprigs of dried lavender
Create a sweet-scented bubble bath. You can make a bubble bath reminiscent of orange by combining orange-scented soap and orange extract. After mixing the ingredients, let the mixture sit for 24 hours before use. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup (120 ml) Castile soap (consider using an orange-scented variety)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) distilled water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) glycerin
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Consider blending essential oils. You can create your own unique fragrance by combining different essential oils and adding them to your bubble bath. Remember to stir well before use to evenly distribute the oils. Here are some blends to try:
- Lavender – Lemon: 5 drops lavender, 4 drops lemon, and 1 drop chamomile
- Citrus – Floral: 5 drops bergamot, 4 drops orange, and 1 drop geranium, ylang-ylang, or jasmine
- Lavender and Spice: 5 drops lavender, 4 drops patchouli or sandalwood, 1 drop clove (not recommended for sensitive skin)
- Rose Dream: 3 drops rose absolute, 2 drops rose geranium, 1 drop geranium
- Fresh and Invigorating: 5 drops eucalyptus, 5 drops peppermint
- Relaxing Lavender: 5 drops lavender, 5 drops bergamot
- Calming Rose: 6 drops lavender, 3 drops geranium, 3 drops rose
Using Your Bubble Bath
Start filling the bathtub with water. Close the drain and turn on the water to your preferred temperature. Let the water run for a few minutes, but don’t fill the tub completely yet.
Pour the bubble bath under running water. Measure about ¼ cup (60 ml) of bubble bath and pour it into the tub. Make sure to pour it directly under the running water to help create bubbles. You’ll notice bubbles forming in the tub.
Fill the tub to your desired level. Let the water run until it reaches your preferred depth. Remember, the deeper the water, the longer it will retain heat.
Stir the water if needed. For more bubbles, dip your hand into the water and swirl it quickly. It’s okay if water splashes out. After a while, you’ll see more foam forming.
- Keep in mind that homemade bubble baths may not produce as much foam as store-bought products.
Step into the tub and soak. Lean back against the tub and immerse yourself in the water. You can read a book or simply close your eyes and relax. Soak for about 20-30 minutes.
Tips
- Set a calming mood by playing soft music.
- Turn off the bathroom lights and light a few candles for a relaxing ambiance.
- Engage in relaxing activities while soaking, such as meditating, reading, or even doing your nails.
- Note that most homemade bubble baths won’t produce as much foam as commercial products due to the lack of foaming surfactants.
Warnings
- If using candles, keep an eye on them. Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Avoid locking the bathroom door in case you slip, fall, or get injured, so others can assist you.
- Your skin may dry out if you soak for too long.
- If you’re a woman, be aware that bubble baths may cause vaginal irritation.
- Avoid soaking in bubble baths or hot water if you’re pregnant to prevent pregnancy-related complications.
What You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or fork
- A container large enough to hold the bubble bath mixture
