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Even if you're not crafty, creating a homemade bubble bath is simple with everyday items you likely already own. Try one of these recipes, then experiment with your own unique blends. Plus, get expert tips to elevate your bath time to a luxurious experience.
Advantages of Homemade Bubble Baths
DIY bubble baths are not only cost-effective and rewarding to make, but they also give you full control over what goes into your bath and onto your skin. Discover why opting for homemade solutions over store-bought ones is a smart choice.
Free from Harmful Chemicals
Store-bought bubble baths often include sodium laureth sulfate, a surfactant that produces rich lather but may irritate sensitive skin. Crafting your own bubble bath allows you to skip this ingredient and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Biggers-Stewart advises against prolonged exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate and discourages its use in DIY bubble baths. "SLS is a widely used surfactant for creating foam, but it can aggravate sensitive skin," she cautions.
A 2005 study highlighted the skin-irritating effects of SLS, particularly in warm water, as heat amplifies its potency. Elizabeth Trattner, AP, notes that SLS is bioaccumulative, lingering in the body. "Hot water accelerates absorption through open pores, potentially leading to dermatitis," she explains.
Epsom Salt Promotes Relaxation
Epsom salt, a natural mineral not intended for consumption, derives its name from the town of Epsom in England, where it was discovered centuries ago. Though research is inconclusive, integrative health experts often recommend Epsom salt baths in warm water to ease muscle soreness and reduce stress.
Honey Hydrates and Softens
Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing and locking moisture into your skin, while egg white enhances bubble strength and longevity for a luxurious bath. For extremely dry skin, adding a tablespoon of a light oil, such as almond oil, can offer additional hydration and nourishment.
Plant Oils Soothe and Heal
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and a practical alternative to glycerin, which is often difficult to source for DIY projects. Other plant-based oils provide similar benefits, delivering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to the skin. They also aid in wound healing and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.
Plant oils include common kitchen staples like olive, sunflower, safflower, peanut, sesame, and avocado oil, as well as more specialized options such as argan, borage, jojoba, almond, and rosehip oil.
Basic Unscented Bubble Bath Recipe
This beginner-friendly bubble bath recipe is perfect for customization. Add your preferred essential oil based on your mood or what's available in your collection.
- Castile liquid soap
- Coconut or almond oil
- Epsom salt
- Essential oil (optional)
To create this straightforward recipe, combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 cup of unscented castile liquid soap. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of coconut or almond oil, 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt, and 2 to 3 drops of a gentle essential oil of your choice.
DIY Bubble Bath Recipes
Enhance your bubble bath experience by experimenting with these DIY recipes designed for ultimate relaxation.
Egg White Bubble Bath Recipe
Janice Cox, a natural beauty expert, suggests this effective bubble bath formula.
- Liquid soap
- Sugar or honey
- Egg white
Combine ½ cup of gentle liquid hand or body soap, 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey, and one egg white in a clean container. Pour the mixture under running water as you prepare your bath.
Lavender Bubble Bath
Renowned for its soothing properties, lavender pairs perfectly with coconut oil, which deeply hydrates your skin, making this blend both calming and nourishing.
- Castile liquid soap
- Lavender essential oil
- Coconut oil
Begin with ⅛ cup of castile liquid soap, mix in 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of coconut oil until fully combined, then add water to achieve the desired consistency. Simple and effective!
Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath
Transform your bubble bath into a luxurious treat with this easy DIY recipe by Cox. The oil adds a silky texture, while honey ensures your skin stays hydrated and soft.
- Light oil
- Honey
- Liquid soap
- Vanilla extract
Combine 1 cup of light oil (such as almond, sunflower, or canola), ½ cup honey, ½ cup gentle liquid hand or body soap, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract in a clean container. Shake lightly, then pour about ¼ of the mixture into your bathtub under running water. Save the rest for three additional baths.
Black Sea Salt Bath
This straightforward recipe relies on black sea salt to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate dry skin.
- Castile liquid soap
- Black sea salt
Combine equal amounts of water and mild castile soap, then mix in black sea salt until you achieve the desired texture. Add this blend to your bathwater until bubbles form, ensuring enough solution is used for a fizzy, luxurious experience.
How to Upgrade Your Homemade Bubble Bath
Treating yourself to relaxation is one of life's greatest pleasures. For countless individuals, a warm bubble bath offers the perfect escape to unwind and de-stress. If this resonates with you, here are some tips to elevate your bathing ritual.
Pour in Some Milk
A variety of milk products—both dairy and non-dairy—can transform your bath into a rich, creamy experience that soothes and relaxes. Options like coconut milk, goat milk, and powdered milk not only provide a lavish texture but also offer antibacterial and therapeutic properties.
Try Some Herbs
Your spice cabinet might hold the perfect ingredients for a healing bath! Herbs such as ginger, mint, orange or lemon zest, parsley, rosemary, and sage are believed to offer both topical and aromatic benefits. You can either blend these herbs directly into your bath or place them in a cheesecloth pouch to steep in warm water.
Ensure Your Tub Is Clean
If your bathtub is shared, it’s hard to know what products were last used, potentially leaving it slippery or contaminated with irritating residues. Trattner advises ensuring your tub is clean before use. To avoid stains, she suggests cleaning your tub right after each bath.
Pick a Scent You Love
If your skin isn’t overly sensitive, incorporating a few drops of essential oil into your bubble bath can enhance relaxation. Oils such as lavender and chamomile are perfect for unwinding after a long day, while sandalwood can help nourish and hydrate dry skin.
To avoid skin irritation, use essential oils sparingly. Limit yourself to a few drops in your bubble bath, and stick to oils you know are safe for your skin. For those with sensitive skin, makeup and skincare expert Sarah Biggers-Stewart recommends skipping essential oils in your bath entirely.
Don't Expect Too Many Bubbles
Homemade bubble bath solutions often produce fewer bubbles compared to store-bought versions due to their lighter ingredients. "Creating a highly fizzy bubble bath at home is challenging," explains Biggers-Stewart, "but a simple mix of castile soap, essential oils, and a touch of olive or coconut oil can still deliver a soothing, lightly bubbled experience."
Forget the Flower Petals
While the idea of flower petals floating in your bath may seem enchanting, the reality is far less appealing. "Flower baths are messy," Trattner emphasizes. "Instead, consider brewing a flower tea, but be prepared to clean the tub afterward." Additionally, flower petals provide no skincare benefits, so it’s best to skip them altogether.
