How to Make Bath Bombs That Sell: A Foolproof Recipe for Small Brands and At-Home Makers

If you're a small business owner looking to expand your product range—or simply someone who enjoys crafting your own bath products—this guide is for you. Bath bombs are one of the most popular handmade bath items on the market today. They're affordable to produce, easy to customise, and always in demand.

Whether you want to create your first test batch for personal use or add a reliable best-seller to your lineup, this foolproof recipe will help you get it right from the start.

Why Add Bath Bombs to Your Product Line?

Bath bombs are a smart addition for brands offering skincare, aromatherapy, or body care products. They’re compact, eye-catching, and offer a quick, sensory win for your customers. You can tailor them to different seasons, moods, or target markets by switching up the colours, scents, and shapes. Best of all, they have a strong gifting appeal and low production cost—ideal for building bundles or starter kits.

For individuals, making your own bath bombs gives you complete control over what goes into your bath water. No mystery ingredients or artificial fillers—just ingredients you trust.

Ingredients for a Basic Batch

This recipe makes reliably solid bath bombs that fizz well, hold their shape, and deliver a satisfying bath experience.

- 200 g baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

- 100 g citric acid

- 100 g corn starch (cornflour)

- 100 g Epsom salt

- 2.5 tbsp (37.5 ml) almond oil

- 2 tsp (10 ml) polysorbate 80

- 1–2 tsp (5–10 ml) fragrance oil

- 1–2 tsp (5–10 ml) mica powder (cosmetic-grade)

- 1 tbsp (15 ml) distilled water (use slowly)

- Optional: dried petals, glitter, biodegradable decorations

Equipment Needed:

- Mixing bowls

- Whisk

- Spray bottle (for distilled water)

- Bath bomb moulds

Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, and Epsom salt in a large mixing bowl until no clumps remain.

Step 2: Add Colour
Add mica powder and stir until the colour is evenly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix almond oil, polysorbate 80, and fragrance oil. This ensures even distribution and prevents staining.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet into Dry
Add the wet mix to the dry ingredients slowly, stirring continuously. The mixture should resemble damp sand and hold its shape when squeezed.

Step 5: Spritz with Distilled Water
This part requires care. Use a spray bottle to mist the mixture with distilled water, mixing constantly. Add only as much as needed for the mix to start clumping when squeezed.

{Why Use Distilled Water Instead of Alcohol or Witch Hazel?
Distilled water is clean, mineral-free, and predictable. It activates the citric acid just enough to begin clumping the mix without setting off a full fizz reaction. It’s also skin-friendly and less likely to interfere with the formula.
In very humid environments, or if your mix turns out too wet or sticky, you can use witch hazel or isopropyl alcohol instead. Both evaporate more quickly than water, which helps to dry out an overly moist mixture and reduce premature fizzing. However, they can be slightly more reactive with citric acid, so they’re best used in moderation or as part of a recovery step—not your first option.}

Step 6: Mould and Pack
Scoop the mix into your moulds, slightly overfilling each half. Press the two sides together firmly. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to partially harden.

Step 7: Release from Moulds
Carefully remove from the moulds. If they stick, give them a bit more time. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 8: Dry Time
Let your bath bombs air dry for 24–48 hours in a cool, dry place. Once fully hardened, store them in an airtight container to protect against moisture.

Pro Tips for Success

- Test in Small Batches: Especially if you're developing products to sell, test new scents or colour combinations in small amounts before scaling up.

- Work Quickly, But Carefully: Once you add the wet ingredients, don’t let the mixture sit for too long—otherwise it can start to dry out before you’ve moulded it.

- Packaging Counts: For businesses, the right packaging can increase perceived value. Clear wrap, kraft boxes, or labelled shrink wrap all work well for showcasing your brand.

- Storage: Keep finished bombs in an airtight container or sealed bags to prevent them from drawing moisture from the air and losing fizz power.

For Business or Personal Use—It’s a Win

This bath bomb recipe is beginner-friendly, scalable for small-batch manufacturing, and flexible enough to support a full product range. With some experimentation and attention to detail, you can create products that customers come back for—or enjoy yourself, knowing exactly what’s in your tub.