For some unknown reason my youngest son hates taking showers. I mean the “kicking and screaming” kind of hate. He’s almost 11 so I thought he might be in the “I’m a pre-teen and I know everything and I don’t need to shower because I never stink, so there!” phase. But I don’t recall his older brothers ever putting up this kind of hard-core resistance to basic hygiene when they were his age and I was growing tired of the fight. So one day I stopped fighting and started asking questions only to discover that getting clean wasn’t his problem. The issue was simply that he would rather take a bath. Well, okay then.
Since one of my lofty New Year’s resolutions was to take more baths I could hardly fault him for wanting the same simple pleasure. I decided to make some bath products specifically for him so he could feel special and enjoy his bath-time even more. All kids love a good explosion so the first thing I made was Bath Bomb Fizzies.
From a chemistry standpoint the only things you need for a bath fizzy to work is a base, an acid and water so they mix together. It’s the old Brady Bunch science experiment where Peter makes a paper mache volcano using baking soda and vinegar and then Marsha breaks her nose because she can’t catch a football. It’s a classic. In this case we’re using citric acid instead of vinegar so they don’t react until you add (bath) water. But I like my bath products to do more than just erupt so in this recipe there is some great skin-boosting additions that you won’t find in the average bath fizzy recipe.
Baking Soda–makes a wonderful spa-like bath for soaking away aches and pains and detoxing. It also cleans the tub and the drain, as a bonus!
Citric Acid–is a common ingredient found in face packs and skin products. It is considered an antioxidant that can help the regeneration of skin tissue.
Jojoba Oil–nourishes and revitalizes skin and is remarkably similar to the natural sebum secreted by our own skin.
EVOO–contains 4 antioxidants that help neutralize free-radicals. It is hydrophillic meaning it traps moisture in your skin leaving it softer and smoother.
Bentonite Clay–draws toxins out of the skin and body through the pours. I recommend Redmond Clay which you can learn about Here.
Vitamin E–powerful antioxidant, protects and repairs skin while restoring elasticity.
Lavender EO–widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities, soothes occasional skin irritations,helps skin recover quickly, eases muscle tension.
I only use certified therapeutic essential oils because they are of the highest purity you can buy, and they’re very economical because of their purity and potency.
This recipe is so easy you can, and probably should, get your kids involved. You can turn it into an interactive chemistry lesson. Just mix the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Then mix the wet ingredients and 1 tsp. baking soda in a small bowl and stir really well. Add them to the dry stuff, mix with a spoon and then rub it all between your hands to evenly distribute everything. I like to do 2 or 3 separate batches that are different colors. If you do that don’t move on to the next step of spritzing with water until all your batches are ready to go.
You don’t have to add food coloring but I guarantee it’s more fun if you do. Not only does it make the bath fizzies prettier it will also color the bath water and what kid doesn’t love that? My hubby, the artist, reminded me that if you combine colors that are across the color wheel from each other they make brown. I wanted to make a green and pink striped bath fizzy but he pointed out that it would turn the bath water the color of poo. Yeah, probably not a good idea so I did purple and pink stripes instead.
Now your going to spritz the mixture with water. You have to do this a little at a time and mix immediately as too much water will set off the fizzing reaction. A little fizzing will happen no matter what but don’t worry, just mix it up and you’ll be fine. Spritz 3 times, then mix vigorously between your hands. Repeat three more times. You don’t want the mixture too dry and you don’t want it too wet. If you squeeze a clump and it holds together, you’re good to go.
You don’t want to overwork the “dough” so immediately get it into whatever molds you are using. I like to use the round craft molds because they look the most traditional but other molds work too. I’ve used silicone baking trays, ice cube trays and soap molds, all with good results. The larger the mold, the bigger the eruption, but of course you won’t get as many bath fizzies out of the recipe. You have to pack the mixture in really, really tight or the bath fizzies are prone to crack. They still work great but aren’t as pretty if you intend to give them as gifts. Just keep pressing people, keep pressing.
My son was very excited to be the first one to test the bath fizzies. He picked the biggest one (of course) and the resulting eruption was, in his words, “awesome”. It bubbled for quite a long time and when it was all done the water was a lovely shade of blue. When he came home from school today and saw all the bath fizzies set up for my photo shoot he asked if he could take another bath tonight. Problem solved.
Bath Fizzies
1 cup + 1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup citric acid powder
2 tbsp. bentonite clay
2 tbsp. jojoba oil
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. vitamin E (or use two 1000 I.U. capsules)
1/4 tsp. food coloring (optional)
10-15 drops essential oil of your choice (I used lavender)
In a large glass or metal bowl mix 1 cup baking soda with the citric acid and clay. In a smaller glass or metal bowl add jojoba oil, olive oil, vitamin E, food coloring and essential oil, mixing well. Add 1 tsp. baking soda and continue mixing until well combined. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the wet mixture. Mix with a spoon until combined, then use your hands to continue mixing. Rub mixture between your hands until color and scent are completely incorporated. With a spray bottle filled with water, spray the mixture 3 times, then continue mixing and rubbing between your hands. Repeat this process of spraying 3 times and then mixing, a total of 4 times (12 sprays total). Pack mixture into molds very tightly. Add more mixture as necessary, continuing to press until bath fizzy cannot be packed any tighter. Immediately remove from mold and let dry for 24-48 hours.
NOTE: This article was first posted on www.mothersniche.com where I was fortunate enough to be a guest blogger. Be sure to check it out for lots of great projects and fun parenting ideas.
Mila says
What a fabulous idea!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Mila.
Adrian says
These look like a lot of fun and they are SO expensive in the stores. I’ll have to remember these for Christmas gifts. Or maybe I’ll make some for the kids for Easter gifts.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Adrian–thanks for stopping by. I saw bath fizzies at Whole Foods the other day that were about the size of my big round ones and they were $5.00. Each! I know it’s Whole Foods but seriously? Do it yourself and they make wonderful, inexpensive gifts. Enjoy:)
–Leah
Rena Bucad says
I love that you referenced one of my all time favorite Brady Bunch episodes in this post. As for the bath fizzies they seem awesome but a little too complicated for me. I start to check out after about step 3. If I get my ADD under control I just might try them.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re funny Rena! You could have made a batch in the time it took you to read my whole post (that episode is a classic). You could always get your artistic daughter to make them. With her sculpting talent (and lack of ADD) she could do it with her eyes closed:)
–Leah
Anita says
Awesome idea! I really LOVE this idea!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Anita! Appreciate you stopping by.
–Leah
Kristina says
These are so awesome!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Kristina, my 10-year old totally agrees with you:)
–Leah
Annette says
Those look so fun! We’ll have to make them as a mother/ daughter activity!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Annette–Kids love making these and love using them even more. They also make great gifts. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
This looks like a fun project for the kids!!
Fabulous farm Girl says
Yes Renee, it was fun to do with my boys. Messy, but fun. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Daniela @ Put A Bird On It says
I love bath bombs! But the “natural” ones are always so expensive. Thanks for the recipe. Also – those molds are so cute. 🙂 Pinned!
xo
Daniela
http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com
Fabulous Farm Girl says
I couldn’t agree more Daniela! Have fun making these and thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Kelli @ The Sustainable Couple says
Thanks for sharing last week on Mostly Homemade Mondays! If you get a minute, hop over today and link up a few more of your favorite posts: http://www.thesustainablecouple.com/2014/06/mostly-homemade-mondays-week-83.html
fabulous Fabulous Girl says
You’re welcome Kelli! I love your website and will continue to visit often. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Kalliste says
These look great! I’ve been wanting to use something in my spa but been too lazy (and cheap) to go buy something, these look like they’d be a lot cheaper to make.
Is the clay required? Will it matter if I omit it/
fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Kalliste (beautiful name btw). I saw bath fizzies that were the same size as my large ones at Whole Foods. They were $5.00. EACH! So yeah, way cheaper to make your own. The bentonite clay has great skin softening properties but you can leave it out if you want. It won’t affect how the fizzies work. Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Leslie says
I might give these a try, I love to take a bath. My skin is so sensative though so I’ll have to look into the ingredients but I’ll find out. I hope this helps him want to be clean, haha. I’m stopping by from SITS & I hope you guys are having a great Saturday.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
I hope the ingredients work with your sensitive skin, Leslie. If you decide to give it a go, let me know how it works for you. Thanks for stoppng by.
–Leah
Stacie says
I used to make bath and body products but it’s been a while. Maybe I’ll try this recipe out. Thanks for sharing. #SITSblogging
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s a great idea, Stacie! It’s always fun to rediscover an old hobby and remember why you enjoyed it so much. Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous week!
–Leah
V says
This is brilliant! And they are so pretty too. Perfect for a handmade gift. You could seriously start a business with these.
V
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Wow, that is a high compliment indeed, V! You made my day and I’m glad you stopped by. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Farrah says
This is so fun! Pinning to my DIY board… I can’t wait to try it out (and make some for friends as party favors). Thank you for the awesome tutorial!
fabulous Farm girl says
You’re very welcome, Farrah! Love the idea of using them for party favors. I was also thinking of giving them as Christmas gifts this year. Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Heather says
I can’t wait to try this! Thanks for sharing!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Heather! They make great gifts, so something to think about with the holidays coming up. Have a fabulous day!
–Leah
Sandra M Henslee says
Hi Leah! I found this on Saturday Sharefest and love the idea! Hope to see you for the next blog conference!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Sandra! I will definitely be at BYB2015. Have a great week!
–Leah
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
What a fun idea! I love the idea of making your own. I don’t actually have a bathtub where I’m living right now… but I’d love to get into making more of my own beauty products.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Michelle–these are really fun to make. Don’t worry about not having a tub because these bath fizzies make awesome gifts too. Great idea for Christmas. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Akaleistar says
Love bath fizzies, but I’ve never tried to make my own. This looks fun 🙂
Fabulous Farm Girl says
It is fun Akaleistar- and so much less expensive than the ones you buy form the store. Plus they’re actually good for your skin. You can’t lose. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
donna says
Great post and ideas! In defense of Marcia however, it wasn’t because she couldn’t catch a football, she was walking out the door just at the moment when the football came her way and it hit her in the face. I am a little touchy on the subject of girls not being able to play sports well so I needed to get that off my chest! Thanks for all the terrific ideas!
Leah says
Ha, ha, Donna–awesome rebuttal! I will concede that in that paticular situation Marcia could not have been expected to catch the football. As a highschool athlete myself, I will give her the benefit of the doubt that she could have caught a football if she had wanted too. Of course, she always seemed more interested in looking pretty and being popular than pursuing athletic endevours, but that was a personal choice. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! LOL!
–Leah