How To Make Floral Layered Bath Bombs

A fun and floral recipe, our Floral Layered Bath Bombs are quick and easy to make using our step by step guide. The perfect beginners bath bomb recipe to make at home, with just the right amount of fizz!

Turn your bath time into a floral paradise, with your choice of fragrance oil and stunning colours to give your bath bombs character.

How do you layer a bath bomb?

When making bath bombs, you can get really creative with the look and finish of your bath bomb design. One technique, which is great for beginners, is layering your bath bomb.

Once your colours are made and your mixture is ready, you simply layer your colours into your mould by alternating your shades. You can choose a more rustic style, like we have done in this recipe, or be more precise with your layers to create defined layers. To do this, tap your mould on a flat service after each layer and smooth over with the back of a spoon.

What are the best colours for a bath bomb?

Selecting your colour and finish is all part of the fun when making bath bombs. Finding a colour that holds it's vibrancy, disperses in the water and washes away easily is key. At The Soap Kitchen, we have two colour types that are perfect for use in bath bombs. Our Liquid Dyes and our Mica Powders, both work to hold the colour and add character to your bath bombs.

Can you use mica in bath bombs?

Yes, Mica Powders are a great colour choice for bath bombs, with their fine powder grain, it means they blend smoothly and disperse throughout your mixture to coat your ingredients evenly. They can provide a range of colours from bright to pastel, depending on the quantities your use. They also have a shimmery effect, to make your bath bombs stand out and leave your bath water glistening. 

What does polysorbate 80 do in bath bombs?

Part of the polysorbate family, Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifying ingredient, used in a range of cosmetics and toiletries to bind oils and water together, as well as help colour to disperse in water. It makes a great addition to bath bomb recipes to ensure your fragrance or essential oil blends throughout the water and so your colour completely fills your bath water without resting on the top.

It works to prevents the oils and mica powders from sticking to your bath tub, which is important to reduce slippery incidents and after a good rinse you can leave your bath tub nice and clean!

Equipment:

• 4 x Mixing Bowls
• 70mm Bath Bomb Mould
• Water Sprayer

Ingredients:

• 400g Bicarbonate of Soda
• 200g Citric Acid
• 30g Polysorbate 80
• 20g Fragrance Oil
• Light Pink Mica Powder
• Blue Mica Powder
• Purple Mica Powder

Shop all ingredients below.

This recipes makes approximately three 70mm bath bombs. Always check the IFRA and legal limits for your chosen fragrance oil.

How To Make Your Own Layered Bath Bombs...

1. Firstly, prepare your area by gathering all the necessary equipment needed.
2. Wearing gloves, start by mixing together your bicarbonate of soda and citric acid. Breaking away any clumps in your citric.
3. Next, add in your polysorbate and fold into your mixture. Ensuring it is completely blended throughout, you will notice the consistency become fluffier.
4. Then, repeat step four with your fragrance oil.
5. Once your ingredients are blended, split your mixture into four bowls. Then put one bowl to the side, this will be your white.
6. In your other three bowls, sprinkle in your colour and mix each bowl until your reach your desired shade.
7. When you are happy with your colours, from a distance spritz each bowl with water and mix immediately. You want to slightly dampen your mixture, enough that when squeezed in your hand it holds together like a snow ball.
8. Once you have reached the correct consistency, you can build your bath bombs! Alternating each colour in layers in your mould. Make sure to press each layer to ensure your mould is compact.
9. Fill both halves, then over fill one slightly, this will help your bath bomb to grip together. When you are ready, press your too halves into each and squeeze tightly. Tap the outside of your mould gently, with the a flat edge tool or knife, then carefully remove one half of your mould and place your bath bomb to one side.
10. Repeat until all of your mixture is used up, then leave your bath bombs to sit for 45-60mins. 
11. After this time, you can remove the other half of your mould and leave them to sit over night to full set.
12. Once full solidified, you can enjoy your Floral Layered Bath Bombs!

Top Tip: Leaving your bath bombs to sit for 45-60 minutes before removing them from your mould, will stop the risk of your bath bomb having a flat bottom. As the mixture is still wet, it is very soft and won't hold fully. Allowing it to dry slightly strengthens your mix enough to hold its spherical shape.