Isabel’s Blog #13: Making the ZONE Bath Bombs
#13: Making the ZONE Bath Bombs
HEALING ZONE WORLD deeply believes in the benefits of sea salt and its exceptional healing effects.
One example of that is the SALTERNATIVE which is our incredible sea salt microdermabrasion unit. However, I recently decided to explore other potential ways to share the benefits of sea salt via the company. After some brainstorming, it seemed figuring out how to make DIY bath bombs was the coolest choice. During my research I learned they were originally developed as a substitute for bubble baths for people with sensitive skin.
For those of you who are not exactly familiar with bath bombs, according to its Wikipedia page:
"A bath bomb is a consumer product used during bathing. It was invented and patented in 1989 by Mo Constantine, co-founder of Lush Cosmetics. It is a compacted mixture of wet and dry ingredients molded into any of several shapes and then dried. Bath water effervesces at the surface of a bath bomb immersed within it, with attendant dispersion of such ingredients as essential oil, moisturizer, scent, or colorant."
This sparked my interest so I went to the Lush website to learn more. Conveniently they have a page devoted to the history on their website, and had this to say about bath bombs:
"The bath bomb was a simple creation that aimed to improve the bathing experience. No one could have guessed in their wildest dreams the heights this unassuming ball would reach. From Poole to Vancouver, and Tokyo, these beloved fizzers have been embraced by the world over and found a home in both tubs and hearts."
To date - Lush has created over 400 designs, sold 300+ million bath bombs across the world and helped countless people reinvigorate, uplift and relax.
Below is a timeline of Lush and the bath bomb:
1989
Mo Constantine (Co-Founder, Lush Cosmetics) creates the first-ever bath bomb in her garden shed. Her goal was “to introduce things to the bath which you wouldn’t normally be able to, such as peels, petals, butters and essential oils; lovely ingredients which would be beneficial to the skin.”
1992
Lush creates the Butterball - Lush's longest-standing bath bomb.
1999
A bath bomb is exhibited in the Tate Art Gallery Shop in London.
2010
Limited-edition Wild Rose Bath Bomb is created to bring awareness to the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction, raising $42,000.
2012
Dual-layered bath bombs are invented and patented.
2018
Lush creates the world’s biggest bath bomb, weighing over 3 tons!
2022
Lush gives away 100,000 free bath bombs to celebrate the first 'World Bath Bomb Day'
Besides being a fun reason to take a bath, the ZONE BATH BOMBS are designed to soothe the body. It features special healing ingredients, including all natural sea salt which is famous for its ability to rejuvenate.
Here are some benefits of sea salt baths, according to an article from Healthline.com:
- Have been found to be beneficial in treating arthritis
- Can help remove scales and decrease the bothersome itching caused by psoriasis
- May help people dealing with acne and atopic dermatitis
- Easing muscle cramps
- Good for relaxation and lowering stress
- Relieves achy muscles and stimulates circulation
- Helping to relieve stiffness in joints
- Soothing achy, overworked legs and feet
I needed to a starting point and searched the internet for some guidance. Luckily I found a great post by Sheryl Cuevas of Rebooted Mom on how to make Himalayan Sea Salt bath bombs. It was perfect -- thank you Sheryl!
As mentioned earlier, I opted for All Natural Sea Salt (instead of Himalayan Sea Salt) and adjusted measurements to produce a batch of 6 bath bombs (directions below). I also learned that dyes can cause irritations so these will always be dye-free. Also, two of the main ingredients—citric acid and baking soda—are generally not considered as skin irritants, especially when used in the bath because of the significant water dilution.
After several trial attempts, I eventually found the method that worked best for me and the ZONE BATH BOMBS were born!!
Ingredients
| Baking Soda | 2 cups | Link to Buy |
| Organic Tapioca Flour | 1 cup | Link to Buy |
| All Natural Sea Salt Fine (No Additives) | 1 cup | Link to Buy |
| Non-GMO Citric Acid | 1 cup | Link to Buy |
| Sweet Almond Oil | 5 tablespoons | Link to Buy |
| Pure Lavender Essential Oil | 10 - 15 drops | Link to Buy |
| Crystal Infused Water | 4 teaspoons | Link to Buy |
| ZONE Bath Oil Blend | 40 - 50 drops | N/A |
Supplies
| Small Bowl |
| Large Mixing Bowl |
| Bath Bomb Molds |
| Cellophane Bags |
| Metal Baking Tray |
| Wax Paper |
Directions
*BATCH SIZE = 6 BATH BOMBS*
1. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together (Baking Soda, Tapioca Flour, Citric Acid & Sea Salt).
2. Next, in a separate smaller bowl, combine the wet ingredients (Sweet Almond Oil, Water, Bath Oil Blend, Lavender Essential Oil).
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients very slowly.
4. Mix with your hands until combined. --- The mix does not need to be overly wet...it should feel very slightly damp like sand and holds together when you squeeze it.
5. Fill each half of the mold and pack mix in tightly, overflowing each end. Firmly push the mold halves together, and remove any excess from around the mold edge. Let the molds sit with both top and bottom on for 5 minutes.
6. Place a sheet of wax paper on a metal baking tray. Remove the entire bath bombs from mold and gently place on the wax paper. Spread them out evenly so they do not touch.
7. Put metal baking tray with bath bombs in refrigerator for 60 minutes.
8. After 60 minutes is complete, put the bath bombs in sealed plastic containers for 6 - 7 hours. --- Placing them in individual containers seems to work best and make sure the lid is tight. Moisture is the enemy and can cause the bath bombs to crumble.
9. Gently apply Lavender Essential Oil to outer layer of each bath bomb. --- Laying down bubble wrap in the mixing bowl and placing wax paper over it creates a great surface to ensure the bath bombs are not damaged. I add a few drops to the wax paper and then gently roll each bath bomb in the lavender oil.
10. Place each bath bomb into a cellophane bag (we used green 6" x 9" bags) and secure the twist-tie as tightly as possible. --- Keep them dry and do not store them in high moisture areas (e.g. bathroom).
Here is the full ingredient list - the bath oil I used features a unique algae blend so those are listed out: All Natural Sea Salt; Citric Acid; Baking Soda; Sweet Almond Oil; Organic Tapioca Flour; Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Oil; Essential Oils of: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Salvia Officinalis (Sage), Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange), Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) & Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang); Laminaria Algae Extract; Palmitoleic Acid (Omega-7 & Omega-3 Fatty Acids) and Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Oil.
Hope you found this post interesting and it inspires you to do so much deserved self-pampering. As it states on the tag: "Simply drop into a bath of warm water and enjoy!"
How did your sea salt bath bombs turn out? If you take a pic, you can tag us on Instagram @HealingZoneWorld or e-mail us at info@healingzoneworld.com.
