Lush Bath Bomb DIY: Make Your Own Organic, Natural Fizzing Bath Balls

Oh Lush, it beguiles with its striking minimalist branding, bright products, and all-natural aspirations. When we didn't have a Lush in Jacksonville, Florida I explored the Orlando, Florida Lush two miles South with wonder, beguiled by the textures and scents, enchanted. Lush's "bath bombs" are a fan favorite. They explode like a science fair volcano in your tub, turning it into a vat of colorful, fragrant, fizzy goodness. What's not to love? Well, their ingredients list. Not even close to 100% natural. When I see "Fragrance" on a label I twitch, this vague title could be a combination of hundreds of carcinogenic chemical compounds.

Not to scare you off, we live in a world full of pollutants, pick your poison. But you can avoid the chemicals and make your own bath bombs. This recipe creates bath bombs that are just as, if not MORE luxurious without the toxins. Here's how:

Supplies: (1) Bath Bomb Mold (2) Citric Acid (3) Light Oil. Grape Seed Oil is hypoallergenic, Jojoba Oil is pricier but never goes rancid. Almond and Avocado are moisturizing. (4) Coconut Oil (5) Essential Oils (6) White Rice Flour or Corn Starch. Corn starch is bad for anyone who has yeast issues so keep that in mind for gift-giving. (7) Baking Soda (8) Optional: Mica Powder or natural color powder  (9) Large Mixing Bowl (10) Two Smaller Bowls (11) Spoon (12) Bowl and/or a safe place for your bombs to dry

Dry Ingredients: 

Sieve the dry ingredients together until you get a nice, smooth blend.

• 1 Cup baking soda  
• 1/2 Cup citric acid 
• 1/3 Cup corn starch
• 1/2 Tsp to 1 Tsp Mica Powder (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

Stir all of the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl.

• 2 1/2 Tablespoon of the light oil of your choice (sunflower, jojoba, grapeseed, almond)
• 3/4 Tablespoon water
• 1 Teaspoon essential oil of your choice (I tried several, an orange/vanilla/lavender mix is heavenly)
• 2 Tablespoon coconut oil

Step 1) Put your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the wet ingredients onto the dry ingredients, then hand-mix it together. When you squeeze some in your palm it should hold its should stick together like damp sand.

Step 2) Take apart your bath bomb mold, Scoop one half over-full with your mixture. You need to have a tall mound of your mixture on both sides. Push your sides together, holding firmly.

Step 3) Use the back end of a spoon to give the back end of your mold a hard tap, then slowly pull the mold away from your bath bomb one side at a time. Don't twist at all or your risk breaking your bomb

Step 4) Gently place your bomb in a bowl and set aside, let it dry it for one day to be on the safe side before gift-giving, but you can use it the same day if desired. No matter how long you let your bombs dry, handle with care. They're delicate!

You can also skip Steps 2 and 3 and press your bath bombs into silicone molds. Press a large into each mold and let it dry overnight before carefully pressing the bomb out. 

Health Benefits: Citric acid is high in Vitamin C, the main nourishment for collagen production. It keeps your pores clean and supports. Baking soda cleans, conditions, exfoliates and removes excess oil without being too harsh. It restores your skin's PH balance. 

There you have it...These are the steps for your basic bath bomb. You can make bath bombs that are extra moisturizing varieties, you can mix different colors to make swirls (mix the dry ingredients in different bowls, then combine them), you can add healing herbs and salts or use funky molds the sky's the limit! You can spend an afternoon and knock out a big batch of smaller ones to give as gifts or make enough to keep by your tub. The guys love 'em too! Of course, more recipes to come. 

Making any last-second goodies for friends? I've made solid perfumes, soap, natural make-ups and sugar scrubs and they're already getting rave reviews.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.