Few things feel more luxurious than sinking into a hot bath filled with soft, fragrant bubbles. Having a good soak in a bubble-filled bath is so relaxing and comforting. It’s therefore not surprising that so many people like to treat themselves to bubble bath products.
But shop-bought bubble bath isn’t always the best choice. It can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and damage to the skin barrier.
The good news is that bubble bath is surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Using just a handful of gentle ingredients, you can create long-lasting, skin-friendly bubbles. You can create recipes that suit your skin type and include all your favourite scents. And you can even create some bubble bath mixtures for loved ones as a thoughtful gift.
Ready to take your bathing routine to the next level? Read on to learn all about DIY bubble bath and how to create an amazing bubble bath at home.
Table of Contents
- What ingredients do you need to make bubble bath?
- How to make bubble bath
- How do you get more bubbles in your bath?
- Can you make a bubble bath without a bubble bath solution?
- What scents are best for a relaxing bubble bath?
- FAQs
What ingredients do you need to make bubble bath?
Creating a bubble bath at home only requires a few simple ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your cupboards at home! Below we’ve listed some of the main ingredients you’ll need to include.
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Liquid soap or body wash
Unscented liquid Castile soap works best. But if you only have mild body wash or baby shampoo to hand, these are both suitable alternatives.
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Vegetable glycerin
This ingredient boosts the bubbles! Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for extra moisture.
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Carrier oils
like almond, coconut, or sunflower will add softness to your bathwater, helping your skin to feel silky smooth long after you get out of the bathtub.
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Distilled water
Helps to blend and dilute the other ingredients.
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Essential oils
These are optional, but a few drops of your favourite scent will bring aromatherapy benefits. Choose a scent that’s calm, refreshing, or energising to suit your mood.
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For a fun twist, add a drop of natural food colouring
This is a fun option for kids’ baths, so if you’re making bubble bath with your grandchildren, make sure you have some natural food colouring on hand!
How to make bubble bath
Here’s a simple recipe to follow, which makes approximately 295 ml of bubble bath.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of warm distilled water
- ½ cup of liquid Castile (plant-based) liquid soap or gentle body wash
- ¼ cup of vegetable glycerin or coconut oil
- 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil
- 20-30 ml of carrier oil (almond, coconut, or sunflower)
Method:
- Pour the distilled water, liquid soap, and glycerin (or coconut oil) into a clean glass bottle or jar.
- Add the carrier oil and essential oil for fragrance.
- Mix or shake gently until blended. Avoid over-shaking, or you might find the mixture gets foamy too quickly!
- Pour under warm, running bath water, adding more as needed for extra bubbles.
If you have any leftover bubble bath, pour it into a sealed, reusable container for next time.
How do you get more bubbles in your bath?
We all love a proper bubble bath filled with loads of bubbles, but how do you make sure you’ve got enough bubbles? Understanding the science of bubbles will help you master how to make bubble bath with lasting results. There are ways you can help create an abundance of bubbles.
Here’s how you can optimise the bubbles in your bath.
- Pour the bubble bath under fast-running water. The agitation will whip up the air, which is key for bubble formation.
- Use plenty of glycerin. This ingredient helps to increase both bubble size and longevity. If you have sensitive skin, use extra carrier oil instead.
- Warm (not hot!) water produces the best bubbles. If the water is too hot, it will break the bubbles down too quickly.
- Swish the water around with your hand or let the flow from the tap do all the work.
- Some bathtubs, such as walk-in baths, have spa jets or gentle faucets that can help bubbles flourish.
Can you make a bubble bath without a bubble bath solution?
Yes! If you’ve run out of pre-mixed bubble bath, these mild alternatives work well.
- Castile soap. This is widely available and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Baby soap. Ideal for children’s skin.
- Mild dish soap. This is effective, but should be used sparingly and with a little extra glycerin.
You can blend all of the above with glycerin and water to create a quick and easy bubble bath mix. You could also add a tablespoon of coconut or almond oil or a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
What scents are best for a relaxing bubble bath?
Choosing the right essential oil is the best way to personalise your bubble bath. You can choose various scents depending on your mood, from relaxing essential oils to uplifting aromas – the choice is yours!
- Relaxing: Lavender and chamomile promote a restful, calming ambience. Ylang-ylang and jasmine are indulgent choices that help to soothe your mind and body.
- Uplifting: Citrus oils (such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit) are bright, energising, and ideal for early-morning bubble baths.
- Refreshing: Eucalyptus and mint will stimulate your senses, while rosemary will bring clarity to your bathing routine.
- Skin-soothing: Rose, geranium, and frankincense help to comfort dry or sensitive skin.
- Playful: Add a drop of vanilla or coconut for a creamy, sweet bubble bath.
FAQs
Can I use essential oils directly in the bath?
You shouldn’t put essential oils directly in the bath. This is because they can be really strong and quite harsh on bare skin. They need to be diluted to enjoy safely. Dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil or bubble bath mix to prevent skin irritation. Simply add a couple of drops to your bubble bath blend. This is an excellent way of boosting your bath with a lovely scent.
Is bubble bath bad for your skin?
It depends! There are a lot of factors to consider, including what type of bubble bath you use and your skin type. It also depends on how often you have bubble baths. Shop-bought bubble baths can contain ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate, which can cause dry skin. You can easily make your own bubble bath at home with gentler ingredients and without harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.
Can I make a bubble bath without glycerin?
You can make a bubble bath without glycerin by substituting it for an alternative ingredient. You can use things like almond oil or coconut oil, depending on your preference. These oils will add some moisture. You may get fewer bubbles than shop-bought bubble baths containing glycerin, but you can enjoy a more natural bath with gentler ingredients.
How do you store homemade bubble bath?
There are plenty of ways to store homemade bubble bath. All you need is a tightly sealed container. You can reuse empty bottles, but do make sure they are safe to use and you have washed them out properly.
At Bathing Solutions, our mission is to enhance your wellbeing, whether that’s through our expertly installed walk-in showers, bespoke bathroom designs, inspiring bathroom colour schemes, or DIY guides for home spa rituals.
With this guide, we hope you’ll learn how to create a bubble bath and upgrade your everyday self-care routine.
For more inspiration, why not browse our feature guides on bathroom flooring, colour palettes, and lighting?