Pot of Gold Bath Bombs

These pot of gold bath bombs are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! And because these don’t have to be taken out of a mold, you don’t have to worry about breaking them.

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My kids are always asking me to buy bath bombs. But I did some research and found some great tips for making successful bath bombs that fizz, bubble and smell delicious. So I decided to make my own. Bath bombs are a popular way to make bath time more special. Whether you have kids who love baths, or it’s you who likes to indulge in them, these pot of gold bath bombs will leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

Supplies Needed for Pot of Gold Bath Bombs

• Cornstarch
• Citric Acid
• SLSA (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate)
• Baking Soda
• Coconut Oil
• Polysorbate 80
• Mica powder
• Essential Oils (optional) – I used 30 drops of Sweet Orange
• Witch Hazel
• Plastic cauldrons (I found mine at the dollar store)
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing Bowls
• St. Patrick’s Day trinkets (plastic clovers, gold coins, etc) – optional

How to Make Pot of Gold Bath Bombs

*recipe slightly adapted from STEAM Powered Family

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Combine the dry ingredients together in a large bowl: cornstarch, citric acid, SLSA and baking soda. (I recommend glass or metal bowls.) I used a wooden spoon to carefully mix and fold everything together. One post I read suggested sifting everything through a fine mesh strainer to help get the lumps out. I didn’t do this and only had a few small balls of powder at the end of the entire process, but if you want to take the extra step you absolutely can.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

Measure the coconut oil into a microwave safe bowl. Put it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds to melt it down. Mix in the polysorbate 80 and the essential oils.

Step 3: Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. I used a wooden spoon to start out but then switched to using my hands to combine it the rest of the way. Make sure to crush any large pieces you feel until they are gone. You may have a few left but the goal is to get as much as you can.

How do I know when it’s the right consistency?

There is a fine balance between too dry and too wet when it comes to bath bombs. The consistency you want is similar to kinetic sand. When you get a handful and squeeze it, the mixture should stay together. Then gently drop it into the bowl. If it crumbles, then it’s too dry. If it holds its shape, then it’s good to go.

What do I do if it’s too dry?

This is where the witch hazel comes into play. Add just a few drops and then mix and check the consistency again. Be very conservative with how much witch hazel you add. If you add too much, the mixture will start fizzing. Mix it in quickly to prevent the reaction from going on too long. I had to add a little witch hazel to my mixture and a small spray bottle would have come in handy to help moisten it.

Step 4: Add mica powder

If you want to do more than one color for your bath bombs, divide the mixture into multiple bowls. I did green and gold. A little goes a long way so start with 1/2 teaspoon and then add more if you want a darker color.

Step 5: Fill the pots

Use a metal spoon to scoop the mixture into your pot. Then use the spoon to push it down a little. Push it down the rest of the way using your thumb.

*NOTE* You will need to add the bath bomb mixture in layers, compacting each layer as you go. Just keep scooping and pressing, changing the colors as you go. Each of the bath bombs I made had both green and gold in them, but the layers were a little different in each one.

Remember to add your little trinket about half way through your packing process!

Step 6: Let the bath bombs dry overnight

The great thing about these pot of gold bath bombs is that you don’t have to worry about taking the bombs out of a mold. All you need to do is give them time to dry (overnight is a good rule of thumb) and then they are ready to be used.