cybersix Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Hi, I'm new to B&B, but I read about making bath bombs so I thought I could give it a try.Today I went to a pharmacy and asked for citric acid.They didn't have it, and asked me why I need it.I explained the thing, the lady told me I can only use baking soda adn the bombs would frizzle the same.. is it possible or she didn't know wha I was talking about?TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sudsnwicks Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 In the recipes I've seen, you need both citric acid and baking soda for it to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybersix Posted February 15, 2006 Author Share Posted February 15, 2006 In fact I was going to buy citric acid, mine was just a curiosity and I had to ask!!!You know, I'm curious as a cat, I have to know ALL!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 you can get baking soda at the grocer's just look for arm & hammer brand in the baking aisle.when baking soda and citric acid are combined, they will fizz when in contact with water. as far as i know, you need both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epheme Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 also mediterranean/middle eastern and some asian grocery stores carry it. You definitely need it to make them fizz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glowlite Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 You can it at health food stores too. Its more expensive though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindsaycb Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Can you order it through bakeries? They use it, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valleygrls98 Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 They have it at home brewers stores but it isn't cheap ( about $5.00 a lb) I would suggest getting it from a supplier or I think maybe someone is co-oping it on one of these boards !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melly Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Oh hunny dont buy it at a drug store, it will cost you an arm and a leg, you will get cosmetic grade rather then food grade, check with a home wine making place or order it online from a supplier.You definatly need it for the fizz factor, baking soda is just not the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 yeah baking soda isn't the same without it. Need the fizz Isn't Heather doing a coop for some CA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 A lot of folks prefer cream of tartar over CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shani Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 You definitely need a combo of baking soda and citric acid for the bomb to fizz. When the bomb is dissolved in water, there is a reaction between the citric acid and baking soda causing carbon dioxide to be released into the water. This causes the bubbles you see, similar to a carbonated soda. There are a few places online where you can order citric acid. You will probably come out cheaper than buying from someplace local. I don't know where you live; re shipping costs, but you can try http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus or http://mystifyyoursenses.com.HTHShani:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybersix Posted February 16, 2006 Author Share Posted February 16, 2006 Thanks to all for your answers!!!I live in italy, so for the first experiment I will buy it here in a pharmacy or something.I just wanted to ask you, I found a recipe on an italian site, I will try to convert quantities in your metric system, can you please tell me how much (more or less) finished product will I have? It is a good recipe? I cannot figure it. The recipe is:-8.5 oz baking soda-5.6 oz citric acid-0.5 oz sweet almond oil-5-8 drops of food colorant-10 drops of FOWhat do you think about it?I thought to try this because I have all the ingredient besides CA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybersix Posted February 16, 2006 Author Share Posted February 16, 2006 What is cream of tartar?What's the difference between the two?A lot of folks prefer cream of tartar over CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 What is cream of tartar?What's the difference between the two?Use instead of citric acid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol M Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 Most recipes call for an additional filler, such as cornstarch or salts of some type, in about the same amount as the citric. Also, if no water or witch hazel is called for, I'm not sure that only 1/2 oz (about 1 tbsp) of oil, along with the fragrance and color, will be enough liquid. You need to get the mixture moist enough to hold together (like making a sand castle); moist but not too wet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybersix Posted February 16, 2006 Author Share Posted February 16, 2006 Thanks Carol, I think I will read some other recipe posted here.So this is not a good recipe?I don't know what witch hazel is, but how much water would you suggest to add to this moisture?Many thanks!Most recipes call for an additional filler, such as cornstarch or salts of some type, in about the same amount as the citric. Also, if no water or witch hazel is called for, I'm not sure that only 1/2 oz (about 1 tbsp) of oil, along with the fragrance and color, will be enough liquid. You need to get the mixture moist enough to hold together (like making a sand castle); moist but not too wet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol M Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 Just go to the recipe section and look at the recipe(s) there. I am by no means a bath bomb expert, but I just noticed that the other recipes seem to have some things in common that your recipe was lacking. But I do know that you don't want to overdo the liquid part; that causes the citric acid to activate and start fizzing prematurely.:rolleyes2 Supposedly once you make them a few times, you get a "feel" for when the moisture level is right, but I haven't done them that much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybersix Posted February 16, 2006 Author Share Posted February 16, 2006 ok, I'll print the recipes I found.What's the cornstarch purpose?Many thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth-VT Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 Replace Citric with Cream of Tarter? I don't think that would work. Cream of Tartar is a levener used in baking, similar to baking powder or soda. I don't think it will react with the BS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elle110 Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 yeah baking soda isn't the same without it. Need the fizz Isn't Heather doing a coop for some CA?Yep...there is a coop on citric getting ready to start...you need the citric for the fizz.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anncee Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 I have a lavender farm and I make lavender scented bath bombs all the time to sell in our farm shop. This is the recipe I use. 1 kilo (2.2 lb) baking soda400 grams (14 ozs) citric acidMix well in bowl (I use the kitchen whizz but for smaller amounts use a knife)Keeping stirring add10 tablespoons (150 mls - 5 fl ozs) of an oil (I use sweet almond oil)Dribble in SLOWLY2 tablespoons lavender essential oil (or whatever ess oil you want)Keep stirring, spray with witch hazel - as someone else said you get the 'feel' when it's right. I probably would use a couple of teaspoons full.Then pack tightly in your moulds.I make bath 'cookies' I press them into a circular mould bigger slightly bigger than but same shape and shallowness of a milk bottle top and bath 'muffins'. To do these I put paper muffin cases inside the metal muffin tray holes and press them in there. Leave in the hot water cupboard overnight. It doesn't matter if they start fizzing a little as you're making them. They settle down after they've dried out.I'm in New Zealand so hope you all understand - I know we use same words for different things :smiley2: I buy my baking soda and citric acid in a bulk bin type grocery store. I use Grosso oil as it is fairly strong in scent.Hope this helpsAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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