Finally getting ready to try bath bombs... couple of questions.

[rebeccajo99]

Ok... now that my soap recipe is how I want it (however, now that pa posted her recepie that sounds just yummy... I may start working on that one too) I am going to try bath bombs.

I purchased some citric acid in March 2009. I use it to make my own dishwasher soap, but I have enough to try a batch of bombs. Is this too old for the bombs or is it still ok. Does citric acid go bad?

Also, I want to add shea butter to my bombs. I have seen on etsy people who have shea butter listed in their bomb ingrediants. What would be the best way to add this? Is there a good amount to start with? (sorry if this is posted somewhere already, I was supposed to be walking out the door to get to my in-laws about 10 mins ago so couldn't finish my searching)

Thanks in advance everybody.

[CandleMama6]

I am new to bath bombs so I can't offer much help, but I would LOVE a recipe for dishwasher detergent. It is so blasted expensive and like laundry soap, I would love to make my own. Would you share your recipe??

[LuminousBoutique]

As far as I know, citric should be fine as long as its kept dry and in a sealed container. If it looks chunky it might not be good anymore.

I use cocoa butter, you could use shea for sure. I've made some with shea and its very nice! I prefer the cocoa butter because I think it makes a more solid, hard bomb but thats just my personal taste

Personally, I dont use any water in my recipe.. just oils. So my advice is to make up a batch (of your dry mix), add in your fragrance first... then add in your melted shea butter, and then whatever other oils you choose to use.. I use apricot kernel. I cant give exact amounts, but you'll learn to get a feel for your mix and you will figure out how much of each you need and how much is too much/too little.

To make 24-26, 2.5oz bombs I use about 2oz cocoa butter and 2oz apricot kernel, if that helps.

[rebeccajo99]

As far as I know, citric should be fine as long as its kept dry and in a sealed container. If it looks chunky it might not be good anymore.

I use cocoa butter, you could use shea for sure. I've made some with shea and its very nice! I prefer the cocoa butter because I think it makes a more solid, hard bomb but thats just my personal taste

Personally, I dont use any water in my recipe.. just oils. So my advice is to make up a batch (of your dry mix), add in your fragrance first... then add in your melted shea butter, and then whatever other oils you choose to use.. I use apricot kernel. I cant give exact amounts, but you'll learn to get a feel for your mix and you will figure out how much of each you need and how much is too much/too little.

To make 24-26, 2.5oz bombs I use about 2oz cocoa butter and 2oz apricot kernel, if that helps.

Thank you

My citric acid is still a nice texture (looks exactly the same as when I baught it) so it sounds like that is still ok.

Your estimations are helpful. I have the recipie written down from the class given a couple of months ago and I also plan on doing a search looking for other recipies as well.

I thought of another question. How long should you let it cure before testing?

[LuminousBoutique]

I would give it at least 3 days.. I'll use mine fresh sometimes but I dont vary the recipe at all, so if you are trying different things 3 days should be enough to let it dry well.

I can tell how old my bath bombs are by how they feel one week, or even one month later.. its pretty cool! So yeah give them some time to dry

[rebeccajo99]

Thanks for all of the helpful information. I baught my last 2 things needed today and I am going to try my first batch tonight when the hubby gets home!!! I'm really excited.

Just some last few questions (I hope :smiley2:). I use glycerin dispursed dyes from TBK for my soap, will that work for bombs too or should I get a more liquidy die?

I have seen some recipies that use food coloring for their bombs. Is that even safe for bombs that you plan to sell someday?

Thanks everybody!!!

[Loulougirl]

I don't think food coloring is good to use, I've never tried it but I heard it would stain your tub/skin!

I use the wilton gel colors in my bath bombs. They're meant for icing, and they don't add any extra liquid, which is perfect for bombs. They also tint the water a bit, which is fun!

I can't say how the tbk colors will work, I haven't tired them. It might be adding just enough extra liquid to make your mix too wet. Bath bombs are finicky that way.