Create your own moisturizing, anti-itch oatmeal bath bombs! These fizzy bath bombs are wonderful for relieving dry, itchy skin during the colder months and make a soothing, skin-friendly addition to your self-care routine.
Why oatmeal bath bombs?
Oatmeal is a gentle, time-honored ingredient for calming irritated skin. When finely ground and added to a bath bomb, it disperses into the water to help soothe dryness and itchiness while the oils add moisture. These homemade bath bombs combine simple pantry ingredients and essential oils so you can tailor each batch to your needs—relaxation, congestion relief, or an energizing soak.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or corn flour)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons almond or apricot kernel oil
- 2 tablespoons citric acid
- 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats, finely powdered in a blender (do not use quick oats)
- About 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for decongesting, peppermint for a refreshing uplift, etc.)
- 5 drops food coloring, optional
Equipment
A blender or spice grinder to powder the oats, mixing bowls, measuring spoons and cups, and molds or your hands to form the bath bombs. Candy or soap molds work well; if using them, lightly spray with a non-stick cooking spray before filling.
Step-by-step directions
1. Begin by powdering the old fashioned oats in a blender or spice grinder until they form a fine flour. This helps them disperse smoothly in the bath without clumping.
2. In a dry bowl, whisk together the baking soda, cornstarch, powdered oats, and citric acid until evenly combined. Break up any clumps so the mixture is smooth.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix the almond or apricot kernel oil with your chosen essential oil. If you want color, blend in the food coloring here. Stir thoroughly so the fragrance and color distribute into the oil.
4. Slowly pour the oil mixture into the dry ingredients a little at a time, stirring continuously. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly wet. If it seems too dry, add a few drops more oil; if too wet, add a small pinch of baking soda or powdered oats.
5. Press the mixture firmly into molds or shape it into balls by hand. Compacting well will help the bombs hold their shape when drying.
6. Allow the bath bombs to dry in a cool, dry place for 24–48 hours. Ensure they are completely hard before removing from molds or wrapping.
Storage and use
Store finished bath bombs in cellophane or airtight containers in a dry environment to prevent premature activation from moisture. Use one or two bath bombs per bath, depending on the size of your tub and how concentrated you want the soak to be. Simply drop a bath bomb into a full tub of water at your preferred temperature, then step in and relax as it fizzes and releases soothing oatmeal, oils, and aroma.
Tips and variations
- For a gentler scent, decrease the essential oil to 5–8 drops. Always perform a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
- Use therapeutic-grade essential oils suited to your purpose: lavender for sleep and relaxation, chamomile for extra soothing, eucalyptus or peppermint for respiratory relief.
- Substitute oils and adjust fragrance amounts to suit allergies or personal preferences. Sweet almond oil is a mild, nourishing choice; apricot kernel oil is a good alternative for sensitive skin.
- Make smaller molds for trial sizes or gifts and label them with scent and date made.
These oatmeal bath bombs are an easy, customizable DIY that combine skin-soothing oatmeal with moisturizing oils and calming scents. They make a thoughtful homemade gift or a comforting treat for yourself all season long.
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / leonikonst