Sleepytime Magnesium Bath Bombs: Mineral rich bath fizzles infused with chamomile, mandarin, and vanilla.
Magnesium is my new favorite bath ingredient. Whether I’m simply tossing a cup full of Magnesium Flakes into the tub or finishing my bathing ritual off with a quick spritz of Magnesium Body Spray, this amazing mineral is sure to be part of the fun. While bathing with magnesium does not need to be any more complicated than that, the formulator in me just can’t resist experimenting with my favorite things. So it was really just a matter of time before Magnesium Bath Bombs came to life.
This recipe is fairly simple as far as bath bombs and fizzles go. Inspired by magnesium’s fame for aiding restfulness, I decided to combine the Magnesium Oil and Epsom salts with other popular bedtime ingredients. German Chamomile Essential Oil is often used in aromatherapy to promote sleep and relaxation. It also adds a lovely aqua colored tint to the bath bombs which I chose to complement with some mica. The natural color that German Chamomile gives the recipe is gorgeous on its own though. So feel free to omit the mica for a solid colored fizzy.
I just made a small batch for this project, but you can absolutely double or triple this recipe to make more. The basic ratio of baking soda and citric acid is the most important thing to maintain when making bath bombs. The other important thing to keep an eye on is the ratio of essential oil being used. I like to try to keep the total essential oils under 2% for use in bath products. This provides a nice burst of aroma while steering clear of overdosage. Remember that a product’s scent may be much stronger than you realize in the midst of formulation. When it comes to essential oils and fragrance I prefer to take a less is more approach.
Sleepytime Magnesium Bath Bombs
Makes about three 190 gram fizzies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) Baking Soda
- 1/2 cup (120 g) Citric Acid
- 1/2 cup (175 g) Epsom Salt
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Magnesium Chloride Oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Shea Butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) German Chamomile Essential Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Mandarin Essential Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Vanilla CO2 Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Two Tone Blue Green Mica, optional
Directions
- Combine baking soda, citric acid, and epsom salt in a small food processor and pulse until powders become smooth and uniform. Transfer powders to mixing bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, combine magnesium oil, shea butter, and essential oils. Whisk together, then slowly drizzle liquids into the powder, mixing continuously as you do so.
- Continue to mix the powders together using your hands. Break up any clumps that form and mix until the powder reaches a consistent texture. At this point, the powder should clump together in your hands like snow or damp sand.
- Split the mixture into two parts. Add mica to one bowl and mix until the color is well blended.
- Pack mixture into bath bomb molds. Press each half of the mold firmly, then add another layer of mixture to the tops so that they are overflowing with powder. Press the two halves together firmly until they stick. Gently tap the mold until it releases, then repeat with the other half.
- Place the finished bath fizzies onto a tray and allow them to cure in a cool, dry place for 24 hours. Once they have fully hardened, they should be packaged in an airtight container.
Usage & Packaging
- To use, drop one bath fizzie into warm bath water. The fizzie will bubble and fizz as it dissolves.
- Bath fizzies should be stores in airtight packaging such as cello bags, shrink wrap, or airtight jars.
Shelf Life & Stability: Please note that the formulations featured here on The Natural Beauty Workshop have not been challenge tested for stability or shelf life, and may not be suitable for commercial use as-is. For more information on shelf life, stability, and working with preservatives, check out the following article from our Information Library.
Bry Jaimea says
Oh, you can just tell these smell amazing! Can’t wait to try this xx
Kelly Owens says
Thank you, Bry! Please let us know how you like them when you do.
Bethany Martin says
Hi, I recently made these bath bond following the directions to the T! I have run into a problem, where my bath bombs continued to EXPAND! They ended up looking lopsided and like mushrooms, Eeeekkk! Please Help!
Kelly Owens (Moderator) says
Hello Bethany, We are here to help you! Bath bombs may begin to activate (or expand) when additional moisture is absorbed. This can be for a few different reasons including the mixture being too wet, the salts in the bath bomb attracting moisture from the air, or making bath bombs during a high humidity day (rainy days are not a bath bomb’s friend). Some trouble shooting tips are to try cutting back on the liquids or salts in your formulation and work in a dryer climate, such as a room with a fan or air conditioner. We hope that helps!
lisa says
I had exactly the same problem – so annoying! It’s not just you. I don’t believe the recipe works that well…My bombs keep expanding and I’ve wasted so much ingredients including expensive magnesium and expos salts! Not a Happy Bunny!!!
Kelly Owens (Moderator) says
Hi Lisa, We are sorry to hear you had trouble creating our Sleepytime Magnesium Bath Bombs, as well. Bath bombs can be quite finicky, for sure! Along with information already shared, another tip is to try adding the citric acid last. This may help thwart the bath bomb mixture from reacting, if you are experiencing that issue.
Angela Willans says
I just used one in my bath. Actually couldn’t smell the essential oils so will definitely increase the amount and didn’t appreciate the mica ” bruising” on my body nor the residue on my bath.
Kelly Owens says
Hello Angela, We do prefer to take a ‘less is more’ approach when using essential oils for safety purposes. You can make your formulations stronger by adding more, though you’ll want to check the recommended usage rate when doing so. For the mica, you can add Polysorbate 20 to your formulations to help disperse the colorant and keep it from clinging to you or your bathtub. We hope this helps!