Winter Cherry Bubble Bath Bars

Winter Cherry Bubble Bath Bars: colorful solid bubble bath bars scented with a sweet cherry fragrance.

Our super simple recipe for bubble bath bars comes together quickly and easily – making this a great project for beginners and advanced formulators alike. Unlike many other bubble bar formulas, this recipe uses liquid bubble bath base as the main ingredient. While formulas using detergents, like sls are likely to form larger and more plentiful bubbles, we love using a base that is more gentle on the skin and less drying.

These simple bubble bath bars are easy to customize. Just swap out the color and scent to make the recipe all your own. While we used liquid dyes to color our project, Pearlescent Micas are another great option for adding color. Try molding the bars into different shapes by hand, or make them into more elaborate shapes using a cookie press or soap mold.

As for scent options, the possibilities are endless. Any of our cosmetic grade Fragrance Oils or Plant-Based Fragrance Oils would work well in this recipe. Some of our favorites for bath recipes are Apple Blossoms, Coconut Cream, Hawaiian White Ginger, Oatmeal Milk & Honey, and Raspberry Truffles. You can also use skin-safe Essential Oils in this recipe. Just be sure to check the correct usage rate before adjusting the recipe. Most essential oils should be used at around 1 – 2% in bath recipes.

Just for fun, we dusted our bars with a sprinkle of cosmetic grade glitter. Be sure to use only cosmetic grade glitters for bubble bath bars – or any bath and body project. Craft glitters can rust, irritate the skin, or even contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for skin care.

Winter Cherry Bubble Bath Bars
Makes about seven 110 gram bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (370 grams) Baking Soda
• 1 cup (135 grams) Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) Cream of Tartar
• 3/4 cups (180 ml) Shea Butter Bubble Bath Gel Base
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Shea Butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Vegetable Glycerin
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Cherry Plant Based Fragrance Oil
• Liquid D&C Red #33
• Liquid FD&C Blue #1
• Cosmetic Grade Glitter, optional

Directions

1. Whisk together baking soda, cornstarch, and cream of tartar in a very large bowl. (The mixture will expand while cooking, so make sure it has plenty of room.) Break up any clumps, sifting if necessary.
2. Combine bubble bath base, melted Shea butter, and vegetable glycerin in a second bowl and mix well.
3. Add the liquid mixture to the dry and stir together until thoroughly blended.
4. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for 1 minute. Stir well, then cook for another minute. Repeat this process until the mixture firms up and changes into a dough-like texture.
5. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then stir in fragrance oil. Split dough into two batches, and add color (a few drops at a time) to each batch. Stir until well blended.
6. Allow the mixture to cool until it can be handled easily (but is still warm and pliable). Transfer dough to clean work surface and roll into 1/2″ sheets. Stack sheets of dough together, then roll up into a log. Roll the finished log a little longer to make sure the layers are firmly attached.
7. Cut log into 1″ slices and set out to cool and harden overnight.

Usage & Packaging

• Finished bars should be packaged in airtight plastic – such as plastic wrap or our Small Cello Bags.
• To use, crumble bars beneath running water while drawing a bath.

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.

Looking for more fun bath product inspiration? Check out our recipes for Oatmeal Honey Butter Bath Melts and Layered Cherry Bath Bombs.