Making Your Own Bubble Bath

For fun and profit

Table of Contents
Why Bubble Bath?.................................................................................................... 1 What is Bubble Bath?.............................................................................................. 2-4 Why Should I Make My Own Bubble Bath? ................................................................. 5-6 The History of Bubble Bath...................................................................................... 7-8 Bubble Bath Ingredients............................................................................................. 9 Tips for Beginners................................................................................................... 10 Deciding on a Recipe............................................................................................... 11 Precautions for Working With Lye.......................................................................... 12-13 Making Your Own Liquid Bubble Bath Base: Cold -Process Method..................................14 Making Your Own Liquid Bubble Bath Base: Hot-Process Method...............................15-16 Neutralizing the Excess Lye...................................................................................... 17 Testing the pH of Your Bubble Bath Base.................................................................... 18 Solid Bubble Bath Bars............................................................................................ 19 Bath Salts.......................................................................................................... 20-21 Bath Bombs....................................................................................................... 22-23 Bath Beads............................................................................................................ 24 Bath Oil................................................................................................................. 25 Bath Jelly............................................................................................................... 26 Bath Soaks............................................................................................................. 27 Carrier Oils Used for Bath Products............................................................................ 28 Table 1: Carrier Oils............................................................................................ 28-31 Properties of Fatty Acids........................................................................................... 32 Scenting Your Bubble Bath................................................................................... 33-35 Essential Oils and Their Uses in Aromatherapy............................................................. 36 Table 2: Essential Oils......................................................................................... 37-42 Coloring Your Bubble Bath.................................................................................... 43-45 Table 3: Colorants............................................................................................... 45-46 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate vs. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate ................................................... 47 Liquid Bubble Bath Recipes.................................................................................. 48-50

Bath Oil Recipes................................................................................................. 51-52 Bath Bomb Recipes............................................................................................ 53-56 Bubble Bar Recipe.................................................................................................. 57 Bath Salt Recipes............................................................................................... 58-59 Bath Soak Recipes.................................................................................................. 60 Selling Your Bubble Bath...................................................................................... 61-62 Packaging Your Bubble Bath ................................................................................. 63-65 Get Creative!.......................................................................................................... 66 Batch Codes........................................................................................................... 67 FDA Regulation of Bubble Bath.................................................................................. 68 Liability.............................................................................................................. 69-71 Glossary of Terms............................................................................................... 72-73

Why Bubble Bath?

When most people think of a bubble bath, they think of a luxurious way to relax and pamper themselves. A shower is quick, and often performed out of necessity, but a bubble bath allows one to lay down, relax, and be surrounded by warmth and one's favorite scents . In addition to the tranquility offered by bubble baths , they have practical purposes as well. The foam floating on top of the water insulates it and helps to keep the water warm longer. The bubbles also act as a soap dispersant, which helps to prevent a ring of bubble bath scum forming on the inside of the tub. Many bubble bath formulas work in an undiluted form as shampoo or body wash, so it is possible to wash one's whole body with a single product. If you tend to have dry, itchy or sensitive skin, baths can be a bit less irritating than showering, and moisturizing or soothing ingredients can be added to help nourish and hydrate skin while you soak. A bath will do more for dry or itchy skin than a shower, because soaking in the moisture and nutrients will allow your skin to absorb them more than if they were simply slathered on and immediately rinsed off . Also, contrary to what was formerly believed, baths are great for acne-prone skin because long-term submersion in hot water opens pores, rinses away dirt and bacteria, and allows acne-fighting ingredients in the bath products to enter the pores. All of the scientific stuff aside, bubble baths are just plain FUN! Ask any kid who is hesitant to bathe, until he hears some allusion to a bubble bath; the bubbles are fun to play with , and the soothing fizzing noise as they pop is much nicer at the end of a long, hard day than the noise of a showerhead.

What is Bubble Bath?

Bubble bath is essentially a form of soap. Soap is an anionic surfactant and, as everyone knows, when it is mixed with water, it is useful for washing and cleaning. It does this by binding water and dirt together. Soap also acts as an emulsifier. An emulsifier is anything which allows one substance to dissolve into another substance into which it would not dissolve ordinarily. The grease and oil contained in everyday soil is not water-soluble , meaning that it cannot be rinsed away without the use of an emulsifier, which binds with the oils and carries them away. Substances are either hydrophilic, meaning they are attracted to water (hydro meaning water, philic meaning loving), or hydrophobic, meaning they are repelled by water. All substances are either hydrophobic or hydrophilic; anything that is water-soluble is hydrophilic , and anything that won't mix with water (such as oil) is hydrophobic . Most of the substances which comprise everyday soil on our bodies are oil -based, and oil is hydrophilic. As most people know, if you try to mix oil and water, the oil just floats on top of the water; though you can make a suspension by vigorously mixing or shaking the solution , it will separate out again because it is only physically mixed , not bonded on a molecular level. Soap, and therefore bubble bath, helps to wash away dirt and oil on surfaces because each molecule has two ends. One end is a carboxylate, which is hydrophilic; the other is a hydrocarbon chain, which is hydrophobic. The hydrophobic end bonds to soil, and when the bubble bath is rinsed away, the hydrophilic end bonds to the water molecule and gets carried away by it. This is how soap cleans surfaces. There are three types of energy which must be present in order for soap and bubble bath to work correctly: thermal energy, kinetic energy and chemical energy. The chemical

energy is supplied by the soap, and allows the soil to bind with the soap and get carried away by the clean water. The thermal energy required to make bubble bath work is supplied by the hot water in which most people bathe. The kinetic (or motion) energy comes from the aeration of the water, either by the water cascading from the faucet , by hand, or by mechanical aeration (i.e. bubble jets below the water's surface). The main difference between bubble bath and soap is that bubble bath is designed to make bubbles, not to wash away dirt and grime, so it works slightly differently. Each molecule has a hydrophobic and hydrophilic end , just like with soap, but the difference is that instead of bonding to oil, the hydrophobic end bonds to air. When the bubble bath is mixed with the water and aerated (usually with mechanical aeration such as a hand or water coming from the faucet) , and the molecules mix with the water and air, a fluffy foam is created that rests on top of the water. This is the main reason why bubble bath makes much longer -lasting and voluminous foam than, say, bar soap. This is also why, if you are particularly dirty when you get into a bubble bath, the bubbles will go away fairly quickly; the hydrophobic end will bond to the soil and wash it away instead of bonding to the air and making bubbles . The bubbles that make a bubble bath can be produced in a variety of ways . As previously mentioned, the water must be aerated to produce bubbles; that is , air has to be mixed with the water somehow. There are a few ways this can be done. Whereas most home bubble baths are created just by the water cascading from the faucet and mixing air with the water in the tub , the same goal can also be achieved with jets, such as in a hot tub. Water hardness is one factor which greatly influences the efficacy of bubble bath and soap . Hard water refers to water that contains an overabundance of minerals (such as manganese , magnesium, calcium, and iron). When bubble bath or soap are used in this type of water, some of the molecules attach themselves to these minerals, instead of the soil (or air), which means that soap won't clean as well, and bubble bath foam won't last as long. This creates two problems: there are fewer molecules available for making bubbles, and the molecules that react with the minerals may bind to surfaces and leave a hard residue. As a result of this, many soaps and bubble

bath products are made with harsh synthetic detergents that work a little better in hard water, but are very hard on skin and hair. Imagine washing your body with engine degreaser, or dishwashing liquid, or glass cleaner some of the synthetic detergents used in these dangerous and skin-irritating compounds are also used in soap and bubble bath .

Why Should I Make My Own Bubble Bath?

Making your own bubble bath can be fun and rewarding , and it is a surprisingly simple process. In addition to the sense of accomplishment you will enjoy as a result of handcrafting your own bath products, there are other benefits as well. All-natural alternatives. People are becoming more conscious of what they put on , and in, their bodies. When you purchase commercial bath bubble bath , you may read the label and find that you can't even pronounce most of the ingredients , because they are chemical and synthetic additives instead of all-natural , basic components. The reason for this is that the chemicals are typically cheaper, which means that a company can keep costs low and give themselves an advantage over the competition. For a long time, people were happy to pay less and buy a product that was made in a laboratory, instead of by hand. However, as consumers become more environmentally conscious, and more concerned about what the products they buy are doing to the earth, and to themselves, they are more likely to search for an alternative to these harsh chemicals . When you make your own bubble bath, you will be able to control what goes into it, and make a product that works just as well as the leading brand , but is less harsh, more eco-friendly, and better for your skin and hair. All-natural products are usually far more gentle than commercially-made products , which sometimes contain oleochemicals (derived from fats and oils) , or petrochemicals derived from oil and fossil fuels. One of the main motivators for many people who start making their own soap or bubble bath is that they don't like the idea of cleaning themselves with these chemicals, or they don't like the idea of what these chemicals are doing to the environment. Ability to control the quality of your ingredients. Having control over your ingredients means that you will be able to affect the quality of your finished product by selecting the components based on a variety of factors . You can choose to purchase ingredients that are cheaper, which will result in a lower overall cost, but may compromise some of your product's quality; on the other hand , you can

utilize expensive ingredients of superior quality and have a luxurious product that is costly, but of a higher grade. You can also go anywhere between the two extremes; most people find that they can make a product that is of a higher quality than commercial products , and that they can do so for relatively little expense. You will also be able to address other concerns that you may have with the quality of commercial bubble bath: Was the product tested on animals? How long has it been sitting on the shelf? Is there anything in it that will cause an allergic reaction? Is it priced fairly? These, and many other questions, can be answered when you make your own bath products . Customization. When you purchase commercial products , you have to choose from one of only several varieties, which the companies chose to make because they seemed profitable. This means that you may have to compromise to get a product that is mostly satisfactory; for example, you might get the sensitive skin variety in a scent you don't really like, because the scent you love is in a harsh formula that makes you itchy. When you make your own products, you can control every aspect of your bubble bath; you can customize it to match your skin type , make it in your favorite color and scent, and choose the form it comes in (bubble bath, bath bombs, bath fizzies, etc.). There is no limit to the degree of customization when it comes to making your own beauty products . Giving handmade gifts. You can use it for yourself, but your homemade bubble bath can make a great gift as well. You could assemble handmade spa baskets with a variety of products and give them as gifts for holidays, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other gift-giving occasion. People love to pamper themselves with luxurious beauty products, and they will love it even more knowing that you made these products with your own hands. Customized bath baskets are a special, one-of-a-kind gift that lets someone know you cared enough to put time and effort into making something for them , which is a rare occurrence in today's world of e-cards and online gift certificates . A fun and inexpensive hobby. Making your own bubble bath is a great way to learn a new skill, and enjoy a hobby that is both fun and practical . Not only will you be able to enjoy knowing that you created something from scratch , but your pride in your creations will be magnified by the fact that you made something that is both luxurious and useful.

The History of Bubble Bath

Baths have been the most popular form of bathing since the ancient Romans congregated in bath houses to clean their bodies and relax . In recent times (since the 1950s), showers have replaced baths as the most preferred way to get clean , because they are more efficient than baths; however, a nice hot bubble bath is still a popular way to not only get clean, but to enjoy oneself while doing it. Bubble bath is actually a rather ambiguous term , and can mean a bath with bubbles in the water, such as a mechanically-aerated jacuzzi or whirlpool , or a bath with bubbles on top of the water, as in the common conception of a bubble bath . (This type of bath can also be called a foam bath.) The earliest form of bubble bath was simply adding regular liquid soap to water, and then temporarily aerating it, usually by hand. Soon after soap flakes were invented, they came into use as a form of bubble bath, but bubble baths didn't become really popular until the early 1900s, when the first effervescent bath salts were created . It was also around this time that machine-aerated baths became popular for medical and therapeutic purposes, giving rise to the use of jacuzzis and hot tubs for relief of

conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and even tissue debridement for burn victims . One of the first references to a bubble bath in pop culture was in the 1936 play The Women, in which one of the characters uses alkyl sulfate surfactants to make the foam . It is thought that a similar compound was used in Dreft's marketing campaign , beginning in 1933. Bubble baths are often utilized in theatre and film because they allow an actor to be shown bathing, while still providing a curtain of bubbles to preserve his or her modesty. This means that the actors can be naked and unseen , or they can actually remain partly clothed, simply giving the audience the illusion of nudity. Bubble baths have been most popular for bathing children , particularly since an ad campaign in the 1960s claimed that adding the bubble bath to bath water would clean a child without the need for scrubbing, wiping, or other bubble bath products. While this claim is dubious, one thing is for sure: children are fascinated by bubble baths , and adding a little to the water is a great incentive to get them into the tub . Effervescent bath products, such as bath bombs, didn't become really popular until the end of the twentieth century. It is possible to mechanically aerate a foam bath for example, putting bubble bath in a jacuzzi but this hasn't been a popular practice, mainly because one runs the risk of creating far more bubbles than intended .

Bubble Bath Ingredients

Bubble bath is very easy to make, and involves only a few ingredients. The most common form of bubble bath is the liquid variety, but you can also make bath bombs, bath fizzies, bath salts, and other varieties of bath products . The first main ingredient in liquid bubble bath is liquid soap . Liquid Castile soap is the most common type used for bubble bath , but you can also use solid Castile soap if you choose to make bubble bath flakes instead of a liquid formula . (Castile soap is a broad term for any soap made primarily from olive oil .) Castile soap is easy to find, and can be purchased online, in craft stores, or even at your local supermarket. If you so choose, you can also make your own Castile soap for your bubble bath. (A recipe is provided later, in the Bubble Bath Recipes section.) The second main ingredient for liquid bubble bath is water. Many bubble bath-makers choose to utilize distilled or purified water, to ensure that there are as few impurities in their bubble bath as possible. The third ingredient in bubble bath is glycerin , either in liquid or solid form. Glycerin is a natural byproduct of soap-making, and is a powerful moisturizer and nutrient for skin . Glycerin is a by-product of the soap-making process typically favored by commercial soapmakers, known as the full-boiled method; the glycerin is typically removed after the process is completed, and sold as a valuable humectant, or moisturizer. When the glycerin is removed, in commercial soaps, the result is a pure detergent, which can be drying or irritating to the skin . With the glycerin still in the soap, it stays naturally moisturizing, and is also less likely to crack and fall apart than commercial soaps . Also, for those who make their own soaps, processes like superfatting, or adding certain skinfriendly ingredients, can yield a result that is not as harsh as commercial soaps , for sensitive or chronically dry skin. You can make a basic liquid bubble bath with just these three ingredients , but there are a variety of additives you can use to customize your bubble bath . Essential oils, colorants, and other additives can help you customize your bubble bath and make it really unique .

Tips for Beginners

Making bubble bath is a delicate process . The ingredients used must be of a high quality, and the manner in which they are mixed cannot be haphazard or careless . Think of it like cooking. If the ingredients you use are not of a high quality, but you follow the recipe exactly, you will have a less than ideal result. Similarly, if you have the highest quality ingredients available , but instead of following the recipe, you just throw them all together, you will probably not have the result you were hoping for and the ingredients will be wasted . The best method for making homemade bubble bath is, first, to ensure the quality of the ingredients you want to use . Second, choose a tried and tested formula , which has worked well for others . Modify the formula only if you know what the results will be, and have a reason for doing so; each step is vitally important, and if not followed precisely, will not yield the desired result . The ingredients should be measured accurately, and in proper proportion, to ensure a quality product. Third, be aware of what you are doing , and why you are doing it. It is important to understand the importance of each step, and to be diligent about not leaving anything out . Finally, choose the technique that works best for you . There are many different techniques, each of which requires different ingredients, and produces a slightly different result . The technique you use will be determined by what you want your product to look, smell, and feel like.

Deciding on a Recipe
There are a variety of bubble bath recipes available to choose from , and it is of course possible to create your own . The recipe you use will depend on the qualities you want your final product to possess; do you want a solid bubble bath , or liquid? Do you want a bubble bath that will work well in cold or hard water? Are you making bubble bath for sensitive skin? Some oils are more readily absorbed into the skin than others, and each oil that can be used for making bubble bath has different properties. A similar choice must be made when using lye; it comes in granular and flake forms, and different types of lye can be used for different forms of bubble bath. For instance, sodium laureth sulfoacetate is usually used for solid bubble bath, whereas potassium hydroxide lye is commonly used for liquid bubble bath. Whatever recipe you choose, or create, make sure that you measure the ingredients in correct proportions, and add them at the proper times . It is generally best to weigh the ingredients using a kitchen scale , instead of measuring them with measuring spoons or cups , because different materials have different densities , and volume measurements can be inaccurate. Also, if you are making your bubble bath base from scratch , it is important to use a lye calculator to determine the amount of lye needed for your recipe . Using the calculator, you can adjust the amount of lye you want to use based on the amount of fat you want leftover in your bubble bath. The lye will only saponify a certain amount of oil, so to have more oils leftover, use less lye, or vice versa . Bubble bath with an excess fat level above 5% will moisturize skin better, and make it feel softer, than one with less than 5%; however, some people might feel that the soap with 5% or more excess fat level leaves their skin feeling greasy. An important consideration when calculating the amount of lye to use is, of course, skin type; when making bubble bath for dry skin, you would want the excess fat level to be closer to 5%, but if it is being made for individuals with greasy skin, less than 5% will produce a cleaner feeling.

Precautions for Working with Lye

There are some precautions that must be taken when working with lye . Lye is a dangerous chemical, and if proper precautions are not taken, serious injuries can result . After opening the lye, make sure that the lid is tightly closed . Lye has deliquescent properties, meaning that it has a tendency to melt or dissolve when it comes into contact with open air; it is also hygroscopic, meaning that it will absorb moisture from the air, which will form lumps in the powder. Either of these tendencies can render the lye unusable if it comes into contact with open air for long, so the container in which it is stored must always be sealed. Lye is also dangerous if spilled . Use protective equipment and clothing, to prevent skin burning or irritation from a lye spill. Be sure to keep the lye away from children and pets it can be fatal if swallowed. Work in a well-ventilated area, as lye releases toxic fumes when mixed with water; mix outdoors , or wear a protective respiratory mask, if possible. Vinegar can help to neutralize the lye mixture if it spills , so keep a bottle close at hand while working with lye. If the lye spills on any surface furniture , etc. wash the affected area with vinegar, then soap and water, and rinse it clean. Be sure to purchase lye that is labeled for soap -making. There are other lye products that are similarly packaged, such as food-grade lye, or 100% lye drain opener. The food-grade lye is not strong enough to make bubble bath with , and the lye drain opener is, of course, much too harsh, and contains many other chemicals which you would not want on your skin. There are some materials which should never come into contact with lye . Do not use any container, or heating vessel, made of aluminum, brass, bronze, chromium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or anything coated with Teflon. If the lye comes into contact with any of these materials , it will react with them to

produce hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable, and explosive. Also, the lye should never come into contact with sugar; this mixture will produce poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Materials that are suitable for contact with lye, at room temperature, are: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon rubber, stainless steel, glass, and porcelain. Stainless steel is the best material for heating vessels, as it can withstand elevated temperatures. Plastics may soften at higher temperatures, so unless the plastic has already been tested, glass or stainless steel are the best materials for mixing containers. Because lye is a corrosive material, any amount of it that you order or purchase will most likely come with a material safety data sheet, or MSDS. This sheet will list: Manufacturer or vendor information Chemical composition Hazards and potential health effects First aid measures Fire fighting measures Spill measures Handling and storage Exposure and protection Physical and chemical properties Stability and reactivity Toxicological information Environmental information Disposal considerations Transportation information Regulatory information

Making Your Own Liquid Bubble Bath Base Cold-Process Method

As mentioned before, Castile soap is the usual base for bubble bath , and is the main additive which makes bubble bath lather. You can purchase pure, organic liquid Castile soap from a variety of retailers , including online sources and even supermarkets . Dr. Bronner's is one of the most popular brands of natural liquid Castile soap, and can be found in many of these locations . If you are familiar with the process of either hot -process or cold-process soap-making, then you can make liquid soap with simple variations in the recipe . Castile soap is the most commonly preferred base for bubble bath , because it is mild and easy to purchase, but liquid bubble bath can be made from virtually any liquid soap; the one you choose will depend on your personal preferences , and the qualities you want your final product to have. Also, there are two kinds of lye: sodium hydroxide lye (NaOH), and potassium hydroxide lye (KOH). Potassium hydroxide lye is the one that is preferable for making liquid soap because it is softer than sodium hydroxide lye. If you make bar soap via the coldprocess method, make it as you normally would, but instead of cutting your soap into bars after taking it out of the mold, grate it, or cut it up into small pieces. Put the pieces in a double-boiler, with a ratio of one cup soap to three cups water. Heat the soap and water mixture on medium until all the soap is melted (if you have a few stubborn chunks that just won't melt, throw them away), and see what the consistency of your mixture is. If you want the liquid soap to be thinner, add more water, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency; if it's too thin , continue heating until some of the water has evaporated.

Making Your Own Liquid Bubble Bath Base Hot-Process Method

To make liquid soap via the hot-process method, mix the oils and lye just as you would for cold-process soap; it may take a very long time to trace , and when it does, it may be a little thinner than regular cold-process soap. At this stage, begin cooking it in a crock-pot or double-boiler for 3 to 4 hours , stirring every half hour. The soap will go through several stages, and at the last one, it will be translucent and creamy. Mix one ounce of the soap with two ounces of boiling water; if the mixture is milky, or very cloudy, it needs to cook longer. (If cooking it longer doesn't fix the problem , one of the ingredients may have been measured incorrectly prior to making the soap .) If it is clear, or only slightly cloudy, then the soap should be ready. Liquid soap is more prone to spoilage than solid bar soap, so consider adding vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract as natural preservatives. Don't keep the soap for more than six months, and discard it if the color or scent change. Making your own liquid soap from scratch, without using the melt-and-pour or rebatching methods, is a delicate process, best done by people who are already familiar with the basics of soap-making. If you choose to make your own liquid soap, here is a simple recipe that you can use. This hot-process recipe requires you to make the soap from scratch , meaning that you'll be working with oil, lye and water the three basic ingredients for soap . Before starting, make sure that you know what precautions to use when handling lye , as it is a very dangerous chemical. Wear safety equipment (such as safety goggles, thick rubber gloves, long sleeves, long pants, an apron, and a mask), and use the lye in a well-ventilated area . Make sure that your exposed skin doesn't come into contact with the lye . If you are using the lye indoors, or on a surface that you care about, keep vinegar handy in case you spill the lye-water mixture, as the vinegar will neutralize the lye and make it easier to clean up. If you spill lye on your skin, be sure to quickly rinse it off with large quantities of very cold water, and if necessary call your physician. Mix the lye into the water, never the other

way around, because when lye and water are mixed they get very hot , and pouring the water into the lye can make the water boil instantly, which could result in spills and burns. 16.5 oz. Sunflower Oil 7 oz. Coconut Oil 5.5 oz. Potassium Hydroxide lye (KOH) 16.5 oz. distilled water (for the lye mixture) 40 oz. distilled water (to dilute the bubble bath paste) Either 2 oz. of boric acid, or 3 oz. of borax, mixed into 10 or 6 oz. of water Measure out the oils, and put them in a crock-pot, or double-boiler, on low heat, until it reaches approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit . While they heat, mix the lye into the water, being careful not to spill or splash, and using all of the proper safety techniques . Once the lye is completely dissolved, mix it with the heated oils. (Do not let either the oils or the lye-water mixture cool; mix them when they are both at around 160 degrees .) Stir the oil and water mixture together, slowly at first, then faster; it is easier if you use a stick blender for this part. Keep blending the mixture until it reaches trace; be patient , as this may take up to 30 minutes. Cook the mixture for 3-4 hours, checking on it and stirring it every 20-30 minutes . Use the boiling water test described above to see if the mixture is done when it is translucent in the pot. If it is, heat the other 40 ounces of distilled water to boiling , and then mix it with the bubble bath paste. Stir it in a little, turn off the heat, and come back and check in about one hour. It will probably still be chunky, so stir it again and wait a bit longer. You can actually just let it sit overnight at this point, or you can keep stirring and waiting.

Neutralizing the Excess Lye

The next step in this process is the most important one . Unlike bar soap, liquid bubble bath recipes are formulated with about 10% excess lye , to ensure that all of the oils used in the recipe are saponified. This means that you need to neutralize the excess lye before the bubble bath is used; if you don't, the bubble bath will burn skin. Put your bubble bath mixture back on the heat, and take it up to approximately 180 degrees. While this is happening, mix 2 oz. of boric acid with 10 oz. of boiling water, or 3 oz. of borax with 6 oz. of boiling water. Stir the mixture very well, and keep it very hot, so that it will mix well with the bubble bath. Add about oz. of neutralizing borax solution for every pound of bubble bath paste; be careful though, and try to err on the low side, because adding too much will make the bubble bath cloudy. The above recipe makes about 2.8 pounds of bubble bath, so you will need about 2 oz. of the neutralizing solution. Add it slowly, a little at a time, making sure that it is reacting well with the bubble bath.

Testing the pH of Your Bubble Bath Base

After neutralizing the excess lye in your bubble bath base , but before using it, test its pH level. Regardless of your experience with soap-making , this is an important step, because mistakes are always possible, and a single batch of bubble bath with excess unreacted lye can cause severe chemical burns. Phenolphthalein is a chemical with turns pink if pH is too high , and is commonly used to test the pH of soap. Bubble bath with excess lye content will be alkaline , and have a pH of 10 or above. To be safe for use on skin, the pH of your bubble bath should be between 7 (neutral) and 9.5 (slightly alkaline). If the phenolphthalein stays clear, or very slightly pink, the bubble bath is safe, but if it turns a deep pink, the bubble bath is too alkaline to be used on skin . It is, however, okay to use it for household cleaning, dishes, or laundry. pH test strips, such as the ones commonly used for aquarium water, can also be used to test the pH of your bubble bath . Measure out 100ml of room-temperature water, and test its pH; it should be 7, or neutral, otherwise it will slightly affect the pH of the bubble bath . Mix one gram of the bubble bath with the water and use the strip to test the solution , following the directions on the strip. (If the pH of the water wasn't exactly 7, take this into account when testing the pH of the mixture.) When that's done, and you've determined that the bubble bath is safe to use, pour it into jars or bottles, and let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 weeks. Any insoluble particles that made your bubble bath a bit cloudy will settle during this period. When pouring the bubble bath base into your final containers, or using it to make your product, be careful not to disturb the insoluble particles , or mix them with the bubble bath again, because it will make your bubble bath cloudy.

Solid Bubble Bath Bars

Another form of bubble bath is the bubble bath bar, also called a bubble bar, or solid bubble bath. These bars give you all of the fluffy, voluminous lather of liquid bubble bath, but are in a solid bar form like regular bar bubble bath . They are a bit more challenging to make than basic liquid bubble bath; therefore , you may want to practice making the liquid variety first. 1/3 cup of cream of tartar 1 cup of baking soda 1 cup of sodium laurel sulfoacetate, or SLSA (powdered foaming agent) 1/3 cup liquid glycerin Measure out all of the dry ingredients into a large glass or stainless -steel bowl, and mix them together. Mix in your colorants, essential oils, and liquid glycerin, and knead the doughy mixture with your hands until it is well-blended. Pack the mixture into a loaf pan, or bubble bath molds, and let it set for about an hour. Try taking it out of the pan at this point; if it's dry or crumbly, put it back in the bowl, add a little more glycerin, and knead it some more. Pack it back into the pan, and wait another hour. If necessary, repeat this process, until the mixture is solid and holds together well . Cut the solid mixture into cubes, approximately the size of ice cubes. (Alternatively, you could use candy molds to create tiny bubble bars that are approximately the right size , and have cute designs on them.) Allow these pieces to cure on wax paper for about a day. Wrap the pieces individually in cellophane, to protect them from humidity, as if they absorb moisture they won't work as well. For best results, store them in a cool dry place, and use them within 2-3 months.

Bath Salts
Bath salts are an alternative bath product that don't offer the lather of bubble bath, but still create a scent-filled and colorful way to add a little luxury to your bath water. The Chinese realized the healing and rejuvenating potential of bath salts around 2700 B.C.E., and Hippocrates often recommended that his patients bathe in sea water to soothe aching muscles or joints. Using bath salts actually changes some of the properties of the water. Anyone who has taken a long bubble bath, or done a lot of dishes, knows that keeping part of your body immersed in water for long periods results in pruning - skin swells , and looks wrinkly and pale. This is because skin absorbs a great deal of water. Adding bath salts to the water helps to reduce this effect. Bath salts can also help to soften skin, particularly callouses, and help with exfoliating them. If you have hard water, adding bath salts to the tub will make it easier to rinse away soap, because the salts act as a water softener. They even increase the density of the water, making your body feel lighter in it, which is why they are commonly used (in large amounts) for flotation therapy. They are great for your skin and muscles, and if they're scented, they can deliver a therapeutic bath experience to relax and rejuvenate you before or after a long day. It's difficult to use fragrance or essential oils in a bath in an undiluted form , and they tend to evaporate quickly; bath salts hold the scent, and keep it around longer. There are even some bath salt formulas which have been developed to have the same properties of a natural mineral bath or hot spring. Technically, all soap and therefore, all bubble bath is a form of salt. However, the term bath salts is used specifically to refer to products that have a crystalline structure , and which have specific properties. The main ingredients in bath salts are Epsom salts , baking soda, and another variety of salt. Iodized salt (table salt) can be drying to your skin , so it's best to use sea salt, or another type of salt that is intended for bathing . Borax can also be used. Here is a recipe for basic bath salts, which can then be customized to your liking with scents and colors.

3 cups Epsom salt 2 cups baking soda 1 cup sea salt or borax Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl until they are well blended . This is the base for your salts, and you can divide it into smaller batches to make a variety of products . If you'd like, you can mix dried herbs in with the salts as well; in that case , you may want to put the salts in a tea ball or herbal sachet , to keep the herbs from floating or going down the drain. If you use fragrance or essential oils in your bath salts , be careful how much you add. A good baseline is around 1-2% essential oils, or ounce for every 6 cups of bath salts . Add them a few drops at a time, and stir constantly; the mixture should be strongly scented, and each chunk of salt should be coated, but adding too much will cause the salts to clump and harden in the container, so it's a delicate balance. There are two additives which you can use in your bath salts which can really make a difference in the final quality of the product: dendritic salt , and Natrasorb Bath. Dendritic salt is a very fine, crystallized salt, and as a result of its crystalline structure it has a great deal of surface area. It helps to hold the fragrance and color of your bath salts , and will reduce clumping; add up to 1 cup (for the above recipe) of dendritic salt to the rest of your bath salts. Natrasorb Bath is similar to dendritic salt , in that it helps your salts to retain fragrance , and reduces clumping. Natrasorb is a tapioca starch which is hydrophilic and absorbs oil , and helps you to put fragrant or nutritive oils in your salts without making them clumpy or greasy. As the starch dissolves in the water, it releases the oils, giving off bursts of fragrance and skin-conditioning oils. It dissolves completely, and leaves no residue, so it's perfect for baths. If you're using the above recipe, use about cup of Natrasorb to pack your salts with fragrance, color and nutrient-rich oils. The best way to use either of these additives is to mix the essential or nutritive oils directly into them, then add them to the bath salts. This will ensure that they keep the fragrance well.

Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are a great way to make bath-time fun, especially for kids. The bombs are usually made in the shape of a sphere or half-sphere but you can use different molds to make them in any shape you'd like and when dropped in water, they are fizzy and fun! Bath bombs have effervescent properties, meaning that when they are mixed with the bath water they erupt into thousands of tiny bubbles . This reaction is produced by the reaction of a carbonate or bicarbonate (in this case, baking soda) with an organic acid (citric acid). They are always solid, because that is the only way to prevent the baking soda and citric acid from reacting immediately. They fizz when they hit the water because the baking soda and citric acid are suspended in the water and allowed to mix , which results in a reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas hence the bubbles . If you are looking for foam on top of the water, you won't want to use bath bombs, as they produce very little. To make bath bombs, you'll need: 1 part citric acid 2 parts baking soda Witch hazel (in a spray bottle) Coloring Dome-shaped mold First, mix the citric acid and the baking soda. Blend them together, and keep blending until they are completely mixed; this step is very important, and you may even want to use a mixer. If these two ingredients aren't blended together thoroughly, the mixture will be grainy, and the bath bombs won't fizz the way they should . Next, add any desired colorants. For this recipe, you'll want to use dry or powdered pigments, instead of liquid or gel ones. Don't worry if the color is light, and don't add too much; the color will show up more later. Take your dry mixture, put it in a large bowl, and begin spritzing the mixture with witch hazel while you stir it with your free hand . Keep testing the mixture, and make sure you add

just the right amount of witch hazel. If you add too little, your bombs will be grainy and fall apart , but if you add too little, the mixture will begin to fizz, and you will lose some of the fizziness in the tub . The mixture is ready to be molded if you take a bit of it and pinch it between your fingers, and it sticks together. You need to mold it rather quickly, because if you wait, it will begin to dry, and adding more witch hazel will ruin the mixture . Pack the mixture into the molds tightly; the denser the bombs are , the better, as they will be less likely to fall apart, and create a better reaction when you put them in the tub . Leave them in the molds for a few minutes , then tap them out onto a sheet of wax paper. Mist them very lightly with the witch hazel; this will create a harder outer shell that will help keep them from falling apart. Let them air dry for 3 to 4 hours, and then package them however you'd like.

Bath Beads
Bath beads are yet another way to liven up any bath water. They are especially nice to give as gifts, in decorative packaging, and offer the same wonderful scents and ease of use as bath salts . Making bath beads is a very simple process, and one that can save you a great deal of money, as luxury bath beads are quite expensive. Not only that, but if you're giving them as gifts, your loved ones will surely appreciate the time you put into making them. To make bath beads, you will need: cup powdered milk 2 tablespoons of powdered (confectioner's) sugar 2 tablespoons borax powder cup rose water or orange water Essential oil blend Colorant Combine the powdered milk, borax, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until they are well-blended. Add approximately of the rose water or orange water, and your essential oils and colorants (if desired), and continue to stir. As you stir, slowly add the rose water or orange water until you have a mixture that resembles the consistency of Play-Doh or modeling clay. Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls. A good size is approximately a teaspoon of dough per ball , but use your judgment, and make them larger or smaller if you want. Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper, or a similar non-stick surface. Allow them to dry for about 24 hours, then package them. Store the beads in a cool, dry place, just as you would bath bombs, to keep them from reacting with humidity in the air. This will make them sticky, or cause the colors to change. At bath time, drop one or two of the beads into the water the amount you use will depend upon your personal preferences, as well as the size of the beads. If you like, you can also make these beads in fun little shapes by using candy molds or other small molds, similar to the process of making a bath bomb . Pack the material into the molds, let it set for a while, then pop it out and package it.

Bath Oil
Bath oils are great for those with dry, itchy or chafed skin. The warmth of the bath water, and the skin's tendency to absorb water when submerged in it for long periods , helps your skin to absorb the healing and nourishing oils , resulting in soft and moisturized skin. The difference between bathing with bath oils and applying oil to your skin is that the bath oil is absorbed by your skin during the bath , whereas oil applied to skin's surface is likely to remain there, resulting in a greasy feeling, and little nourishment to your skin. Bath oil is, essentially, a mixture of essential oils and carrier oils. Carrier oils such as jojoba, coconut, sesame or olive oil are absorbed into the skin , and are what provides it with nourishment and moisture. The essential oils are just for pleasure, and aromatherapy benefits. You can use a variety of carrier oils, and the oil you choose will depend upon the properties that you want your bath oil to have . Here's a great recipe for a basic bath oil . 1.5 oz. olive oil 3 oz. almond oil 1 oz. sesame oil 1 oz. canola oil oz. wheat germ oil Use about 15-30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil , so for this recipe, you would want to use about 105-210 drops. Put all of the oils in a container with a tight lid , shake them well, and store them in a cool, dry place. Use about one teaspoon of bath oil in bath water.

Bath Jelly

Bath jelly is another fun bath-time diversion that gives you all the benefits of a bubble bath , with the added fun of wiggly gelatin! It's great for adults , but kids especially enjoy it. It's easy and fun to make, and even more fun to use. To make a basic batch of bath jelly, you'll need: 1 packet (15g) of unflavored gelatin (you can find this at the grocery store) 1 teaspoon of salt cup liquid Castile soap cup water Coloring and essential/fragrance oils Empty the packet of gelatin into a large bowl . Boil the water, and add it to the gelatin while stirring. Make sure the gelatin dissolves completely and there is no grainy residue floating in the water. Pour the liquid soap, essential oils and colorants into the gelatin . Stir the mixture well, but do so gently, so that the soap doesn't foam. Pour the mixture into an airtight storage container and store it in the refrigerator until it sets. Use a small amount (a teaspoonful, or a little scooped out with your fingers) for each bath; as usual, put it right under the running water to get the maximum amount of foam . This recipe makes a scoopable gelatin, but if you want it to be a bit thicker (for instance, so that you can slice it), just add more gelatin, one teaspoon at a time. Unfortunately, you won't know the consistency of the mixture until it has set , so this involves a bit more trial-and-error than some other bath products . One common thing to do with bath jelly is to add a toy, or other small decorative item, to the gelatin before it sets, so that kids using the jelly will have an incentive to use it . It can work wonders for getting a hydrophobic child into the bathtub .

Bath Soaks
Bath soaks, also referred to as bath teas, are commonly mixtures of herbs, salts and minerals that provide a luxurious, relaxing experience in the tub. The ingredients are mixed together and contained in a sachet so that they don't float around in the bath water, and the therapeutic properties of the herbs and minerals are released into the bath water to provide relief for stress, aches and pains, and a variety of other conditions. Typically, the bags are reusable, and the herbal mixture is kept in a jar. After each use, the bag is emptied, and refilled before the next use. The bag can be hung from the faucet so that the hot water flows through it as the tub fills , or it can be steeped in a pot of hot water which is then poured into the bath water. Either way, the bag usually floats in the water during the bath. Here is a great starter recipe for an herbal milk bath soak , which you can customize with a variety of essential oils and dried herbs. 1 cups powdered milk cup Epsom salt 1/8 cup baking soda 2 tablespoons corn starch Combine all of the ingredients and pour them into a glass container. Use a sachet made of cheesecloth, organza or muslin, and use approximately to cup of the bath soak mixture for each bath.

Carrier Oils Used for Bath Products

As previously mentioned, adding oil to the bathwater is a great way to moisturize and nourish your skin, and it helps to provide a base for the essential oils so that they last longer, and don't dispel as quickly. As with any type of soap-making, the type of oil you choose will depend on what properties you want your bath oil to have; for instance, you wouldn't choose the same oil for dry or itchy skin that you might use for acne-prone skin. Test oils on a small area of skin before use to check for allergic reactions, and be sure to list the ingredients on the package so that anyone who buys or uses your bath oil will know if they are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients. Table 1 Carrier Oil Sweet Almond Oil Properties Viscosity Medium Recommended Skin Types All

Light, non-greasy, nourishing; blends well with all essential oils; popular as a massage oil; affordable, all-purpose carrier oil Aloe Vera Nourishing and healing; great Liquid for cuts, scrapes, and any other skin trauma; not an oil, but a liquid or gel pressed from the leaves of aloe vera plant; it is water based, not oil based, so an emulsifier must be used if you blend it with essential oils Apricot Kernel Soothing, light, smooth; similar Oil to sweet almond oil in consistency and properties Avocado Oil Light and soothing; rich in nutrients; great for nourishing dry, itchy, aging or damaged skin; helps to shield skin from sun damage; usually used with other oils because of its nutty

Thin

All, Dry, Damaged

Medium

All

Thick

All, Dry, Aging, Damaged

Borage Oil

Camellia Seed Oil

Castor Oil

Cocoa butter

Coconut Oil

Cranberry Seed Oil

Evening Primrose Oil Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Grapeseed Oil

fragrance and thick, almost waxy feel High content of fatty acids; great for treating eczema and other skin conditions; expensive, so usually used in conjunction with other oils Nourishes and moisturizes dry or damaged hair and skin; will help to minimize wrinkles and other signs of aging; helps nails grow; rich in antioxidants, essential and non-essential fatty acids Emollient, skin softener; helps heal skin trauma such as cuts and scrapes Solid at room temperature, but liquefies in hot water; smells a little like chocolate; often used as a powerful, nutrient-rich moisturizer for dry, chafed or calloused skin Solid at room temperature, but liquefies in hot water; odorless; soothing and moisturizing Has a balanced blend of fatty acids, rich in vitamins; can help with eczema, psoriasis, signs of aging and scarring High essential fatty acid content; can help with eczema and many other skin conditions Solid at room temperature, but liquefies in hot water; smells like coconut; non-greasy, softens skin Oil which has been processed and distilled; is avoided by some who choose to utilize only unadulterated oils, but affordable and has an indefinite shelf life Light, odorless, easily absorbed; slightly astringent, tightens and tones sagging

Thin to Medium

All, Dry, Damaged

Medium

All, Dry, Aging

Thin

All

Solid at room temperature

All, Dry

Solid at room temperature Medium

All

All

Thin Solid at room temperature

All, Damaged, Dry All

Thin

All

Thin

All, Aging, Acneprone

Hazelnut Oil

skin; doesn't aggravate acne; contains a lot of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid Light, toning, non-greasy

Thin Medium Medium

Hempseed Oil Rich, healing and moisturizing oil Jojoba Oil Actually a liquid wax; natural anti-inflammatory; great for moisturizing hair and skin; has properties similar to skin's natural sebum; good for oily or acne-prone skin; soothing, nongreasy, non-allergenic, noncomedogenic Kukui Nut Oil Penetrates the skin well; used in treating a variety of skin conditions; high in nutrients and fatty acids Macadamia Contains oleic acid; natural Nut Oil anti-inflammatory; sometimes leaves greasy feeling on skin Meadowfoam Rich in vitamin E and Oil antioxidants; good for treating signs of aging; nice all-purpose carrier oil Olive Oil May overpower other oils in a blend; leaves greasy feeling on skin; use only cold-pressed extra virgin oil Peanut Oil Should be avoided by anyone with an allergy to peanuts, for obvious reasons; leaves a heavy film on skin; good for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis Pecan Oil Should be used in small amounts, mixed with another oil, or may be overpowering Pomegranate Penetrates skin well; emollient; Seed Oil rich in antioxidants; antiinflammatory; good for dry or aging skin Rose Hip Oil Rich in essential fatty acids; excellent in treating many skin conditions; usually used in

Combination, Oily, Acne-prone Dry All, Oily, Acneprone

Thin

All, Damaged, Aging All

Thick

Medium

All, Aging

Thick

All

Thick

All

Medium

All

Medium

All, Aging, Dry

Thin

All, Aging, Dry, Damaged

small quantities, mixed with other oils, because of its price; good for treatment of scars, wrinkles and burns Seabuckthorn Usually used in very low Berry Oil dilutions (-1%); highly nutritive; often used to treat scarring and signs of aging, especially on the face Sesame Seed Sometimes overpowering, Oil should be blended with other oils; rich, skin-softening Sunflower Oil Affordable, all-purpose carrier oil; can be purchased in varieties with higher oleic acid content; light, smooth, nongreasy; has higher concentration of vitamin E than any other carrier oil; softening, moisturizing Tamanu Oil Light, non-greasy, smooth, easily absorbed; highly nutritive; used for treating scars, stretch marks, acne, and other skin conditions Vegetable Humectant; helps skin to Glycerin absorb moisture; water-based, so emulsifiers should be used if blending with other carrier or essential oils Watermelon Light, easily absorbed; good Seed Oil choice for oily skin; good allpurpose carrier oil

Medium

All, Aging, Damaged

Medium/Thick

All

Thin

All

Thin

All, Acne-prone, Damaged

Thick

All

Thin

All, Oily, Acneprone

Properties of Fatty Acids

As you can see, from the table above , many oils are praised for their fatty acid content . All oils contain fatty acids, but some have a higher concentration than others , and each type of fatty acid has certain properties. Below is a list of terms that you may see used to describe oils , or the fatty acids contained therein. Knowing what each term means can help you to determine which oils to use, based on the percentage of each type of fatty acid each one contains . Table 2 Type of Fatty Acid Lauric Properties Examples of oils containing it Makes rich lather; believed Coconut oil, palm kernel to have antimicrobial oil properties; may be useful for treating acne; antioxidant Skin-conditioning; antiGrapeseed oil, hemp oil inflammatory; good for treating acne; helps skin retain moisture Makes rich lather; Coconut oil, palm kernel sometimes suggested for oil, tallow the treatment of acne Skin-conditioning; helps to Hazelnut oil, olive oil, carry other nutrients into sweet almond oil cells for skin repair Makes stable lather; Palm oil, tallow, cocoa emollient, helps smooth butter skin's surface Castor oil Skin-conditioning; makes rich, stable lather; helps to soothe skin and create a protective barrier Makes stable lather; Cocoa butter, mango emollient, helps keep butter, shea butter other ingredients together

Linoleic

Myristic Oleic

Palmitic

Ricinoleic

Stearic

Scenting Your Bubble Bath

Essential oils are the most common way to scent bath products such as bubble bath and bath oil. They are easy to use, and you can create almost any scent with them. You can also purchase fragrance oils, which come in a wide variety of pre-mixed scents such as cupcake, pumpkin spice, and more. Many people start off with fragrance oils, because they are simpler to use and a little bit cheaper than essential oils; however, while there are many fragrance oil scents available , the quality which makes them convenient the fact that they are pre-mixed also makes them a little boring to more advanced users . Many people choose to use essential oils once they become familiar with the process of blending scents , so that they can make their own custom mixtures. There are also other reasons to use essential oils instead of fragrance oils . They are a little more expensive than fragrance oils, but it is worth the extra cost, as fragrance oils can sometimes have additives that may be irritating to your skin , or which may interfere with the bubble bath-making process and alter your results . Make sure you research the oils you intend to use thoroughly, as there are some precautions you will need to take, depending on which oils you choose to use; for example , some oils must be handled with caution because they will be irritating if splashed undiluted on skin, some are dangerous if you get them in your eyes or mouth , some should never be used by pregnant women, etc. Choose your oils based on the properties you want to impart to your bubble bath, and if your first choice is a hazardous oil, find a safer alternative, or just be very careful using it. (Also, be sure to list which essential oils you used on packaging, so that anyone who uses your product will know if there is anything in it that might be hazardous, or cause an allergic reaction.)

Essential oils are divided, by scent, into three categories: top note, middle note, and base note. The top note is usually the first one that you'll notice , at first whiff, and it tends to disperse rather quickly. The middle note provides most of the scent's character; the base note is the strongest, but usually the last to be noticed, and sticks around after the other two have faded. A general guideline is to use 3 parts top note , 2 parts middle note, and 1 part base note in each batch of bubble bath. The exact amount of oil used will vary based on the size of your batch, as well as your individual preferences; however, a good guideline to follow is 15-20 ml of the top note oil, 5-10 ml of the middle note, and 2.5-5 ml of the base note, per 700 ml batch of bubble bath. You can find a variety of charts that will tell you whether a scent is a top , middle or base note, and they will usually tell you how much to use, and sometimes, which scents will work best together. Your personal taste may differ from what is listed in the charts , however, and you shouldn't feel like you have to follow them to the letter. The best way to test a scent that you think youd like is to gather the essential oils , and test them in a jar, or other container. Dip one end of a clean cotton swab in each jar of oil (be sure to use a different swab for each oil), and put the swabs into a glass jar together. Cover the jar, and check it at regular intervals after a few minutes , a few hours, and 24 hours. Be sure to take notes on what you notice which scent dissipated first , whether one scent overpowered another, et cetera. This test will help you decide whether the scents work well together, but also how much of each scent you should use for a consistent fragrance . If you discover a scent combination you like, make sure you write it down, and include your notes and measurements. The swab test will give you an idea of whether you like the scents , and how they blend together. However, to really get a feel for how the scents will interact when the proper amounts of all three are included, you would have to blend them in the correct proportions . Mix the three oils in the correct ratio, but use very small amounts; for example, your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil A, 1 tablespoons of oil B, and 3 tablespoons of oil C. Find the lowest common denominator, and use drops instead of tablespoons or ounces . For this test, you would use 2 drops of oil A, 3 drops of oil B, and 6 drops of oil C. (As with the swab test, be sure to use a different pipette for each oil .) Using very small amounts

will waste as little as possible, in case you decide that you dont like the proportional blend . The largest amount of any oil you should be using during the test phase is 25 drops . This will minimize the amount of oil you waste if you don't like the scent combination . Blend the small amounts of oil together in a glass jar, and check it at the same intervals as the swab test. After 24 hours, the oil blend should smell about the same as it will in your bubble bath. If you are testing more than one scent combination , it may help to have some coffee grounds handy sniffing the coffee grounds will cleanse your scent receptors in between each test, so you will get a more accurate idea of each scent . All three notes should be used to create a well -rounded batch of bubble bath, but you generally won't want to use more than three scents; using too many will result in a fragrance that is overwhelming, and you won't be able to appreciate each scent as much . It can also be difficult to find more than three fragrances that work well mixed together. If you find that the scent is dispersing too quickly, adding a fixative, such as orris root, will help your bubble bath retain the scent of the oils; use about teaspoon of fixative per 700ml batch of product. Make sure that you keep notes on what you're doing , so that you can remember what you did later. If you find the perfect blend, you'll want to be able to recreate it, and it's easy to lose track of what you've done when you get really into the mixing process . Also note the manufacturer of each oil you use, and what type of scent it is absolute, distillation, solvent extraction, et cetera so that you will be able to come as close as possible to the original scent. The type of oil, the manufacturer, and even the batch can make a significant difference in the quality of the scent.

Essential Oils and Their Uses in Aromatherapy

Many of the warnings in the following section do not necessarily apply to using the essential oil in the bath , as they will be significantly diluted and are really only used for their scent. However, one can never be too careful, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Even though many of the counter-indications are for internal use, it is still good to observe these warnings when using the oil in a bath, as some quantity of the oil is typically absorbed through the skin with the water. Never use any oil undiluted on the skin, as even the most beneficial essential oils are so concentrated that they can cause irritation, or more severe problems. Perform a skin patch test to check for allergy or contact dermatitis before using in a bath . Baths can have medicinal properties as well . Oils that are listed as being good for arthritis, rheumatism and other joint and muscle conditions are helpful when absorbed through the skin in a bath. Oils like eucalyptus and basil that are good for combating congestion are very helpful when inhaled in the bath's steam , and the steam itself is good for clearing blocked respiratory passages, breaking up congestion and soothing coughs . As always, be sure that the oil is safe for use on skin , and not just for inhalation, before using it in bath water. Some oils are phototoxic, meaning that they should not be used on areas of the body that will be exposed to sunlight within the next 24 hours . Phototoxic essential oils include lime, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and many others. It is up to you whether to use phototoxic oils in your bath, as using them in the extremely low concentrations used for aromatherapy will most likely not cause a problem, but again, it is better to err on the side of caution . When creating your own essential oil blends, it's important to think about what you want to achieve with the blend. Are you looking for something that will energize and invigorate you in the mornings? Or something that will relax and soothe you after a long day? Or something that will help put you to sleep right before bed? The purpose of the blend you make will determine what you put into it. The following table lists some of the essential oils most commonly utilized in soap and bubble bath, along with their chief properties, their perfumery note, and any known warnings. The list of properties is not necessarily exhaustive , and neither are the warnings listed for each oil; as with anything else, do an allergy test, and conduct some research before using any of these oils.

Table 2 Essential Oil Allspice Properties Spicy, clove-like scent; good for arthritis, stiffness, rheumatism, nausea, depression, cramps. Sweet, similar to anise; used to treat colds, bronchitis, chest congestion, insect repellant, rheumatism Sweet, herbaceous; relaxing, soothing, also good for insomnia, wounds, and arthritis Spicy and earthy; good for scabies, stress, lice Perfumery Note Middle Warnings Shouldn't come into contact with mucous membranes; use caution if you have liver problems or hemophilia Avoid use when pregnant, or if you have liver problems

Basil

Top

Chamomile

Middle

Can be irritating to those with a sensitivity to it

Cinnamon

Middle

Citronella

Citrusy; used for insect repellant, oily skin, fatigue

Top

Can irritate sensitive skin or mucous membranes; use only the oil from the leaves, as that from the bark is too strong Avoid use during pregnancy; can be irritating to sensitive skin No known counterindications (should not be confused with common or dalmatian sage, which have high thujone content and are irritants) Can irritate skin and mucous membranes; avoid

Clary Sage

Herbaceous and Middle earthy; used to treat asthma, exhaustion, coughing, stress, sore throat

Clove bud

Spicy, earthy and warm; good for

Middle

arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, strains, sprains

Coffee

Strong and rich

Base

Eucalyptus

Frankincense

Geranium

Jasmine

Juniper Berry

Lavender

Fresh, woody, earthy; used to treat arthritis, cold sores, fever, sinusitis, poor circulation, coughing Woody, earthy; good for anxiety, asthma, coughs, scars, stretch marks Floral, and a bit fruity; used to treat lice, acne, oily skin, cellulite, dull skin Heady and floral; good for dry skin, depression, exhaustion, sensitive skin Woody and earthy; used to treat cold and flu, acne, cellulite, obesity, removal of toxins, rheumatism, gout Floral and sweet; good for acne, chicken pox, allergies, cuts, anxiety, sprains, depression, athlete's foot,

Top

with alcoholism, liver problems, hemophilia, prostate cancer, kidney problems and anticoagulant medications Little information available. Test before use, and use with caution. Toxic when taken orally; no counterindications for use on skin

Base

No known counterindications

Middle

Avoid during pregnancy; may irritate very sensitive skin No known counterindications

Middle

Middle

Avoid with pregnancy or kidney problems

Top/Middle

No known counterindications

Lemon balm

Lemongrass

Mandarin

Marjoram

Myrrh

stretch marks, dermatitis, stress, scars, insect bites, sores, itching, rheumatism, oily skin, migraines, scabies Citrusy; used to treat anxiety, depression, migraines, hypertension, menstrual cramps, asthma, bronchitis, as an insect repellant, eczema Citrusy and grassy; good for treating acne, oily skin, excessive perspiration, athlete's foot, stress, as an insect repellant, muscle aches, scabies Sweet and citrusy; used to treat stress, acne, oily skin, spots, dull skin, scars, wrinkles Woody and camphorous; good for hypertension, aching muscles, rheumatism, bronchitis, muscle cramps, sprains, stress Woody and earthy; used to treat athlete's foot, ringworm, chapped skin, bronchitis, itching

Top/Middle

Can cause irritation, so use in extremely small quantities

Top

Avoid in glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia, very sensitive or damaged skin. Should not be used by children

Top

No known counterindications

Middle

Avoid during pregnancy

Base

Avoid during pregnancy; may be toxic in high concentrations, or if taken internally

Myrtle

Neroli

Nutmeg

Oregano Patchouli

Peppermint

Camphorous and floral; good for coughs, sore throat, asthma Sweet, floral, fruity; used to treat depression, stretch marks, frigidity, scars, insomnia, shock, wrinkles Sweet and spicy; good for arthritis, fatigue, poor circulation, muscle aches, rheumatism Sharp and herbaceous; good for coughs Rich, dark and earthy; used to treat acne, chapped skin, fatigue, eczema, athlete's foot, dermatitis, oily skin, stress, and as an insect repellant Minty and fragrant; good for scabies, asthma, exhaustion, headache, vertigo, sinusitis Floral and sweet; used to treat eczema, depression, stress, frigidity, wrinkles Fresh and herbaceous; good for dandruff, aching muscles, dull skin, exhaustion, arthritis, muscle cramps, poor

Top/Middle

No known counterindications No known counterindications; citrusy without being phototoxic

Middle

Middle

Possibly toxic when taken orally or in large amounts

Middle Base

Can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes No known counterindications

Top

Rose

Middle

Can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes; possible neurotoxin; avoid in cardiac fibrillation, fever or epilepsy No known counterindications

Rosemary

Middle

Avoid in pregnancy, epilepsy, and fever; possible neurotoxin

Rosewood

Sandalwood

Spearmint

Spikenard

Tea tree

Vanilla Absolute

circulation, neuralgia, rheumatism Woody, fruity and floral; used to treat colds and flu, acne, dry skin, stretch marks, stress, dull skin, fever, oily skin, frigidity, scars, sensitive skin Rich, woody and sweet; good for chapped skin, bronchitis, dry skin, laryngitis, scars, oily skin, stretch marks, depression, sensitive skin Minty, not as overpowering as peppermint; used for treating scabies, nausea, vertigo, headache, asthma, exhaustion Earthy, musty; good for rashes and wrinkles Medicinal, woody, earthy; used to treat candida, acne, chicken pox, athlete's foot, cuts, insect bites, flu, corns, ringworm, oily skin, itchy skin, migraines, sinusitis, urethritis, warts, sores, spots Warm and sweet; good for enhancing and sweetening other scents

Middle

No known counterindications

Base

No known counterindications

Top

Can irritate mucous membranes

Base

No known counterindications No known counterindications. May cause sensitivity in some

Middle

Base

No known counterindications

Violet Leaf Absolute

Green and floral; used to treat headaches, rheumatism, poor circulation, stress, bronchitis, sore throat

Middle

No known counterindications

Coloring Your Bubble Bath

Adding colors to your bubble bath is a great way to customize it and make it something really special. It is important to use appropriate colorants, because some might have an adverse effect; an allergic reaction, changes to the chemistry of the bubble bath, or temporary dyeing of the skin and tub are some common but avoidable side effects, if colorants are used properly. Some soap-makers and bubble bathmakers advocate the use of food coloring in small quantities to color their products, but it tints the water and can dye skin and tub, and so should be avoided in soap or bubble bath. Obviously, colorants that are marketed specifically for use in soap are the best ones to use for this purpose . Natural colorants are usually the best option for coloring beauty products , as they are generally considered safer and more environmentally-friendly than man-made colorants . Unfortunately, the reality is that almost all colorants, including natural ones, endure some sort of processing; to be sure that the compound you're using is truly natural , you'll need to purchase it in the purest available form, and do a little research to find out how it was harvested, processed, and packaged. While many people choose to use natural colorants because they are eco -friendly and often better for your skin, there are some drawbacks; synthetic colorants are usually cheaper, and much easier to find than natural colorants; they are also available in some colors that do not occur naturally. It is important to always research the colorants you plan to use , to ensure that they will work well with your formula, and that they won't have any undesirable effects. Your best bet is to test them in a small batch before you plan to use them, so that you can see exactly how they will react with your bubble bath without ruining a large batch. This will also help you determine how much colorant to add to achieve the desired hue for your bubble bath. Coloring solid bath products is a little different , because of the texture of the mixture. To color solid bubble bars, add the colorant when the mixture is still in the doughy phase, before packing it into the pan.

For bath salts, you can add the colorant directly to the salts, or you can add it to the additives (dendritic salt or Natrasorb), if you are using them, before mixing them with the salts. If the natural colorants dont work for you, or are too expensive or unpredictable, there are a variety of synthetic colorants that can be used. Pigments, micas, and FD&C colorants are some of these. Pigments are colorants that were originally mined, but now, due to FDA regulations, are manufactured in laboratories. Many natural oxides contain toxic materials, so the FDA chose to approve only synthetic colorants for use in bubble baths and cosmetics . The synthetically made pigments have the same molecular structure as the natural ones, but they have a low enough concentration of toxic metals that they are considered safe by the FDA. Pigments tend to be pretty stable, and the color that they will impart to your bubble bath is pretty predictable. The liquids are extremely easy to use, but the powders must be mixed with liquid before they are added to the bubble bath or they may clump . The easiest way to liquefy the colorant powder is to put a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol into a bowl teaspoon is probably enough and then add some powder. Mix until all of the powder has dissolved in the alcohol. Mix the solution into the bubble bath, a little at a time, until you reach the desired hue. Another method of mixing the powdered colorant is to combine it with liquid glycerin , in a ratio of 2 parts glycerin to 1 part colorant powder. (The advantage of the liquid colorants is that this process is unnecessary; the colorant can be added , one drop at a time, until the bubble bath has achieved the desired hue .) FD&C colorants are also manufactured in a laboratory. By way of comparison , they are easier to use than many pigments, and provide a much wider range of colors.

There is some debate over the safety of FD&C colorants , because in the past, the FDA has recalled some of these colorants due to safety concerns . However, this fear is, most likely, unfounded. FD&C colorants are in almost all of the processed foods we eat, so the miniscule amount that is in bubble bath is not really cause for concern. FD&C colorants are inexpensive, and very easy to use . Micas are a combination of natural and synthetic materials . The micas themselves are natural material; after they are mined, they are then coated with FD&C colorants, or pigments, to provide them with color. Shimmery micas are normally used to give color to makeup, but can be used for bubble bath and bubble bath as well . Because of their metallic sheen, micas can only display their color by reflecting light; therefore, they work best in translucent bubble bath . They blend very smoothly, but a larger amount is required than if you were using other colorants . Because some of them are coated with FD&C colorants, they should be tested before use . When the colorant you used transfers unintentionally, and alters the look of the intended design in a solid product , this is referred to as bleeding, or color migration. This usually occurs in melt-and-pour bubble baths , because water is mixed with the bubble bath base to melt it, and many colorants are water-soluble. Therefore, if you want to make a solid bubble bar or other product that , instead of being a solid color, has a pattern or design, your best bet is to use colorants that are oilsoluble; another option is to use colorants that arent soluble , and color the bubble bath via dispersion (meaning that the particles are suspended throughout the bubble bath , like glitter, instead of being dissolved in it). Oxides and most micas will color solid bubble bath without bleeding. Table 3 Colorant Alfalfa Alkanet Annatto Seed Beet Root Calendula Petals Carrots Chamomile Chlorophyll Cinnamon Cloves Cochineal Powder Cocoa Powder

Resultant Color Medium green Deep purple to blue Yellow-orange Pink to red Yellow Yellow-orange Yellow-beige Green Tan to brown Brown Deep red Brown

Coffee Comfrey Root Cucumber Curry Powder Elderberries Henna Indigo Root Jojoba Beads Kaolin Clay Kelp Madder Root Milk Moroccan Red Clay Paprika Poppy Seeds Pumice Pumpkin Rattanjot Rose Hip Seeds Rose Pink Clay Safflower Petals Saffron Sage Spinach Spirulina Titanium Dioxide Turmeric

Brown to black Light, milky brown Bright green Yellow Light brown Olive green to brown Deep blue Many colors White Green Red to purple Tan to brown Brick red Peach to salmon Blue-grey Grey Deep orange Deep red to purple Tan to brown Brick red Yellow to deep orange Yellow Green Light green Blue-green Bright white Gold to amber

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate vs. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

There are two additives which are sometimes used to create a longer -lasting, more voluminous foam for bubble bath. One of them, sodium laureth sulfate (or SLS), is found in many commercially-made soaps and shampoos. It is an effective and inexpensive surfactant, binding to dirt and oil and allowing it to be rinsed away, but it is also very harsh; it is even sometimes used in household cleansers and degreasers. It is great at removing grease, but it also strips away the skin's natural moisture. The dangers of it may be exaggerated some groups claim it is a carcinogen , and causes glaucoma or cataracts however, most people are in agreement that , at the very least, it can leave your skin dry and irritated, leaving many soap-makers searching for an alternative. Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, on the other hand, is a naturally-derived foaming agent , made from palm and coconut oils. It has been proven safe and effective by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel for use in cosmetics , can be used on both skin and hair, and is also an effective surfactant. SLSA creates a rich lather to strip away surface dirt and oils , without removing skin's natural moisture and leaving it dry and irritated . It is hydrophilic (attracted to water) so it is easy to rinse away, and doesn't leave a filmy residue behind like some other surfactants do . On a molecular scale, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is comprised of much larger molecules than sodium lauryl sulfate, which means that it rests on skin's surface, and cleans gently. The molecules in sodium lauryl sulfate are significantly smaller, meaning that they can penetrate the skin, therefore causing more irritation. As a result, most bubble bath-makers and soapmakers opt for sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, to ensure that their product is as mild, natural and gentle as possible, while still being effective.

Liquid Bubble Bath Recipes

Basic Bubble Bath

This is the base formula for simple, unadulterated bubble bath. Purists will enjoy this formula, and if you choose to customize it, you can do so with scents, skinconditioning oils, or colorants. 1 quart (4 cups) distilled water 1 (4oz) bar castille bubble bath (grated or flaked) 3 ounces liquid glycerin Melt the bubble bath in a double-boiler, crock pot or microwave. Mix the bubble bath, water and glycerin together. Pour into bottles or other storage containers .

Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath

Patchouli and lavender are known to be soothing and relaxing . Use this bubble bath before bed to help you get a good night's rest . 6 drops of lavender oil 3 drops of patchouli oil 1 quart of distilled water 1 4-oz. bar of Castile bubble bath 4 oz. liquid glycerin Melt the Castile bubble bath, if necessary, or just use an equivalent quantity of liquid Castile bubble bath. Mix the Castile bubble bath with the water and glycerin , then add the essential oils. Pour into bottles or other storage containers .

Cold Season Bubble Bath

Eucalyptus helps to break up chest congestion and ease coughing , while spearmint and peppermint are uplifting and rejuvenating . 6 drops of eucalyptus oil 3 drops of spearmint oil 3 drops of peppermint oil 1 quart of distilled water 1 4-oz. bar of Castile bubble bath

4 ounces liquid glycerin Melt the Castile bubble bath, if necessary, or just use an equivalent quantity of liquid Castile bubble bath. Mix the Castile bubble bath with the water and glycerin , then add the essential oils. Pour into bottles or other storage containers .

Pure Sunshine Bubble Bath

Citrus scents are energizing and rejuvenating , perfect for morning baths or when you're feeling down or tired. 6 drops of orange oil 4 drops of grapefruit oil 3 drops of lemon oil 1 quart of distilled water 1 4-oz. bar of Castile bubble bath 4 ounces liquid glycerin Melt the Castile bubble bath, if necessary, or just use an equivalent quantity of liquid Castile bubble bath. Mix the Castile bubble bath with the water and glycerin , then add the essential oils. Pour into bottles or other storage containers .

Love Potion Bubble Bath

Jasmine, rose, vanilla and ylang ylang are all sensuous oils which will help to put you (and your partner) into a romantic mood. 6 drops jasmine oil 3 drops rose oil 3 drops vanilla oil 6 drops ylang ylang oil 1 quart of distilled water 1 4-oz. bar of Castile bubble bath 4 ounces liquid glycerin Melt the Castile bubble bath, if necessary, or just use an equivalent quantity of liquid Castile bubble bath. Mix the Castile bubble bath with the water and glycerin, then add the essential oils. Pour into bottles or other storage containers .

Honey Almond Bubble Bath

This gentle bubble bath has a warm , relaxing scent which can be further enhanced with vanilla, if so desired. Honey is known to moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy feeling . cup honey cup liquid Castile bubble bath base 1 tablespoon almond extract 1 tablespoon liquid glycerin

Melt the Castile bubble bath, if necessary, or just use an equivalent quantity of liquid Castile bubble bath. Mix the Castile bubble bath with the water and glycerin, then add the essential oils. Pour into bottles or other storage containers .

Oatmeal Bubble Bath

Oatmeal is known to be soothing for dry or irritated skin , and is often incorporated into baths for these properties. Milk helps keep skin clear, bright and healthy. 1 cup powdered milk/powdered buttermilk cup oatmeal 1 cup baking soda 4 tablespoons corn starch 2 tablespoons cream of tartar cup Castile soap Use a food processor or cheese grater to chop the soap into tiny pieces . Add the other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Continue to process the mixture until it's grainy and wellblended. Store in a glass jar with a tight lid, and keep in a cool, dry place . Use approximately cup of the mixture for each bath .

Lavender Milk Bath

This bubble bath combines the soothing scent of lavender, the moisturizing power of glycerin, and the healthy skin benefits of milk. 1 cup powdered milk/powdered buttermilk 1 4-oz. bar of Castile bubble bath 3 drops lavender essential oil 1 tablespoon liquid glycerin Melt the Castile bubble bath, if necessary, or just use an equivalent quantity of liquid Castile bubble bath . Mix the Castile bubble bath with the water and glycerin, then add the essential oils. Pour into bottles or other storage containers .

Bath Oil Recipes

Passionate Bath Oil
This bath oil contains a variety of romantic and passionate fragrances in an oil blend that will soften and moisturize your skin. 2 ounces of carrier oil (your choice pick an oil that will go well with your skin type) 10 drops sandalwood essential oil 5 drops patchouli essential oil 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil Coloring Blend the oils together and store in a glass jar or bottle . Add about ounce of the oil to bath water for each use.

Arthritis Relief Bath Oil

The blend of essential oils in this recipe can provide relief from the aches and pains of arthritis sufferers. 2 ounces of carrier oil of your choice 5 drops white birch essential oil 5 drops ginger essential oil 5 drops juniper essential oil 5 drops marjoram essential oil 5 drops rosemary essential oil Coloring Blend the oils together and store in a glass jar or bottle . Add about ounce of the oil to bath water for each use.

Cold and Flu Bath Oil

The essential oils in this recipe will help to alleviate aches and pains , while the steam helps to relieve respiratory and nasal congestion. 2 ounces of carrier oil of your choice 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops marjoram essential oil 5 drops ravensara essential oil Coloring Blend the oils together and store in a glass jar or bottle . Add about ounce of the oil to bath water for each use.

Headache Relief Bath Oil

This blend of scents will leave you feeling energized , and helps to relieve the pain of a headache. 2 ounces of carrier oil 10 drops peppermint essential oil 10 drops lavender essential oil Coloring Blend the oils together and store in a glass jar or bottle . Add about ounce of the oil to bath water for each use.

Herbal Bath Oil

This oil can be made with a variety of dried herbs . Choose which herbs you want to use based on the scent and therapeutic properties you want your bath oil to have . 2 ounces of carrier oil Handful of dried herbs Pour the carrier oil and the herbs into a jar. Close the lid tightly and leave the herbs to steep in the oil for approximately 24 hours. Strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth or another straining cloth; you may want to strain twice, as any bits of herb left in the oil can cause the oil to go rancid sooner. Store the strained oil in another jar. Add about ounce of the oil to bath water for each use. If simply steeping the herbs at room temperature doesn't result in a strong enough bath oil , you can also try using a crock pot to gently heat the oil as the herbs steep in it . Add the herbs and oil to the crock pot, and turn it on the lowest heat setting . Let it heat for approximately 2 hours it's very important to remember to stir the mixture every 15-20 minutes . Strain the oil, and store it in a glass jar.

Bath Bomb Recipes

Moisture-Rich Bath Bombs
These fun and fizzy bath bombs are great for those who have sensitive or dry skin . 1 cup baking soda cup corn starch cup Epsom salt cup citric acid 2 tablespoons almond oil tablespoon water teaspoon borax 1 teaspoon fragrance or essential oil Witch hazel (in a spray bottle) Colorant Mix the dry ingredients and blend them extremely well. In a separate bowl, mix all of the wet ingredients together; combine the two, and whisk, or blend with a hand mixer. (Be sure to keep the mixture moving and keep stirring it so that it doesn't clump, or start to fizz on you .) Pack the mixture into the molds, and let them sit for a few minutes . Pop them out onto wax paper, mist them with witch hazel to form a hard shell, and let them dry overnight .

Custom Aromatherapy Bath Bombs

These bath bombs allow you to combine all the fun of a bath bomb with the benefits of aromatherapy. Adjust the recipe to include whatever oil blends you desire depending on what qualities you want your bath bombs to have . 1 cup baking soda cup citric acid

 teaspoon powdered herbs (optional) 1/8 teaspoon colorant (preferably pearlescent mica) 15 drops essential oil blend of your choice - carrier oil Spray bottle of water Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl . (You may want to use a sifter to prevent clumping.) Mix thoroughly. Add essential oil one drop at a time while mixing it is normal for the mixture to fizz a little as you add the oil . Add the carrier oil very slowly, still continuously mixing. Add the water, one spray at a time, until the mixture has achieved the proper consistency to form the bath bombs. Pack the mixture into the molds, and let them sit for a few minutes. Pop them out onto wax paper, mist them with witch hazel to form a hard shell, and let them dry overnight.

Clarity Bath Bombs

These bombs will help clear up troubled skin , in addition to leaving you feeling rejuvenated and invigorated. 1 cup baking soda cup citric acid cup corn starch 1/3 cup Epsom salt 2 tablespoons light oil tablespoon water 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops marjoram essential oil 5 drops ravensara essential oil teaspoon borax Coloring Spray bottle of water Combine the baking soda, citric acid and corn starch, sifting them into one another until they are well-blended and smooth. Add the Epsom salt (or sea salt, if you prefer) to the dry mixture after the sifting; the salt will add to the fizzing action, decrease the drying time of your bath bombs, and make their hard outer shell shiny. Measure all of the wet ingredients and the borax, and combine them. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring constantly so that it won't start to fizz. At this point, the mixture should have a doughy texture, and hold its shape when you compress it; if it's still too dry, spray it with some water, mix it more, and try again. Fill your molds with the mixture, and let them set for approximately one hour; remove them from the molds, and let them dry for about a week, at which point they can be packaged or used.

Cold and Flu Relief Bath Bombs

These bombs provide welcome relief from the symptoms of the common cold or flu , in addition to fun fizzing action. Great for when your little one is sick. 1 cup baking soda cup citric acid cup corn starch 1/3 cup Epsom salt 2 tablespoons light oil tablespoon water 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops marjoram essential oil 5 drops ravensara essential oil teaspoon borax Coloring Spray bottle of water Combine the baking soda, citric acid and corn starch, sifting them into one another until they are well-blended and smooth. Add the Epsom salt (or sea salt, if you prefer) to the dry mixture after the sifting; the salt will add to the fizzing action, decrease the drying time of your bath bombs, and make their hard outer shell shiny. Measure all of the wet ingredients and the borax, and combine them. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring constantly so that it won't start to fizz. At this point, the mixture should have a doughy texture, and hold its shape when you compress it; if it's still too dry, spray it with some water, mix it more, and try again. Fill your molds with the mixture, and let them set for approximately one hour; remove them from the molds, and let them dry for about a week, at which point they can be packaged or used.

Goat's Milk Bath Bombs

All the fun of a bath bomb, with the moisturizing and skin-conditioning power of goat's milk . 1 cup baking soda cup citric acid cup corn starch cup powdered goat's milk (or any other powdered milk variety) 1/3 cup Epsom salt 2 tablespoons light oil tablespoon water 2 tablespoons dried lavender, or any other dried herb (optional) 5 drops essential oil (optional) teaspoon borax Coloring Spray bottle of water

Combine the baking soda, citric acid, goat's milk and corn starch, sifting them into one another until they are well-blended and smooth . Add the Epsom salt (or sea salt, if you prefer) to the dry mixture after the sifting; the salt will add to the fizzing action, decrease the drying time of your bath bombs, and make their hard outer shell shiny. Measure all of the wet ingredients and the borax, and combine them . Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring constantly so that it won't start to fizz. At this point, the mixture should have a doughy texture, and hold its shape when you compress it; if it's still too dry, spray it with some water, mix it more, and try again. Fill your molds with the mixture, and let them set for approximately one hour; remove them from the molds, and let them dry for about a week, at which point they can be packaged or used.

Bubble Bar Recipe

SLSA Bubble Bar Recipe
Most bubble bar recipes include sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA) as a substitute for Castile soap, as it tends to make a more voluminous and stable lather. These bubble bars are great for those who are looking for a recipe that mimics the high -end bubble bars available from companies like Lush . You may want to also include cream of tartar, as the bars come out a bit softer and easier to crumble with it . There are many variations on this recipe, and as always, customize the colors and scents to your own taste. 1 cup baking soda 1 cup SLSA (sodium lauryl sulfoacetate) cup white kaolin clay cup corn starch Colorant (if desired) cup liquid glycerin Fragrance/essential oil (if desired) Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well -blended. Combine all of the liquid ingredients in a separate bowl , then add them to the dry ingredients , stirring constantly. The mixture should be the consistency of play dough; if it is too dry, add more liquid very slowly, until it reaches the right consistency. Let them dry for about a day, then store them in an airtight container. Use one bar per bath; for best results , crumble the bar under the running water while the tub is filling up .

Bath Salt Recipes

Basil and Lime Bath Salts
Lime and basil are a refreshing and invigorating scent combination when added to these beneficial bath salts. 5 cups Epsom salt, sea salt, or a combination of the two 1 teaspoon of baking powder 2 teaspoons of sweet almond oil 5 drops lime essential oil 4 drops basil essential oil Green and yellow colorant Mix the salt and baking powder in a large bowl . Mix all of the liquids in a separate bowl , and then add them to the salts slowly, stirring constantly. Store the salts in decorative glass jars with tight lids.

Relaxing Bath Salts

The combination of scents in these bath salts will leave you revitalized and stress -free. 5 cups Epsom salt, sea salt, or a combination of the two 6 drops lavender essential oil 6 drops geranium essential oil 6 drops rose essential oil 2 drops rosewood essential oil Colorant (if desired) Mix the salt and baking powder in a large bowl . Mix all of the liquids in a separate bowl , and then add them to the salts slowly, stirring constantly. Store the salts in decorative glass jars with tight lids.

Earth Energy Bath Salts

These bath salts have a grounding, earthy fragrance that will make you feel strong and refreshed. 5 cups Epsom salt, sea salt, or a combination of the two

14 drops patchouli essential oil 6 drops sandalwood essential oil 4 drops cedar essential oil Colorant (if desired) Mix the salt and baking powder in a large bowl . Mix all of the liquids in a separate bowl , and then add them to the salts slowly, stirring constantly. Store the salts in decorative glass jars with tight lids.

Warming Bath Salts

The scents incorporated into these bath salts will leave your skin glowing . 5 cups Epsom salt, sea salt, or a combination of the two 6 drops tangerine essential oil 4 drops ginger essential oil 4 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil 6 drops clove bud essential oil 2 drops lavender essential oil Colorant (if desired) Mix the salt and baking powder in a large bowl . Mix all of the liquids in a separate bowl , and then add them to the salts slowly, stirring constantly. Store the salts in decorative glass jars with tight lids.

Bath Soak Recipes

Deodorizing Bath Soak
The combination of herbs in this bath soak helps to absorb unpleasant odors, making it great as a deodorizing sachet as well as a bath soak. 2 tablespoons dried thyme 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds 2 tablespoons dried rosemary Cloth bag, with ribbon or lace to tie closed Combine all of the herbs and mix them well . Store the herbs in an airtight glass jar. This recipe is enough to make one bath soak, but if you choose to, you can make more and just use one handful for each bath.

Stress Relief Bath Soak

This soak will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed . cup dried lemon balm cup dried German chamomile blossoms Cloth bag, with ribbon or lace to tie closed Combine all of the herbs and mix them well . Store the herbs in an airtight glass jar. This recipe is enough to make one bath soak, but if you choose to, you can make more and just use one handful for each bath.

Bath Soak for Troubled Skin

This soak helps to relieve symptoms of acne, eczema and a variety of other skin conditions . 2 tablespoons dried thyme 2 tablespoons dried calendula blossoms Cloth bag, with ribbon or lace to tie closed Combine all of the herbs and mix them well . Store the herbs in an airtight glass jar. This recipe is enough to make one bath soak, but if you choose to, you can make more and just use one handful for each bath.

Selling Your Bubble Bath

Many amateurs begin making bubble bath simply because it is a fun and rewarding hobby. Others, however, hope to turn their hobby into a source of income. For stay-at-home moms, those who are unemployed or cannot work , or even for those who want a part-time income , bubble bathmaking can be a great idea. With a few hours work , you can turn a minimal investment in equipment and ingredients into a product that is potentially worth a great deal of money. It is possible to turn a profit selling bubble bath, but it is not as simple as making the bubble bath and exchanging it for money. There are lots of factors to take into account, if you want your bubble bath to stand out against the competition, and actually turn a profit . One of the benefits of starting a bubble bath -making business is that, unlike a lot of other entrepreneurial ventures, the startup costs are quite low. The basic ingredients lye, water, and fats are cheap, and so is most of the equipment . In fact, most of the equipment is stuff that you probably already have in your home . So, you can make a good (if plain) bar of bubble bath for a very low price . The expensive part is the additives essential oils, herbs, et cetera. If you want to turn a profit on your bubble bath , you are going to have to shop carefully, and try to obtain the highest-quality ingredients for the lowest possible price . Otherwise, the price of your bubble bath will be too high, and people will be unlikely to buy it . One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to sell your bubble bath is at craft fairs, flea markets, farmers markets, or other festivals. Tables at these types of events are generally fairly cheap, and people go there expecting to spend money. Therefore, if your bubble bath isnt ludicrously over-priced , odds are pretty good that someone will consider it a low-cost luxury; people like things that are hand-made , it is a nice alternative to mass-produced bubble baths, and they make very nice, but cost-effective, gifts. If you dont have the time to go to craft fairs to sell your product , and cant find anyone to go in your stead, there are other options to sell your bubble bath . You can try selling your bubble bath online, through stores like eBay or Amazon . These retailers will take a cut of your profits, though, and you are competing with all of the other people who are trying to do

the same thing you are, which will drive down your prices . If you want to sell your bubble bath without anyone taking a percentage of the sale price, you can try creating your own web store . The disadvantage of doing it this way is that you will not generate a fraction of the traffic that huge websites like eBay get every day. Also, if you want to use search engines like Bing or Google to bring traffic to your site , you will need to place bids with them , in order to have your business appear as a featured result, or near the top of the list. You can sell it wholesale to retailers , but you will probably get less profit , since you will be selling it to them for a much lower price than what they will charge the public . Another option is consignment shops, which operate on a similar, but slightly different, principle; when selling your bubble bath to a retailer, they pay you the wholesale price upfront , then attempt to sell your product. If the product doesnt sell , they lose the money, not you but, they probably wont buy from you again. Consignment shops, on the other hand, pay you as your product sells; they take a percentage of the sale price , but it is not as high as the chunk that larger retailers will take. The disadvantage of selling in a consignment shop is that , if the bubble bath doesnt sell, you and the shop lose money. Also, there is typically a limited amount of time that a consignment shop will keep your merchandise on its shelves .

Packaging Your Bubble Bath

There are a variety of fun and attractive ways to package your finished bubble bath . If it's in liquid form, you can find a variety of plastic or glass jars at thrift stores , or online bulk container providers; if you plan to make a large quantity of bubble bath , for example to sell, the latter would be a much cheaper alternative . Once you have decided on what containers you will use , you can decorate them in any number of ways. Consider putting aquarium glass marbles in the bottom , adding watersoluble glitter to the bubble bath, or decorating the jar itself with ribbon or raffia . Once your bubble bath is completed, youll want to package it to reflect the care, effort and pride that you put into your product. Hand-made bubble bath is more expensive than massproduced brands, and with good reason; the ingredients are of a higher quality, the results are superior, and it takes longer to make. However, to compete with the mass-produced bubble baths, your packaging needs to reflect all of the reasons that spending the extra money on your bubble bath is worthwhile to the buyer. With each bubble bath , youll want to include a tag with your companys logo , name and contact information (or just your own) , as well as a detailed list of ingredients in the bubble bath, the properties of the herbs or oils contained within it , et cetera. You want to convince the buyer to purchase your bubble bath for the first time , and provide them with enough information to purchase from you again if they like your product . You can have tags printed for you , if you want to make them really fancy, but it is just as easy (and much cheaper) to make them at home . Buy white or colored card stock (stiff, heavy-weight printing paper) at any office supply store, and print your logo or text in a repeating grid pattern on the page . Cut them with straight scissors, or, to make interesting patterns, use fabric scissors to make just about any shape youd like. Use a hole-punch to make a hole in one corner of your tag , and attach them to your bubble baths with ribbon , yarn, embroidery floss, or any other decorative string . To make

stickers, you can purchase sheets of sticker paper that are pre-cut (intended for address labels or gift tags), or solid pages that you can cut to any size and shape youd like . If your bubble baths are scented , youll want to choose a packaging that allows the buyer to smell it, to determine if they like the scent, and if it is strong enough. A good way to do this is to wrap the bubble bath in a cloth mesh bag , which protects the bubble bath from coming into contact with other bars, while allowing the consumer to smell and see it. The packaging can be an actual cloth bag , though that will be expensive; your best bet is to buy a large quantity of mesh cloth , and to cut it into squares or circles yourself . Then you can tie the top with a ribbon, string, or any decorative material you like. A small paper tag can be tied to the top of the bag , or placed inside; youll most likely want to include the tag on the outside of the bag , so that buyers have any information necessary to convince them to purchase from you for the first time , and so that they know what the bubble bath contains, and what it will do for their skin. If the bubble bath is molded into bars (and especially if you want to show off the color of the bubble bath), you can wrap a square of paper or cardboard around the bubble bath , leaving a bit of bubble bath exposed on either end; this will allow buyers to see the bubble baths color and texture.

If the bubble baths are created in a candy mold , and you want to show off the shape or detail on the surface, you could package the bubble baths in a mesh bag . You might also want to wrap them in clear cellophane , and seal them with a sticker on the bottom. If your bubble bath is in plain bars, there are a variety of ways to make it look more exciting. You can wrap your bubble baths in colored gift wrap, or patterned printing paper; be sure to wrap it in wax paper first, though, to avoid discoloration of the bubble bath or paper. If you want to make bubble baths as gifts , or sell them as custom orders, then your packaging, and even the bubble bath itself, can be even more elaborate. You can create monogrammed bubble baths, by using a mold that will create a raised letter on the surface of the bubble bath; to make this bubble bath even more striking, you can place the molded bar in another mold, with the raised letter resting on the bottom. Pour bubble bath of another color around the already molded and monogrammed bar; the second bubble bath will fill in the gaps, and coat the first bar. So, for example, you could have a bar of deep purple bubble bath, with a white A on the surface, or vice versa. You can also create bubble baths that have a custom tag , for weddings, anniversaries, christenings, or any other special event; for these, you may want to put names, birthdays, dates, or any other information that will help people remember their special day. Scented bubble baths in cloth bags are often a good choice for these types of mementos, since the bubble bath will, most likely, not be used, except as a sachet or decoration. Get creative with the packaging of your bath products; almost any sort of packaging will do, as long as it's airtight. You can make the presentation of your handmade goods as plain or as elaborate as you want; many people choose to put a lot of effort into their packaging, to reflect the great deal of effort they put into their soaps, while others just use plain plastic containers. It's completely up to you.

Get Creative!
There is no limit to what you can do with the bubble bath you make . The products you create can be as elaborate as you want them to be . The information provided in this book is just a starting point; be sure to conduct your own research, and find out some other nifty and fun things you can do with your bubble bath creativity. The list of essential oils is by no means an exhaustive one , and you can make an almost infinite number of scent combinations from all the oils available . The key to finding your favorite products and recipes is to experiment as much as possible. Try your own products before giving them to friends and family, and see which ones turn out best. If there's a product you really want to try to make , go for it. Most of the ingredients are relatively inexpensive, so if you mess up a batch of product, you didn't waste much money, and at any rate, it will be a learning experience. Also, don't get frustrated if you don't succeed the first time you try to make a given product. It takes lots of practice to master some recipes, and the key is to be able to enjoy yourself while you work. The most important thing to remember is to thoroughly research your ingredients to make sure that there are no counter-indications for the ingredients you choose to use . Always make sure that there is an exhaustive list of ingredients on each package , so that anyone using your product knows if they are sensitive to anything in it .

Batch Codes
After you complete a batch of bubble bath , it is a good idea to include a batch code with the bubble baths packaging . The batch code is a numeric (or alphanumeric) code that enables the bubble bath-maker to identify which batch of bubble bath each bar originated from. This is important because if you find a bar that is flawed , or if you receive a complaint about your bubble bath, you will be able to quickly identify all of the bars in that batch , so that you can dispose of all of them. The batch code should also be linked to a record that indicates: The name of the manufacturing company The name of the bubble bath-maker What ingredients were used The amount of each ingredient Variations, if any, from your usual bubble bath-making procedure Manufacturers and lot numbers of the ingredients used The bubble baths expiration date The date the bubble bath was made Curing time What method was used to make the bubble bath (i.e., cold-process method) The temperature at which the bubble bath was mixed Any information that might be necessary in the case of a customer question or complain , or to help you identify the reason for a problem in a given batch .

FDA Regulation of Soap

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate soap. However, their definition of soap is very narrow. In order for your soap to be considered as such by the FDA, it must consist of alkali, fatty acids, and water, and very little else. Also, the only claim that you can make, regarding your soap, is that it cleanses the body. Thats it. Melt-and-pour, hot- and cold-process soaps all fall into this category, as long as no claims are made regarding what the soap can do . If, however, you say that your soap moisturizes, soothes dry skin, helps prevent wrinkles, etc ., then it is defined, by the FDA, as a cosmetic and, as such, is subject to being regulated by the FDA . If you say that it is intended to treat skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, then it is considered a drug, and is also subject to FDA regulation. The FDA does not require ingredient labels on soaps, but consumers appreciate this information; also, if you keep a separate list of what each ingredient can do, consumers will be able to tell what your soap can do, without you making any claims on the label.

Liability
Many entrepreneurs research the creation and marketing of their product , but some forget one important detail: liability. In todays litigious society, there is no way to safeguard yourself against being sued . However, there are ways that you can protect your personal assets, in case of a lawsuit. Many business owners believe that their homeowners insurance will cover them in case of a lawsuit. This is not usually the case . Some policies will cover a small amount of business property (up to $2,500, usually), but even these wont cover lawsuits . If someone sues you for any reason, you are personally liable for not only damages awarded in the suit, but also any lawyers fees and court fees incurred by both parties . Even if you win the suit, you will still be responsible for your own lawyers fees .

A good business insurance policy will include liability coverage , so that you will not be personally responsible for any such costs that are incurred . However, make sure you understand any limitations on your policy for example, the cap on settlement payouts, or the number of settlements the policy will cover over a set period of time . Lawsuits are not the only liability to consider when starting your own business . What happens if the store you are selling your product in catches fire , and you lose thousands of dollars worth of merchandise? What if your home is robbed and all of your equipment is stolen? The average business insurance policy will include property insurance , which will not

only pay for your lost property and equipment , but will also cover your lost wages while you are unable to make your product. Some of these policies, however, only cover your property while it is on-premises; be sure to check your policy to see if it covers your property while at a craft show or retailer. If not, many companies have policy extensions that you can purchase to ensure coverage. Some policies cover 100% of the income you were generating prior to your loss, while others cover only a portion, so be sure to ask about your loss of income coverage . Aside from the advantages of having your property and equipment protected , your business insurance offers protection to any retailers that sell your product . In fact, many retailers and craft shows will request and in some cases , require proof of insurance before they allow you to sell your product there. Having business insurance signals to the retailer with whom you do business that you are serious about your business , and about protecting your assets , which may make them more likely to do business with you. The cost of a business insurance policy can vary greatly. Be sure to update your coverage based on the amount of property that you have; the cost of the policy is based on the amount of coverage you need. You wont want to pay extra for a policy that is too large for your needs, if you downsize; at the same time, your policy may not be large enough after a major purchase. Also, check the types of losses that are covered in the policy. Some policies will cover fire, but not theft; there are very few policies which cover earthquake or flood damage, and it usually costs extra. Ask about your deductible the amount that you are responsible to pay, before the insurance company covers anything. Policies with a higher deductible are usually cheaper, because the insurance company has a smaller chance of actually having to pay out; however, remember that you are taking a risk, because any money you save on the premium is money that you may have to pay to cover your own costs, if your loss falls below the deductible amount.

If your annual sales are low, or if you are selling only to people that you know, then you may choose not to have business insurance . It is entirely your decision whether investing in business insurance is right for you . However, it is important to note that , while your premium may seem like a waste of money if nothing happens, you will be very glad to have that policy if something does happen. It is generally a good idea to maintain a customer complaint file , to keep track of any complaints you happen to receive. Track the customer who complained , the complaint date, what the complaint was, and what you did to resolve the complaint. If you are utilizing a batch code system , you can look up the specific batch the customer is complaining about, and find out if you did anything out of the ordinary with that particular batch. The batch notes will help you determine what went wrong , and, if necessary, dispose of the defective batch to prevent any further issues . (Keeping track of your complaints , and what you do to resolve them, will also help in case of a lawsuit , or other action against your company.)

Glossary of Terms
Bath Bombs Effervescent, typically spherical solids which create fizz when dropped into bath water. Bath Jelly A semi-solid bubble bath made with gelatin. Bath Oil A combination of carrier and essential oils which can be added to bath water to moisturize skin and Bath Salts A mixture of any of a variety of salts with colorants and fragrance oils , which is frequently added to scent bath water and promote healthy skin . Bubble Bar A solid form of bubble bath. Bubble Bath A product, liquid or solid, that can be added to a bath to make foam. Castile Soap A broad term for any soap made with a mixture of oils that is mainly comprised of olive oil. Cold-Process A way of making soap that does not involve using outside heat sources to cook the soap. Deliquescent a property of lye which makes it prone to melting or otherwise reacting with air. Dendritic Salt A type of salt which has a very fine crystalline structure and holds color and fragrance well due to its increased surface area; frequently added to bath salts . Effervescent A substance (usually dry) which, when mixed with water, fizzes and erupts into tiny bubbles; in this case, the reaction is the result of a carbonate or bicarbonate mixing with citric acid and water. Foam Bath Another word for a bubble bath. Glycerin A substance that is a natural byproduct of saponification; highly moisturizing , and often included in bubble bath to soften and hydrate skin . Hot Process A way of making soap that involves using a crock pot or double -boiler to cook the soap in order to speed the saponification process . Hydrophilic Attracted to water. Hydrophobic Repelled by water. Hygroscopic A property of lye which makes it prone to absorbing moisture from the air, resulting in a clumpy mixture. Lye A substance that, when mixed with water and oil, saponifies and creates soap.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) A sheet which accompanies every chemical, and which lists all important information pertaining to that chemical , including safety, handling and storage information. Natrasorb A hydrophilic tapioca starch which absorbs oils and allows fragrance oils to be mixed with bath salts without melting the crystals or making the mixture clumpy. Potassium Hydroxide A variety of lye; usually used for making liquid soap . Saponification The process during which lye , water and oil react to make soap. Sodium Hydroxide A variety of lye; usually used for making bar soap . Surfactant A compound that binds to dirt and oil and helps to rinse it away.