How to Make DIY Pumpkin Spice Bath Bombs

Fall is the perfect season to enjoy the cozy and comforting scent of pumpkin spice. Whether you love pumpkin spice lattes, candles, or baked goods, you can also enjoy this warm and inviting aroma in your bath. In this blog post, I will show you how to make your own DIY pumpkin spice bath bombs using natural ingredients and essential oils. These bath bombs are easy to make, smell amazing, and will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized. Plus, they make great gifts for your friends and family who love pumpkin spice as much as you do!

What are Bath Bombs and How Do They Work?

Bath bombs are fizzy balls of baking soda, citric acid, and other ingredients that dissolve in water and create a bubbly and colorful bath experience. They are fun to use and can have various benefits for your skin and mood, depending on the ingredients you choose. For example, some bath bombs can help you relax, soothe sore muscles, moisturize dry skin, or invigorate your senses.

Bath bombs work by creating a chemical reaction between baking soda and citric acid when they come in contact with water. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which makes the bath bomb fizz and release its fragrance, color, and other additives into the water. The fizzing action also helps to disperse the ingredients evenly throughout the water, creating a luxurious and spa-like bath.

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make DIY Pumpkin Spice Bath Bombs?

To make your own DIY pumpkin spice bath bombs, you will need the following ingredients:

• Baking soda: This is the main ingredient that makes the bath bomb fizz. It also helps to soften the water and cleanse your skin.
• Citric acid: This is the other ingredient that reacts with baking soda to create the fizzing effect. It also acts as a preservative and helps to lower the pH of the water, making it more gentle on your skin.
• Epsom salt: This is a natural mineral that helps to relax your muscles, reduce inflammation, and detoxify your body. It also adds some texture and hardness to the bath bomb.
• Cornstarch: This is a starch that helps to bind the ingredients together and prevent them from crumbling. It also adds some smoothness and creaminess to the bath water.
• Coconut oil: This is a natural oil that moisturizes and nourishes your skin. It also helps to hold the bath bomb together and prevent it from drying out.
• Pumpkin spice essential oil: This is a blend of essential oils that mimics the scent of pumpkin spice. It usually contains cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla oils. You can also use pumpkin spice extract, which is a liquid flavoring that has a similar aroma. These oils and extracts not only smell delicious, but also have some therapeutic benefits, such as boosting your mood, warming your body, and fighting germs.
• Polysorbate 80: This is an emulsifier that helps to mix the oil and water together, preventing them from separating. It also helps to prevent the color and fragrance from staining your tub or skin.
• Mica powder: This is a natural mineral pigment that adds some color and shimmer to your bath bomb. You can use any color you like, but for this recipe, I suggest using a mix of red and yellow to create a warm and cozy orange hue. You can also use gel food coloring instead of mica powder, but be careful not to add too much, as it can stain your tub or skin.
• Fall sprinkles: These are optional, but they add some fun and festive flair to your bath bomb. You can use any kind of sprinkles you like, but I recommend using a mix of autumn-themed shapes and colors, such as leaves, pumpkins, acorns, and brown, orange, and yellow sprinkles. You can find these at most craft or baking stores, or online.
• Bath bomb molds: These are the molds that shape your bath bomb. You can use any kind of mold you like, such as silicone, plastic, or metal. For this recipe, I suggest using small clear plastic cups, as they are easy to use and give a nice round shape. You can also use other shapes, such as pumpkins, stars, hearts, or whatever you prefer.

How to Make DIY Pumpkin Spice Bath Bombs: Step by Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with making your DIY pumpkin spice bath bombs. Here are the step by step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch. If you are using mica powder, add it now and whisk well to combine. You can use a little or a lot, depending on how intense you want the color to be. Keep in mind that the color will fade a bit when the mixture dries.
2. In a small bowl, melt the coconut oil in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or until liquid. Add the pumpkin spice essential oil or extract and the polysorbate 80 and stir well to combine. If you are using gel food coloring, add it now and stir well. You can use a little or a lot, depending on how intense you want the color to be. Keep in mind that the color will darken a bit when the mixture dries.
3. Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture, one teaspoon at a time, stirring well after each addition. Be careful not to add too much at once, or the mixture will start to fizz and lose its fizzing power. The mixture should look like wet sand and hold together when squeezed. If it is too dry, you can spray some witch hazel or water to moisten it slightly. If it is too wet, you can add some more cornstarch to dry it out.
4. Dust the bottom halves of the plastic cups with some cornstarch. This will help the bath bombs come out easily. You can also dust the top halves if you want, but it is not necessary.
5. Place about one teaspoon of sprinkles in the bottom halves of the plastic cups. Press them down lightly with your fingers to make them stick.
6. Pack the bath bomb mixture firmly into the plastic cups, filling them up to the top. You can use a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture down. Make sure there are no gaps or air bubbles in the mixture, as they can cause the bath bombs to crack or crumble.
7. Let the bath bombs dry overnight in the plastic cups. Do not remove them until they are completely hard and dry. You can speed up the drying process by placing them in a warm and dry place, such as an oven with the light on, or a dehydrator.
8. Carefully remove the bath bombs from the plastic cups. You can use a knife or scissors to cut the plastic cups if they are too tight. You can also tap the plastic cups lightly on a hard surface to loosen the bath bombs.
9. Enjoy your DIY pumpkin spice bath bombs! You can use them right away, or store them in an airtight container for up to six months. To use them, simply drop one or two bath bombs into a warm bath and watch them fizz and dissolve, releasing their scent, color, and oil into the water. Relax and enjoy the pumpkin spice goodness!

FAQs About DIY Pumpkin Spice Bath Bombs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about DIY pumpkin spice bath bombs:

• Q: Can I use other ingredients or scents for my bath bombs?
• A: Yes, you can customize your bath bombs with different ingredients or scents, as long as you keep the basic ratio of baking soda and citric acid the same. You can use other oils, salts, starches, colors, fragrances, or additives, depending on your preference and availability. For example, you can use almond oil, sea salt, arrowroot powder, beetroot powder, lavender oil, or rose petals for different effects. Just make sure to do a patch test on your skin before using any new ingredients, as some of them may cause allergic reactions or irritation.
• Q: Why are my bath bombs cracking or crumbling?
• A: There are several possible reasons why your bath bombs are cracking or crumbling, such as:
  • The mixture is too dry or too wet. If it is too dry, it will not hold together and fall apart. If it is too wet, it will expand and crack. To fix this, you can adjust the amount of liquid or cornstarch you add to the mixture, or spray some witch hazel or water to moisten or dry it out.
  • The mixture is not packed tightly enough. If there are gaps or air bubbles in the mixture, it will not stick together and break apart. To fix this, you can press the mixture firmly into the molds, making sure there are no spaces or holes in the mixture.
  • The bath bombs are not dried properly. If the bath bombs are still wet or soft when you remove them from the molds, they will not hold their shape and crumble. To fix this, you can let the bath bombs dry overnight in the molds, or place them in a warm and dry place to speed up the drying process.
• Q: How do I store my bath bombs?
• A: You can store your bath bombs in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, a plastic bag, or a metal tin. Keep them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. This will help them last longer.