Posted by on 2/20/2020 to
Let's Talk: Relax, Soak and Unwind after Work
Exploring The Bubble Bath Bar: Can this Really be a Fun DIY Project?
In
this post we'll discuss bubble bath bars, made popular LUSH. Let's
answer some of your questions about bubble bath bars. What are they?
How do they differ from bath bombs? What are the ingredients in bubble
bath bars? Can I make my own? Are there different types of bubble bath
bars?
What are Bubble Bath Bars?
Bubble
bath bars are made up of similar ingredients to bath
bombs, with the biggest difference being the ingredients that make them
bubble and more pliable and flexible then a normal bath bombs.
Bubble bath bar
are also different because they can be crumbled or broken in pieces so
that way to potentially last you several baths. Like bath bombs you can add your
favorite colors, essential oils or skin safe fragrances and enjoy the
awesome colors and amazing aroma's.
How to Use Bubble Bath Bars?
To use bubble bath bars you simply hold the bars, bubble scoops, or other
shapes under warm running water when filling up the tub and simply watch
the bubble magic happen. No longer do you have to dump all sorts of
liquid chemicals in the tub to get the same effect.
Can you make Different Kinds/Shapes of Bubble Bath Bars?
Yes.
The most common bubble bath bars you will see are rolled and scoops
(ice cream looking scoops). However you can make all sorts of styles and
forms because of the flexibility and work-ability of the ingredients
once mixed together.
What Ingredients are in a Bubble Bath Bar?
Many of the same ingredients seen in bath bombs are also in bubble bath bars which you can read about here. However, these are the ingredients that make them unique and different from bath bombs:
Sodium Laurel Sulfoacetate (SLSA)
This ingredient is found periodically in bath bombs, but is almost always in bubble bath bars. According to ewg.org, SLSA is found in many products and is an organic salt. Pretty much SLSA is added to bath products for one reason and that is to create awesome bubbles.
Liquid Surfactant
An example of a liquid surfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine. We like using this because it is mild and comes from coconut oil. In
the sense of bubble bath bars it works as a foam booster, conditioner
as well as cleaning agent. Read more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine at ewg.org.
Liquid Glycerin
According to Healthline.com, liquid glycerin's made from soybean, coconut or palm oils. Liquid glycerin reacts
with SLSA and baking soda, giving even more bubbles. It can also be used
as a moisturizer to prevent dry skin, according to webmd.com.
Now let's make a rolled bubble bath bar with 3 beautiful colors
Ingredients
- Baking Soda - 2 1/4 Cup
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) - 3/4 Cup
- Cream of Tartar - 1/4 Cup
- Corn Starch - 1/4 Cup
- Liquid Surfactant - 3/4 Cup
- Liquid Glycerin - 3/4 Cup
- Sweet Almond Oil - 1 teaspoon
- Polysorbate 80 - 1 teaspoon
- Fragrance - 10 - 15 grams
- Mica Colorant (3 colors - approx 1/8 teaspoon of each)
Additional Equipment Needed
- Hand Mixer
- Wax Paper
- 3 Bowls
- Rolling pin
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Face mask
- Gloves
Directions:
Step 1
If you have mastered and had practice with making bath bombs, the first few steps of this process should be relatively simple. Like bath bombs recipes the first step is to mix all of the dry ingredients together (except mica colors) and then mix all the wet ingredients in another bowl all-together.
Step 2
After mixed pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and immediately start to mix. Now unlike bath bombs I prefer to use a stand mixer for bubble bath bars. I find the to be more forgiving and I don't necessarily have to perfect my textures like we do with our bath bombs to get them just right (tip: with SLSA, make sure to wear a mask, this is a super fine powder then can get airborne and make you cough).
Step 3
After this step your mixture should be to a point where if you grab a handful of it and knead it, it will form together like dough. It may visually look a bit dry, but just grab a handful and test it.
Step 4
Now divide this mixture into 3 bowls for you colors. Add your choices of colors to the mixture and start to mix together. The trick here is having your moisture as stiff as possible and still be able to roll it. If you need more pliability or need to make it softer you can add a touch more liquid glycerin. I like to do this part by hand, and need it like dough.
Step 5
Use some corn starch and lightly dust it on a piece of wax paper.
Step 6
Flatten your "dough balls" and stack your three colors of "dough" on top of one another on the dusted wax paper.
Step 7
Dust the top of your pile with a little more corn starch.
Step 8
Take another piece of your wax paper and place it on top of the pile and give it a good firm press.
Step 9
Once you have flattened your pile enough, use a dough roller and roll the three colors out on top of one another. The goal here is to make it as rectangular in shape as possible. You can roll as thin as you would like depending on what you would like from your final product.
Step 10
Now it's time to roll. Take your bottom piece of wax paper and start to roll the dough, careful squeeze the roll with each rotation. You want this to really stick together. If it's not sticking add some sprays of isopropyl alcohol.
Step 11
Once rolled cut your bubble bath bars into even pieces.
Step 12
Let dry 48 hours. Make sure to store bubble bars properly.
After drying, simply turn on you bath and hold your created bubble bath bar under running water and enjoy the amazing aroma and awesome bubbles it creates. You can even break the bubble bath bars into multiple pieces to use for multiple baths.
Well that's it on creating your very own bubble bath bars. Let us know how it goes! Be sure to share our blog posts on social media and browse our selection of relaxation products. Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!