Bath bombs are probably one of the most popular DIY gifts, and I love this idea too!
Today I will make black bath bombs with activated charcoal (known for its detox properties). These bombs will instantly begin to fizz and disintegrate once it hits the water, unleashing a pleasant aroma and coloring the water in the bathtub in luxurious black color.
Cosmetic glitter (I use biodegradable glitter made of corn) adds a Christmas touch, but this component is optional, and you can make a beautiful spa bomb without any glitter.
BLACK BATH BOMB
To make a set of 4 bombs 7 cm in diameter or six bombs 5 cm in diameter, you will need to take:
- 350 g of baking soda
- 150 g of citric acid, powdered in a coffee grounder into fine powder
- 15 g of activated charcoal in powder
- 35 g of chickpea flour
- 10 g of liquid oil (I use MCT oil, or caproic triglycerides)
- 3 g of emulsifier Polysorbate 80
- 2-4 g of fragrance oil (I use the one with a candy aroma)
Activated charcoal on its own gives the bombs a nice solid black color, but if you can’t find this component, then you can use it instead:
- black mineral mica (usually, you can find it on soap-making websites)
- black food coloring (water-based or oil-based – look for it on cooking websites)
Dyes and mica will give a black color but will not provide a detox effect.
If you are using food dyes, then:
- Water-soluble black food coloring: first, weigh the soda and rub the water-soluble dye into it until you get the black color you need; let the baking soda dry and mix the bomb mix;
- oil-soluble black food coloring should be combined with oil and then rubbed into dry ingredients.
Combine all powders. In a separate cup, combine the oil, fragrance, and Polysorbate 80. Thoroughly rub the oily mixture into your powders and make your bombs (if the mixture does not stick together, wet it by rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle).
Let it completely dry out (24-48 hours) in molds, then proceed with gift packaging! Enjoy:)
