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Looking for a natural and relaxing way to unwind after a long day? Try making your own DIY bubble bath with castile soap! This recipe is so easy to make and really works!
This post was updated in March 2023 with a revised recipe.
I have been trying to make a bubble bath recipe that actually bubbles for quite some time now. Let’s just say there were many failed attempts before I finally found the magic ingredient that makes bubbles last!
So light some candles, get a good book, and sink into a warm, bubbly bath. You deserve it!
Best of all, this bubble bath recipe doesn’t come with the hefty price tag of most natural baths.
DIY bubble bath recipe
Indulge in a calming and relaxing evening with this easy recipe for foaming bubbles. Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions below and let the relaxation begin!
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup of castile soap (2 oz) (I prefer Dr Bronner’s castile soap)
- 1/4 cup of vegetable glycerin (2 oz)
- 1 tablespoon of decyl glucoside ( 0.6 oz) (Necessary for bubbles)
- 1/2 tablespoon of aloe vera gel ( 0.25 oz)
- 4 drops of lavender essential oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the castile soap, vegetable glycerin, and decyl glucoside to a pourable container such as a mason jar and stir well.
- Stir in aloe and the lavender essential oil if using.
- For best results, slowly pour into a warm bath under the stream of water.
- Enjoy!
How to use a bubble bath
When you are ready, just add about 1/2 cup (or adjust to your liking) to your bathwater and enjoy the luxurious bubbles.
I always pour it under the running water, but you can simply pour it directly into the bath!
If you want to make a bigger batch of bubble bath, simply double the recipe! First, mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl or container and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe notes
- While this recipe is fun for both kids and adults, it’s important to note that it’s not tear-free. To be safe, avoid using it on very young children and be careful not to get it in your eyes.
- Expect plenty of bubbles! If you follow the recipe carefully, you can expect lots of luxurious bubbles.
- For safety, be sure to rinse out your tub after each bubbly bath. This will help remove any residue and prevent the tub from being slippery.
- This recipe uses gentle ingredients, but everyone’s skin is different. If you have sensitive skin, consider consulting a dermatologist before using this bubble bath.
- For added peace of mind, you can create a small amount of the bubble bath solution and apply a dime-sized amount to the inside of your elbow. Wait 24 hours to see if there’s any redness or irritation before using a full bath.
Bubble bath ingredients
To make a bubble bath, you really only need three ingredients: castile soap, vegetable glycerin, and a foaming agent, which we’ll be using a natural surfactant.
You can add aloe vera gel and essential oils for a natural fragrance.
Castile soap
Castile soap has become a staple in my household for everything from natural cleaning to skin care products. It is made from plant oils, making it safe for most sensitive skin types.
You can find this soap scented or unscented with a formula specifically for babies. It is very concentrated and, as a result, should be diluted before use.
I prefer to use unscented Castile soap from Dr. Bronners, and then I can use my essential oils to scent it how I want. Castile soap is not tear-free, so you need to be careful when using this with kids.
Vegetable glycerin
Ever notice how homemade shampoos and homemade body washes lather up nicely? That’s partly thanks to glycerin, a clear, odorless liquid derived from vegetables. It acts as a thickener and helps create that lather.
This makes it the perfect ingredient to add to this natural bubble bath, as it will help give the bubbles a boost, allowing them to last longer.
Decyl Glucoside
Derived from renewable plant-based sources, decyl glucoside is a widely used surfactant in natural personal care products.
Its ability to create a rich and stable foam, coupled with its gentle cleansing properties, makes it a perfect ingredient in bubble baths.
I know most of you won’t have this ingredient on hand, and trust me when I say I have tried using common ingredients for this recipe, but none worked as well when I added decyl glucoside.
Aloe vera gel
Adding aloe vera gel is not required to create bubbles, so if you don’t have any on hand, that is OK; you can still make this!
I personally like to add it because of its moisturizing and soothing benefits for the skin.
According to this article, it can help keep the skin clean and free of infection and is full of powerful antioxidants.
Lavender Essential oil
Lastly, we have essential oils for the bubble bath. I love the relaxing aromatherapy benefits of lavender essential oil.
With its delicate fragrance and calming properties, lavender is an excellent option for those with sensitive skin, while its soothing scent can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Who is this recipe for?
I don’t know if I just spoiled my kids or if it’s just how it is, but a few of my kids absolutely hate regular baths. Turns out, there’s a simple solution – add bubbles or homemade bath bombs!
Creating your own bubble bath using natural ingredients is not only a cost-effective option but also guarantees that your bath time is free from harmful chemicals.
By using natural ingredients, you can enjoy a relaxing soak without worrying about potential negative effects on your skin or the environment.
Some have even reported relief from certain skin conditions after using non-toxic homemade bubble baths.
Why you will love this bubble bath
- Easily customizable: You can put your finishing touches on this recipe by customizing your favorite scents!
- Cost-effective: Enjoy a guilt-free bathtime without breaking the bank.
- Natural and gentle: Not only will you save money, but you can also feel good about using natural and eco-friendly ingredients.
- Easy to make: No special equipment required! Just a few ingredients and an airtight container are all that you need to get started.
FAQs
Keep it in an airtight container out of direct sunlight for up to a week or in the fridge for two weeks.
To get the bubbles, you will need to use some sort of foaming agent. While castile soap can create some foam when mixed with a small amount of water, it may not be enough for a full bath.
Several recipes call for egg whites to create stronger bubbles, but not so much more bubbles. This will be a great option if you have soft water.
The amount of bubbles in your bubble bath can be affected by the type of water you have. If you have hard water, you may notice fewer bubbles. However, if you have soft water, you can use this recipe without decyl glucoside and still get some bubbles, although not as many as you would otherwise.
Most bubble baths contain artificial fragrances, and some have artificial dyes, which can cause allergic reactions and contain hormone disturbers and carcinogens. Some ingredients found in store-bought bubble baths can trigger common skin conditions such as eczema and other skin irritations to flare up.
Most gentle essential oils such as geranium, frankincense, lavender, and chamomile are safe for use in the bath.
Avoid hot oils such as the ones listed below. These oils can burn the skin when mixed with water.
Hot oils to avoid adding to your bubble bath:
- Cassia
- Cinnamon
- Oregano
- Clove
- Thyme
Takeaways
Making a bubble bath is a simple and cost-effective way to create a relaxing, personalized bath experience.
You’ll love that this recipe uses only natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and can be easily customized to suit your needs.
So, next time you want to indulge in a luxurious bath, try this natural bubble bath recipe!
What to read next:
- DIY Bubble Bath Bars – a fun, moisturizing alternative
- Moisturizing Bath Truffles Recipe – the bath bomb for adults!
- Homemade Rose Bath Salts – perfect after a long day
- Milk Bath Recipe – perfect for dry skin
DIY Bubble Bath That Really Bubbles!
Equipment
- Storage container
- Tall spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- ¼ cup castile soap, 2 oz
- ¼ cup vegetable glycerin, 2 oz
- 1 tablespoon decyl glucoside, 0.6 oz
- ½ tablespoon aloe vera gel, 0.25 oz
- 4 drops lavender essential oil, optional
Instructions
- Add the castile soap, vegetable glycerin, and decyl glucoside to a pourable container such as a mason jar and stir well.
- Stir in aloe and the lavender essential oil if using.
- For best results, slowly pour into a warm bath under the stream of water.
- Enjoy!
I’m working on making gift baskets for my mother-in-law, my aunt, and my grandmother-in-law, for mother’s day. They’re all different so I’m having to mix and match different self care items. I just want to be on the safe side and make sure there won’t be any negative effects if my mother-in-law uses this bubble bath with the rose bath salts?