The Bubble Bath Bar
In this post we’ll discuss the bubble bath bar, made popular by LUSH. Without further ado, let’s answer some of your common questions about bubble bath bars.
This includes;
- 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?
Question & Answer Sessions:
What are Bubble Bath Bars?
Bubble bath bars are made up of similar ingredients to bath bombs. The main differences being the ingredients. For instance, the ingredients that make up bubble bath bars give them more pliable and flexible characteristics, then those of bath bombs.
Bubble bath bars are different in not just texture, but they can be crumbled or broken into pieces. This is a nice feature because you could potentially use them for several baths.
Like bath bombs, you can add your favorite colors, essential oils or skin safe fragrances adding to there overall enjoyment.
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. Consequently, as the water hits the surface of the bubble bars, bubble magic happens.
No longer do you have to dump all sorts of liquid chemicals into the tub to get the same effect.
Can you make Different Kinds/Shapes of Bubble Bath Bars?
Yes. For example, the most common bubble bath bars you will see are rolled, and/or scoop shaped (like scooped ice cream).
However, you can make all sorts of shapes, mainly due to the flexible characteristics 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 some of the ones that differ. SLSA and liquid surfactant can also be seen in bath bombs, but in much different percentages.
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. 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’s mild on the skin, and comes from coconut oil.
Above all, it’s use in bubble bath bars is acting as a foam booster, conditioner, and a cleansing agent.
Read more about cocamidopropyl betaine at ewg.org.
Liquid Glycerin
According to Healthline.com, liquid glycerin’s are 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.
Bubble Bath Bar Recipe With 3 Colors:
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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: Measure
Firstly, if you have mastered or have 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: Mix Together
After mixed, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and immediately start to mix.
Now unlike bath bombs, you really need to use a stand mixer for bubble bath bars. They are more forgiving as well, and less about texture and stability, like with bath bombs, to get them just right.
(tip: with SLSA, make sure to wear a mask, this is a super fine powder that can get airborne and make you cough).
Step 3:
Afterwards, your mixture should be to a point where if you grab a handful of it and knead it, it will form together, almost like dough. It may visually look a bit dry, but grab a handful and test it.
Step 4
Now, divide this mixture into 3 bowls, for the next step. Add your choices of colors and start to mix together, one at a time. Above all, the trick is having your mixture as stiff as possible, while still being able to roll it.
Consequently, if you need more pliability or need to make it softer you can add a touch more liquid glycerin. We like to do this part by hand, and kneed it like dough.
Step 5
Next, using corn starch, lightly dust a piece of wax paper.
Step 6
Then, 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 as well.
Step 8
Now, take another piece of your wax paper placing 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.
Truly, the goal here is to make it as rectangular in shape as possible. You can roll as thin as you would like your final product to look, aesthetically.
Step 10
Now it’s time to roll. Take your bottom piece of wax paper and start to roll the dough, carefully squeezing the roll with each rotation. You’ll want this to really stick together. In fact, 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 48-72 hours. Make sure to store bubble bars properly.
After drying, turn on you bath and hold your created bubble bath bar under running water, all while enjoying the amazing aroma and awesome bubbles it creates. Additionally, you can even break the bubble bath bars into multiple pieces to use for multiple baths.
Final Thoughts!
Well that’s it on creating your very own bubble bath bars. Let us know how it goes and be sure to share our blog posts on social media.
Feel free to browse our selection of relaxation products, including bubble bath bars. Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!
References:
- https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/706111-SODIUM_LAURYL_SULFOACETATE/
- https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701520-cocamidopropyl-betaine/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetable-glycerin
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20275/glycerin-topical/details
