What can I use in place of witch hazel?

If you prefer not to use witch hazel, oils are a great way to help give the bath bomb mixture a moldable texture. Some crafters use a mixture of 99% isopropyl alcohol and water to help give their bath bombs the correct texture. In particular, bath bomb maker extraordinaire BodyNurse is allergic to witch hazel, and uses a combination of alcohol and distilled water instead. Click here to read more of BodyNurse bath bomb making tips, including a recipe and tutorial.

To find out how much fragrance oil to use in your bath bomb recipe, you can use the Berry Fragrance Calculator. Select the “Salts” option. Then, input how much bath bomb mixture you’re making (baking soda + citric acid + additional ingredients). Select the fragrance or essential oil you’re using and the calculator will tell you how much fragrance to use in your recipe. The Fragrance Calculator uses weight measurements, while some bath bomb recipes use a volume measurement, like cups. If your recipe is measured by volume, you can use your nose to determine how much fragrance to add! I like to add a couple drops, mix and then smell. If you want it a bit stronger, you can add more.

How much oil or butter you add to your bath bomb mixture is totally up to you. Adding oils and butters to your bath bombs adds skin-loving qualities to your recipe. Some people love the way oils feel in their bath water, while others may prefer no oil. If you like working with oils and butters in your bath bomb, they should be added after the dry ingredients (baking soda and citric acid) are thoroughly mixed and smooth. Make sure to melt down any solid butters before adding them to your mixture. Adding too much butter or oil can sometimes cause the bath bombs to stay soft. If you have never tried oil or butter in your mixture but want to, start with about .5 oz of oil per 1.5 cups of dry ingredients. Remember: oils in the tub can lead to a slippery tub when you get out so be careful when exiting the tub after an oil or butter-filled fizzy.