Exfoliating Kaolin Clay Bath Bomb

Learn how to make an exfoliating bath bomb.  This kaolin clay bath bomb natural cleanses and exfoliates your skin, so you get softer skin after a relaxing bath.  These bath bombs also have dried lemon peel and an essential oil blend that helps promote skin health.





Exfoliating Bath Bomb Recipe


My daughter likes to use bath bombs because they fizz and turn the bath water colors.  I, on the other hand, like using bath bombs that are good for your skin.


This kaolin clay bath bomb is made with skin loving ingredients that naturally exfoliate your skin and cleanse your skin without being too abrasive.  


I really like this cleansing bath bomb recipe in the summer.  I spend a lot of time in the garden working and in the sun.  I also swim pretty much every day, so my skin needs some extra love.  


I could use a rose milk bath tea recipe or this lavender milk bath recipe for my skin, but I like the convenience of just tossing an exfoliating bath bomb into the bath with no prep work.


For more fun bath bomb ideas, check out these posts:






Do Bath Bombs Exfoliate?


Yes, there are bath bombs that are good for your skin and exfoliate.  The dried lemon peel and kaolin clay both exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells.


Since it's more of a passive exfoliating, it's not as good at exfoliating as using a body scrub.  For more exfoliating powder, try this honey almond body scrub recipe.


What Does Kaolin Clay Do in Bath Bombs?


Making a kaolin clay bath bomb has a few benefits.  Kaolin clay works by hardening your bath bomb.  


Since you're making this at home with a mold for home use, you don't get the pressure of a professional bath bomb press.  Therefore, it's important to use ingredients that will harden your bath bomb, like clay.  


Kaolin clay is a mild clay, so it's good for more skin types.  It's said to have some anti-aging properties, and it helps exfoliate the skin.


You can learn about kaolin clay benefits for skin and get three easy recipes to use it in.


What Can I Substitute for Kaolin Clay in Bath Bombs?


I like the skin benefits of making a kaolin clay bath bomb, but you can substitute cornstarch or tapioca starch for the kaolin clay.





What Oil is Best for Bath Bombs?


I used rosehip oil for my exfoliating bath bomb recipe.  It's moisturizing and helps exfoliate and brighten the skin.  


You can use another carrier oil.  I recommend using argan oil or apricot kernel oil for their skin benefits.


You can learn more about carrier oils and their benefits here.


Is Citric Acid Necessary for Bath Bombs?


Citric acid is what makes the bath bombs fizz.  When baking soda and citric acid combine and get wet, they release a gas.  In the water, that gas creates a fizz.


Why Do You Use Witch Hazel in Bath Bombs?


You can spray the kaolin clay bath bomb mixture with witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.  They help bind the ingredients together without activating the citric acid and baking soda.


If you use water, the mixture can start to fizz and won't fizz as much in the water.





Do Bath Bombs Need Preservatives?


No, you don't need a preservative in this cleansing bath bomb recipe.  You need a preservative for DIY bath and body recipes with water, but there's no water in this exfoliating bath bomb.


You will need to store them in an airtight container.  I recommend not storing them in the bathroom because it can be too humid, which can make the bath bombs absorb moisture and swell.


Should I Shower After a Kaolin Clay Bath Bomb?


You don't have to shower after using this exfoliating bath bomb.  However, you can if you want to.  


This this has dried lemon peel and clay, you can rinse quickly in the shower after your bath if desired.


Exfoliating Bath Bomb Ingredients


You will need the following to make a cleansing bath bomb recipe:


  • Baking Soda and Citric Acid - Baking soda and citric acid create the fizz when these bath bombs are placed in water. 
  • Epsom Salt - Epsom salt helps soothe aching muscles and adds magnesium for your bath.
  • Kaolin Clay - Kaolin clay helps make the bath bombs harder.  It also exfoliates your skin.
  • Coconut Oil - Coconut oil moisturize your skin and also helps bind the ingredients together and helps the bath bomb keep its shape.
  • Rosehip Oil - Rosehip oil is moisturizing and naturally exfoliates your skin.
  • Polysorbate 80 - Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier that helps bind oil and water together.  It helps the mica and oils mix with the water instead of floating on top.
  • Dried Lemon Peel - Dried lemon peel smells great and helps exfoliate the skin.
  • Mica Powder - Use mica powder for a natural color.
  • Essential Oils - I used the Bumps and Boo Boos blend from Simply Earth.  It's a blend of helichrysum, lavender, tea tree, and lemon.
  • Bath Bomb Molds - I like these bath bomb molds because they are available in different sizes.  
  • Spray Bottle with Witch Hazel - Spray the mixture as needed to help bind the ingredients together to mold.  I like to use witch hazel because it's less irritating.
  • Mixing Bowls - You will need a large and medium bowl.





How Do You Make Kaolin Clay Bath Bombs?


Step #1


In a large bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, kaolin clay, and Epsom salts.  Mix well.





Step #2


Add the polysorbate 80 and rosehip oil and stir.





Step #3


Add the ground lemon peel.





Step #4


Melt the coconut oil in the microwave and add the blue mica.  Pour into the dry ingredients.  Stir well.  Use gloved hands to mix if desired.  Spray with witch hazel as needed.  The mixture should be firm and hold its shape when you squeeze it in your hand.







Step #5


Add a bit of ground lemon peel to one side of the bath bomb mold.  Add the bath bomb mixture and slightly overfill.  Add bath bomb mixture to the other half of the mold and overfill slightly.





Step #6


Over a small bowl, press the two halves of the mold together gently but firmly.  Then twist slightly to remove excess mixture.  Gently tap the molds to release the bath bomb.  Let dry for 24 hours.  





Repeat until the mixture is gone.  


I hope you enjoy this exfoliating bath bomb recipe!


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bath bomb, exfoliating, cleansing, kaolin clay
Yield: 4 bath bombs
Author: Cari @ Everything Pretty
Estimated cost: $10

Exfoliating Bath Bombs

prep time: 15 Mperform time: 1 hourtotal time: 1 H & 15 M
How to make an exfoliating and cleansing bath bomb with kaolin clay.

materials:

  • 2 cups baking soda 
  • 1 cup citric acid
  • 1/4 cup Epsom salts 
  • ¼ cup Kaolin clay 
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup Rosehip Oil 
  • 1 teaspoon polysorbate 80
  • 1 tablespoon dried lemon peel 
  • 15 drops essential oils (I used Bumps and Boo Boos)

tools:

  • Bath bomb molds
  • Measuring cups
  • Bowls

steps:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, kaolin clay, and Epsom salts. Mix well.
  2. Add the polysorbate 80 and rosehip oil and stir.
  3. Add the ground lemon peel.
  4. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave and add the blue mica. Pour into the dry ingredients. Stir well. Use gloved hands to mix if desired. Spray with witch hazel as needed. The mixture should be firm and hold its shape when you squeeze it in your hand.
  5. Add a bit of ground lemon peel to one side of the bath bomb mold. Add the bath bomb mixture and slightly overfill. Add bath bomb mixture to the other half of the mold and overfill slightly.
  6. Over a small bowl, press the two halves of the mold together gently but firmly. Then twist slightly to remove excess mixture. Gently tap the molds to release the bath bomb. Let dry for 24 hours.
  7. Repeat until the mixture is gone.
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