Lush-Inspired DIY Bath Bombs That Fizz, Nourish & Smell Divine

These DIY bath bombs are inspired by LUSH. This bath bomb recipe is easy to make and will have you obsessed with making bath bombs in no time at all. 

If you’ve ever wandered into a Lush store and thought, “I wish I could make these at home,” you’re not alone. Between the fizzy magic, gorgeous colors, and heavenly smells, it’s easy to walk out with a lighter wallet. But what if I told you that you could absolutely recreate that indulgent bath bomb experience in your own kitchen—for a fraction of the cost?

Yep, we’re talking about Lush-style bath bombs made with simple, skin-loving ingredients. No fancy molds, no industrial machines. Just a big mixing bowl, a few pantry staples, and your inner mad-scientist-meets-spa-goddess energy.

This recipe is beginner-friendly, totally customizable, and honestly just fun to make (and gift!). My teens love joining in to press them into molds—though we usually end up covered in corn starch by the end.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Bath Bombs

• Fizzy & fragrant like the store-bought ones, minus the price tag

• Nourishing for the skin thanks to coconut oil and Epsom salts

• Customizable scents—think lavender at bedtime or citrus to perk you up

• Perfect for gifts—wrap them in tissue, pop into a jar, and you’ve got a handmade gift basket hero

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1/2 cup citric acid

• 1/2 cup Epsom salts (or fine sea salt)

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (makes the fizz last longer!)

• 2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

• 3/4 tbsp water

• 10–20 drops essential oil (lavender, peppermint, sweet orange, etc.)

• Optional: a few drops of food coloring or mica powder

• Optional: dried flower petals or glitter

• Silicone molds, muffin tin, or a bath bomb press

How to Make Lush-Style Bath Bombs at Home

1. Mix the dry ingredients.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, and cornstarch until completely combined and lump-free.
2. Mix the wet ingredients separately.
   In a small jar or bowl, mix the coconut oil, essential oils, and optional coloring. Then add the water. Give it a good stir.
3. Slowly combine wet into dry.
   This part’s key! Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients a teaspoon at a time, whisking constantly. If you dump it all in at once, the mix will fizz prematurely. We want that magic to happen in the tub—not your bowl!
4. Check the texture.
   Once your mixture feels like damp sand and holds its shape when you squeeze it in your hand, you’re ready to mold.
5. Press into molds.
   Scoop the mixture into your mold, pressing firmly to pack it in. If you’re using a round mold, slightly overfill each side and press them together tightly.
6. Let them dry.
   Carefully remove from molds and place on a tray lined with parchment paper. Let sit at room temperature for 24 hours. If it’s humid where you live, pop them in the oven with just the light on (no heat!) overnight.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

• Oatmeal & Honey Bombs: Add 1 tbsp finely ground oats and swap essential oil for 1 tsp honey fragrance oil.

• Detox Charcoal Bombs: Add 1/2 tsp activated charcoal and tea tree essential oil.

• Flower Power Bombs: Press dried rose petals or lavender buds into the mold before adding the mix.

Tips for Success

• Humidity is the enemy. Work quickly and store bombs in an airtight container.

• Want more fizz? Use fine-grain citric acid and pack the mixture tightly.

• Crumbly bombs? Add a tiny bit more coconut oil or spritz with witch hazel while mixing.

Why This Recipe Outshines the Store-Bought Stuff

Aside from saving money, this recipe lets you control exactly what goes on your skin—no synthetic dyes, preservatives, or mystery ingredients. It’s also a creative outlet that smells amazing. Every time I gift these, I get texts like “How did you MAKE that?!”

Perfect Pairings:

• A handmade sugar scrub for the full spa effect

• A personalized bath soak label—I like printing mine on kraft paper and tying with twine

• Add to a DIY self-care kit with herbal teas, candles, or a cozy crochet headband

There you have it—your own fizzy little luxuries straight from your kitchen.
These homemade bath bombs are beginner-friendly, budget-smart, and absolutely bath-time approved. Whether you’re soaking solo after a long day or whipping up a batch for holiday gifting, this recipe delivers the magic every single time.