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Easy Recipes for Everyone

How to Make a Shower Bomb

Home » Crafts & DIY » Essential Oil Uses » How to Make a Shower Bomb

Published December 3, 2019 by Jennifer. 74 Comments.
This post may contain affiliate links. Your cost is the same but it helps support this site and the fun freebies we share. See our full disclosures here.

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Make these easy shower bombs or bath bombs with this simple step by step tutorial. Follow along as we share with you how to make the best, fragrant, bath bombs that keep their shape for a long time!

Have you ever wanted to know how to make a shower bomb or shower soother? It’s merely a different version of a bath bomb that fizzes and fizzles while you take a shower. It’s a great project and a perfect gift idea. (VIDEO BELOW!)

Peppermint Shower Bombs in a glass jar.

Shower bombs are perfect for taking a quick “wake me up” shower as the aroma, and the steam will help wake you up.

If you are looking for something relaxing, consider trying these Stress Away Shower Soothers after this project!

Shower Bombs Recipe

I love these.

Generally, I am a shower person since I am always running in 500 directions. I honestly can’t remember the last time I took a nice, long bath. These make the quick shower experience a little more like a “spa.” Check out how easy these are to make.

Below are the ingredients you will need for a shower bomb. I include a few affiliate links so you can see what I used.

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How to Make a Shower Bomb

  • 2 cups Baking Soda
  • 1/2 cup Citric Acid
  • 20 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp water
  • 6 drops food coloring if you want different colors (I used blue)
  • Silicone Mold or other shape making product
  • dropper and a small bowl

Dropper, glass bowl, food color, essential oil, and mold for shower bombs.

If you have a Kitchen Aid mixer, this may be the easiest thing to use. Pour the baking soda and citric acid into the mixing bowl and stir well.

In a small bowl, add water, essential oil, and food coloring. Mix well.

Turn the mixer on low, and then add three to four drops of the essential oil mixture at a time. DO NOT POUR. It’s critical to do a few drops at a time, and while the mixer is ON.

Once you have all of the ingredients mixed, you should have a light-colored damp mixture. You don’t want it wet like a paste, just moist.

Ingredients mixed together in a metal bowl.

How to make shower soothers

I then took the mold and my tablespoon and scooped the mixture into the mold. It takes about two tablespoons of mixture per mold piece.

Shower Bombs being created in a silicone mold.

Once you have all of the mold full, take the spoon and press down to make sure they are right and compact. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours to rest and begin to dry.

Shower bombs in a silicone mold.

After a couple of hours carefully remove the shower bombs from the silicone mold and allow to continue to dry overnight.

Shower bombs drying on a rack.

You want to make sure they are in a safe place, so they don’t get wet.

Close up photo of shower bombs.

I like to keep these in a jar on the counter so when it’s shower time I can grab one and go.

DIY Peppermint Shower Bomb in a glass jar.

Close up photo of a Shower Bomb or Shower Soother

I love how refreshing the smell is, and how the steam and the Peppermint help open up my head congestion right when I need it. It’s a nice “wake me up,” too.

Shower bomb or shower soother in packaging.

If you loved this tutorial on How to Make a Shower Bomb, and are looking for other uses for essential oils, check these other ideas out!

Stress Away Shower Soothers are also fantastic and easy to make.  You can find them here!

Best Young Living Thieves Products

Homemade Lavender Lotion Bars

Lemon Scented Dusting Spray

DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

How to Make a Shower Bomb or Shower Soother

Disclaimer: The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

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How to Make a Shower Bomb or Shower Soother
Review Recipe
2.63 from 16 votes
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Peppermint Shower Bombs Recipe

Learn how to make this fun and easy shower bombs. Use any of your favorite essential oils!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 8 hours
Author Jennifer West

Ingredients

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 20 drops essential oil Peppermint, or your favorite
  • 1 1/2 tbsp water
  • 6 drops food coloring

Instructions

  • Pour the baking soda and citric acid into the mixing bowl of a stand mixer and stir well.
  • In a small bowl add water, essential oil, and food coloring. Mix well.
  • Turn the mixer on low and then slowly add three to four drops of the essential oil mixture at a time. DO NOT POUR. Keep the mixer ON and slowly add the drops
  • Drop tablespoons full of the mixture into your desired mold and pack the mixture well.
  • Once the mold is filled, set it aside and allow the Shower Bombs to air dry for 4-8 hours. If you're not in a rush, let them dry overnight for best results. Carefully pop them out of the molds and let them continue to dry if needed.
  • To use one of the shower bombs, place it in the shower or the bath tub with water and allow it to fizz.

Notes

  1. Store these shower bombs in an airtight container in a dry place. I like to store mine in mason jars. 
  2. Gift these in little tiny mason jars. It’s always a favorite gift for our teachers during Christmas! 
  3. Use different colors, essential oils, and molds to make different shower bombs and designs. 
**Nutrition facts are based on my best estimation for this recipe. They may not be accurate depending on what brands you use or modifications you might make to the recipe. For most accurate calculations, I recommend using a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you use with the recipe.
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December 3, 2019 · 74 Comments

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ABOUT JENNIFER

about me

Do you feel like there is not enough time in the day? I'm with you. Hi! I'm Jen, a wife, mother, and tennis lover who likes to share all of my quick easy recipes, crafts, and more. You can find anything from delicious 30-minute dinners or scrumptious dessert recipes the whole family will love. Read more...

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Seana Turner says

    January 26, 2015 at 11:45

    What a beautiful product. So do you just drop them on the floor of the shower then? I’ve never heard of these…. I’m thinking stocking stuffers for next year, or a nice gift for girlfriends!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 26, 2015 at 11:58

      That’s correct! Just grab one and place it on the floor of the shower. It will dissolve before you get out, and these do make great gifts! I’m going to do more in different scents. LOVE these.

      Reply
  2. Melissa says

    January 28, 2015 at 08:58

    I’m now a bath person either. Going to try these out!

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    January 30, 2015 at 08:54

    I am going to try these for baby shower gifts. Great for bridal shower too. Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 30, 2015 at 09:50

      They are really awesome. I love just to throw one in and wake up. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kathy R says

    January 30, 2015 at 09:23

    What is the purpose of the citric acid in this recipe? Can it be made without it? Also, I’ve read that “artificial” citric acid is a problem. The link to the CA you provided does not state what kind of CA it is (natural or artificial). thanks!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 30, 2015 at 09:54

      I have never made these without the citric acid, but I believe it helps keep the end product together as well as keep it from dissolving to quickly. The link (which is the exact one I purchased) says it is 100% pure citric acid. Hopefully that helps! 🙂

      Reply
    • Caleb Roberts says

      March 1, 2018 at 10:23

      The citric acid reacts with the bicarbonate (base) to produce carbon dioxide gas which is why it fizzes. Without an acid you wont get a reaction that produces gas. I don’t know about the artificial CA tho.

      Reply
  5. Tamara says

    January 30, 2015 at 14:04

    Oh fun! I might skip the food coloring personally but you used the perfect amount. I can just smell it now!
    Actually, I literally can. I have Peppermint oil on my fingernails.

    Reply
  6. Amanda says

    February 2, 2015 at 13:41

    I just recently got on the Young Living bandwagon. I’m excited to try your shower bomb recipe! Pinned!

    Reply
  7. Beverly says

    February 2, 2015 at 19:55

    What an easy and great idea. I would love these. Definitely trying this.
    Bev

    Reply
  8. Brandi Clevinger says

    February 6, 2015 at 16:27

    Peppermint is also good for pain, so these are a must try for me!

    Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Mondays!

    Reply
  9. Cara fowler says

    February 12, 2015 at 16:39

    Has anyone tried using thieves in these?

    Reply
  10. Ginger says

    February 13, 2015 at 15:37

    Love these! I pinned your post a few weeks ago when I was planning for a Make & Take class. We didn’t make them that night b/c of the time to dry, but they are definitely on my list for myself. 🙂 I’m featuring you tomorrow at Show Me Saturday. Thanks for linking up.

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    September 13, 2015 at 12:22

    I just found this on Pinterest and would love to make these for Christmas gifts. How many shower bombs can you make out of one batch?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      September 14, 2015 at 08:58

      I was able to make the entire silicon tray once, and I had a little left over to where I could make a few more if needed. 🙂

      Reply
      • Julie McCartney says

        November 21, 2015 at 17:43

        How long do they last in storage (mason jars)? I made eucalyptus ones and they’re amazing! But want to make ahead for Christmas. TX!

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          November 22, 2015 at 18:29

          I think they would last for a couple of months. I am not sure how much longer because mine were all gone!

          Reply
      • Kelly says

        February 4, 2016 at 10:40

        Was it a 12 spot tray? Trying to get a better idea of how many one batch makes for a make n take we are planning…

        Thanks for the information 🙂

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          February 4, 2016 at 14:06

          It’s the 24 cavity silicone tray. I have the link for the same one I used under the list of supplies. Hope that helps!

          Reply
  12. Autumn says

    November 28, 2015 at 09:25

    I have a large open shower and didn’t really get the peppermint sensation with this recipe. Are you using these in a smaller closed in shower?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      November 28, 2015 at 10:16

      My shower is more closed in and is not very large. If you have a larger shower and want a stronger scent, you can always adjust your peppermint ratio, or use more than one when you shower. 🙂

      Reply
  13. jess greco says

    December 8, 2015 at 12:43

    Was disappointed with this i followed the directions exactly planned on doing these for xmas gifts and i didnt even make it into the shower and it was gone already!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 9, 2015 at 12:09

      I am so sorry you had a difficult time with these. I wouldn’t give up! They are amazing, and maybe you accidentally added a little too much liquid. Hopefully you will get a second chance and they will turn out amazing. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Amy says

    December 8, 2015 at 15:01

    Im making right now in a silicon sheet just like yours, however, they are puffing up like cupcakes. Did yours do that? They sure don’t looks as pretty as yours. Did I put too much water in? I also used eucalyptus and lavender in mine. ????

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 9, 2015 at 12:07

      Oh no! Mine did not puff up at all. In fact, I packed my ingredients in. If they are getting puffy, you may have used too much liquid. 🙁

      Reply
    • Valerie says

      February 26, 2017 at 10:44

      Mine also puffed up somewhat, but here are some things I might have done wrong. I added liquid very slowly but not with a dropper so I might have caused the reaction to begin in the mixing. I used a 6 mold rather than 12 so they might have been too big. I’m going to try again.

      Reply
  15. Adrienne says

    December 14, 2015 at 16:56

    I see that a few people had some trouble making these, but I just made a batch to give as gifts with my handmade soaps and lip balms, and they came out great. A few notes: when Jennifer says to add the essential oil mixture a couple of drops at a time, she means it! If you dump the whole thing it at once, you will end up with a big, fizzy failure. Also, if you don’t have a stand mixer (and I don’t) it works fine to keep stirring with a spoon with one hand while you add the EO mixture with the other. Finally, when you use them, put the soother on the very outside of the shower stream so it gets wet slowly and releases the fragrance a bit at a time. Otherwise, it will melt before you’ve managed to get your hair wet.

    Reply
  16. Shannon says

    December 19, 2015 at 16:13

    What are the instructions for the person receiving these as a gift? Can you put in a dish in the shower as a aromatherapy bomb or just on shower floor?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 22, 2015 at 12:41

      You just place them on the shower floor. I would place these in the shower just before you get in. Otherwise, they may be gone before you get in. 🙂

      Reply
  17. Deanna says

    January 11, 2016 at 11:08

    I made these a few weeks ago in a gingerbread silicone mold, but they puffed up. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 11, 2016 at 13:01

      Hmmm, I am not sure. I made sure to pack mine really well and then let them sit overnight to dry out some before I removed them from the mold.

      Reply
  18. Rebecca says

    January 31, 2016 at 13:36

    I love this recipe!! Just curious, what does the citric acid do in the recipe? Thanks

    Reply
  19. Monica says

    February 2, 2016 at 08:58

    Does anyone know if the food coloring has stained any bath tubs?? Just worried about that!! Otherwise, the recipe sounds great!!

    Reply
    • Sunny says

      November 20, 2016 at 18:09

      I was wondering the same thing…anyone used these on a white shower floor before?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 2, 2016 at 12:50

        My shower floor is white and it didn’t stain or anything. I love them!

        Reply
  20. Chiara says

    October 12, 2016 at 13:49

    Fantastic idea! But how do you use these bombs in shower?? You keep them in your hand and then you put on your skin?
    Because in bath they are fantastic and easier to use!!

    Thanks
    Chiara

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      October 20, 2016 at 21:01

      You place them on the floor of the shower and allow the water and steam to create the aroma from the bombs. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Gena says

    November 6, 2016 at 11:35

    I followed the directions & most of the scent evaporated over night. I ended up adding 3 drops to all of the steamers again. Has anyone tried the baking method instead?

    I used a water-based food colouring to avoid staining. You need to use about 25 drops to get a faint blue colour.

    Reply
    • Trisha Brown says

      November 19, 2017 at 22:05

      I read somewhere that if you were to “bake” them, don’t put the Essential Oils INTO the mixture, but to put the oils ONTO the dried discs.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 1, 2018 at 16:42

        You don’t want to heat the oils up because it will kill the effectiveness of them.

        Reply
  22. Ashley says

    December 17, 2016 at 12:26

    I only bought 2 molds. How can I store the left over so I can make more tomorrow?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 21, 2016 at 11:25

      I save mine in jars and they are easy to store. In fact, some of mine have been stored for several months and are still fully intact.

      Reply
  23. Amy Dearie says

    December 20, 2016 at 12:23

    I did 2 batches of this. First batch totally worked. Second was all crumbly. Can I salvage it? Thought about adding more water to make it “packable” again? The only difference was the oil blend that I can figure out. Thanks!

    Reply
  24. Tia says

    December 20, 2016 at 15:36

    I made a few batches using a variety of different oil combinations. They look nice and fast through most of the shower if I keep them at the edge of water but I didn’t get a very strong scent from them. Should I just add more drops of oil? Do you think the brand of oils used will make a difference?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 30, 2016 at 16:27

      You could probably add more oil to them if you want a stronger scent.

      Reply
  25. Cheryl says

    December 24, 2016 at 18:54

    I made these and mine puffed too but other recipes say they puff because of the ewction between the baking soda and citric acid. Anyways, can these just be dried overnight because I tried removing them as stated carefully and they stuck to the mold and fell apart! 🙁 I rolled them into a ball so as not to waste them. I also used a tad of beet powder and it did not stain my tub. However, I added extra scent but could not smell it in the shower. Can I use them taking a bath instead? Maybe I’ll smell them better.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 30, 2016 at 16:29

      You can probably use them as a bath bomb, and if you want more scent, you will want to add more oil. Just do it carefully so that you don’t cause them to activate.

      Reply
  26. Patty says

    January 30, 2017 at 16:40

    I am wondering how slippery they are with the essential oils. I would like to make some for my mom but am concerned about falls. I know some of my bath ones are very slick.

    Thanks,

    Patty

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      February 7, 2017 at 13:28

      Hi Patty! I actually like to toss mine on the side of the shower. That way they dissolve slowly, and also release the scent a little longer. If you are worried about slippage, I would try maybe a soap dish or something to hold the shower bomb, but still allowing it to get wet and release the scent. I would also recommend trying this ahead of time to make sure it is not too slippery. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  27. Kelly says

    April 17, 2017 at 06:41

    Hi, not sure what I did wrong. Mine won’t dissolve unless I crush it in little pieces and I can’t smell them at all. What did I do wrong?? I thought I followed the recipe exactly.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      May 25, 2017 at 12:13

      hi Kelly, I am not sure what the difference would be? I have never had a problem making these. The only thing that would stand out to me in maybe elevation of the area you live in? Humidity and elevation can make a difference in these projects. I live in a high humidity area and at sea level.

      Reply
  28. Amy says

    November 8, 2017 at 16:37

    Can I use mini cupcake liners in a muffin tin instead of a silicone mold? Thank you!

    Reply
  29. Paige says

    December 11, 2017 at 23:45

    Can you make these without a stand mixer? Mine just gave out on me. 🙁

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      February 1, 2018 at 16:41

      Of course! You may have sore arms by the time you finish 🙂

      Reply
  30. Christine says

    January 13, 2018 at 13:01

    I mixed these exactly according to the directions and amount. But, they were too dry when I placed in molds and didn’t set. I ended up pouring the contents back into the mixer. I guess I will try adding more oil and water to see if they will hold together and setup better.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      February 1, 2018 at 16:37

      Some people do have problems, so I should say that I am on sea level. I definitely think that the elevation level where you live can cause you to have to adjust the recipe a bit. I hope you are able to adjust a few amounts here and there and get them to work for you. They are the best!

      Reply
  31. Renee-Claude Gratton says

    June 18, 2018 at 10:57

    Hi Jennifer!
    Any additional tips on packaging? I’ve tried storing my bath shower bombs in an airtight container, wrapping in plastic wrap, and wrapping in foil and they all loose their scent after 2 weeks :(.
    Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      June 18, 2018 at 22:28

      I have noticed my scent diminish as well. My suggestion would be to add a few drops to a cotton ball and place that in the container as well before sealing. It should help lengthen the scent life. 🙂

      Reply
      • Renee-Claude Gratton says

        June 19, 2018 at 11:03

        hmm, I tried something similar (putting a few drops on the inside of the cork stopper) and the jar smells very strong for months on end but the shower bombs don’t smell like anything when placed in the shower.

        Reply
  32. Sarah says

    January 14, 2020 at 22:19

    Where did you get the mould from? It’s fantastic!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 15, 2020 at 11:20

      I ordered it from Amazon. 🙂

      Reply
  33. Suzanne says

    January 6, 2021 at 15:47

    This looks so good! What a fun gift to make for friends or for yourself!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 6, 2021 at 20:49

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  34. Vanessa says

    January 6, 2021 at 15:48

    Thanks for sharing! Do they keep long?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      January 6, 2021 at 20:50

      I store mine in an airtight container (usually a mason jar) and they keep for 6 months easily.

      Reply

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