The Best Herbal Oatmeal Bath Bombs

I've been working hard and have come up with the best herbal oatmeal bath bombs! With lovely flowery herbs, oatmeal, and Epsom salts these are sure to help you enjoy the most relaxing bath imaginable.

Creating my own natural beauty products is enjoyable and helps me to rest easy since I know exactly what I'm adding to them. When I take a bath using one of these or exfoliate my hands with my brown sugar scrub and natural cuticle oil, I know my skin is taking in all the benefits of the natural ingredients I've selected.

I honestly have never used a bath bomb from the store because of all the ingredients I was unsure of. That's what inspired me to make my own! I knew I wanted to add herbs and oatmeal along with some Epsom salts but I didn't want to clog up my drain. So, I decided to use a food processor (you can also use a blender or even a mortar and pestle) to grind my herbs and oatmeal into a powder. This also helps you receive the most benefit out of your herb of choice and the oatmeal! Concerns for our home's plumbing are also why my postpartum bath tea post recommends that you brew the bath tea in advance, strain it off, then pour it into your bath! (For that it is also a matter of allowing the herbs to steep long enough to maximize their benefits!)

a woman holds a large bath bomb in her hands in front of the others that are in a wooden bowl. there are oats and dried lavender scattered about.

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Disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of individual medical care.

5 herbs to consider using in your herbal oatmeal bath bombs

When you are trying to decide on what herb to use, be sure to do your research. Ask yourself: what benefits am I seeking? What scent do I prefer? Remember too that you can add essential oils to your herbal oatmeal bath bombs (but it is not necessary!) so you may want to consider what essential oils you have on hand so you can pair them with the herb you choose. Choose whatever herb(s) inspire you but be sure to do your research and choose wisely.

Rose (Rosa Centifolia)
Lavender (Lavender Angustifolia)
Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis)
Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla)
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis)

Rose (Rosa Centifolia) Known for its astringent properties, rose is perfect for supporting your skin when it comes to dry skin, acne, redness, and irritation. Roses have lovely skin-toning qualities and a gorgeous scent.
Lavender (Lavender Angustifolia) Known for easing anxiety, helping to promote good sleep, is famed for being relaxing, and has a lovely scent.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis) Known for relieving joint pain, skin cleansing qualities, and easing anxiety. Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory and can promote good blood circulation. It can help to boost your focus and is therefore believed to help with fatigue.
Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) Known for its antioxidant properties and is believed to help reduce insomnia. It is a calming and soothing herb with a lovely light scent.
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Known for having antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

What are oatmeal baths good for?

Oatmeal baths are known for soothing dry skin.

Can you use normal oatmeal for an oatmeal bath bomb?

Yes! It is best to follow the steps given in this how-to as it will ensure you receive the greatest benefit from your herbal oatmeal bath bombs. Grinding the oats down with the use of a mortar and pestle, food processor, or blender will give your bath the effect you are aiming for.

Do you rinse off after an oatmeal bath?

It is recommended that you rinse off with warm water after taking an oatmeal bath and therefore I would suggest doing this after taking a bath with your herbal oatmeal bath bomb as well! Hop in the shower quickly after you are finished with your bath.

What makes a bath bomb fizz?

Baking soda and citric acid together in the water create that fun fizz you’re looking for! They are the most necessary ingredients in this recipe. When making herbal oatmeal bath bombs, I add the extras so that there are added benefits along with the fun of using a bath bomb!

How do I make bath bombs stick together?

Some people use rubbing alcohol and others use witch hazel. I personally prefer to use witch hazel for all the lovely benefits it provides the skin as well as it being a more natural option.

a woman spritzes witch hazel into the mixture while whisking

What is an emulsifier?

In short, it is the ingredient in your bath bomb that helps to disperse the oils and/or any colorants added. This helps it to spread throughout the bath instead of it all being on the top. Emulsifiers also help to ensure oils and colorants don’t stick to the tub itself. (While colorants are not necessary and I do not use them in this recipe, you can choose to add them. Essential oils are also optional but no matter what you will be adding oil to this recipe so therefore the sunflower lecithin is a necessity!)

What can I use as an emulsifier in a bath bomb?

While a lot of recipes call for Polysorbate 80, I use sunflower lecithin in my herbal oatmeal bath bombs.

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Why use Epsom salts in your herbal oatmeal bath bomb?

Epsom salts, or magnesium sulfate, are often used in baths to help soothe sore muscles, reduce internal inflammation, and even ease the pain of headaches.

How do you dry bath bombs?

Allow your bath bombs to sit out at room temperature overnight.

a woman holds up a bath bomb that has been drying overnight. it is half in a mold still!

How do you make bath bombs dry faster?

Getting your herbal oatmeal bath bombs to dry faster is simple. Using witch hazel to spritz as you go instead of water is key! Be sure to use it sparingly so it doesn't become too wet. Using water also increases your risk of having your bath bombs activate prematurely, which nobody wants!

Materials

A large mixing bowl.
Measuring cups.
Measuring spoons.
Food processor (or blender or mortar and pestle.)
Whisk.
Bath bomb mold(s.)
Spoon or butter knife.
Parchment paper.
Baking sheet.

Ingredients

This recipe creates a small batch of bath bombs! Feel free to double it if you wish to make more.

1 cup baking soda.
½ cup citric acid.
¼ cup herb of choice.
¼ cup oatmeal.
¼ cup Epsom salts.
2 tablespoon coconut oil (liquid is required so either buy a liquid variety or melt some from a jar.)
1 teaspoon sunflower lecithin.
20-30 drops of essential oil of choice.
Spray bottle of witch hazel to spritz on the mixture as needed.

How to make the best herbal oatmeal bath bombs

In a food processor (or blender or with a mortar and pestle) grind the oatmeal down to a powder.

2. Dump the oatmeal into the large mixing bowl and repeat the process with your herb of choice.

blending down the herbs in a food processor

3. Dump the powdered herbs into the mixing bowl.

blended down herbs and oats in a glass bowl

4. Add your baking soda, Epsom salts, sunflower lecithin, and liquid coconut oil to the large mixing bowl.

5. Whisk it all together thoroughly so there are no clumps and it is all well combined.

6. Optional: add your drops of essential oil and whisk it up more!

7. Add your citric acid into the mixing bowl and whisk once again.

8. Taking your witch hazel spray bottle, spritz the mixture lightly. Whisk between each spritz to make sure it is evenly distributed and so that you do not add too much moisture. Look for the mix to be able to stick together easily but do not let it become too wet!

9. Tightly (but not TOO tightly!) pack your bath bomb molds with the mixture.

both halves of the metal mold are filled with the mixture

10. Squeeze the mold together and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

squeezing the filled halves of the metal mold together

11. Tap the outside of the mold all over with the back of a spoon or the side of a butter knife to help release the bath bomb from the mold.

12. Carefully remove the bath bomb and set it to dry on a parchment lined baking sheet.

13. Allow the bath bombs to dry overnight. If they are not dry after 24 hours, gently flip them over and give them 12-24 more hours.

completed bath bombs in three sizes in a wooden bowl with lavender and oats around them

14. Drop your bath bomb into your nice warm bath and enjoy!

Tips to help you succeed

Spritz the witch hazel sparingly! You don't want any fizzing to occur. Whisking between spritzing will help you. Go nice and slow especially if this is your first attempt!
You don't need to do anything to the bath bomb mold before filling it with the mixture.
When filling your bath bomb molds, be sure to over fill them. When you join the sides together it will naturally squish out the excess.
Pack the molds tight but not TOO tight with the mixture.
If you plan to save these for future use, shrink wrap may be necessary to protect them from moisture. You can also try saving them in an airtight container.
Disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of individual medical care.

What herb will be the star of your herbal oatmeal bath bombs? Leave a comment and help others decide as well!