Bath Bomb Chemistry
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base and citric acid is an acid. When mixed together they
react. HOWEVER, in dry form they DO NOT REACT. But, when put together with water, POW a
neutralization reaction occurs. Bath bombs “fizz” due to the production of the carbon dioxide.
NaHCO3 + C6H8O7 +H2O —-> Na3C6H5O7 + H2O + CO2
Baking soda
cornstarch
water
sodium citrate
water
carbon dioxide
Materials
½ cup baking soda
¼ cup citric acid
¼ cup cornstarch
1 ½ teaspoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon extract of choice
Food coloring
Measuring cups
Mixing bowl
Procedure:
1. Combine baking soda, citric acid (lemon juice), cornstarch, and coconut oil. Blend well.
2. Add extract ½ teaspoon at a time, stirring every time you add the liquid. It may fizz, this is
normal.
3. Spritz water a LITTLE at a time, mixing with your hands just until the mixture is slightly damp
and moldable. YOU DO NOT want it DRIPPING wet because it will fizz out and not form.
4. Divide the mixture into half. Add food coloring to half until you reach your desired shade of
color.
5. Alternate the white and color mixture into your mold to create a striped effect. Be sure to pack
it in the mold TIGHTLY.
6. Let the bath bomb dry overnight and carefully remove the mold.
7. Wrap in saran and tie with string.