| Tub Fizzies & Bath Soaks – Frequently Asked Questions | ||
| Author: Wholesale Supplies Plus Wednesday, July 23, 2014 |
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This article addresses commonly asked questions related to making bath soaks, bath fizzies, bath tea, bath salts, and powdered milk bath.
Bath Soaks – General Questions
What are bath soaks?
Bath soaks are products added to bath water for the purpose of creating a luxurious and relaxing experience. Popular soaks include: Bath Fizzies, Bath Teas, Bath Salts and Milk Baths.
Do people really buy bath soaks?
Yes, they are considered an inexpensive way to create a pampering experience.
Does the FDA consider bath soaks to be a cosmetic?
Yes, the FDA considers bath fizzies, bath teas, bath salts and milk baths to be cosmetics.
Do I need to label my bath soaks according to cosmetic guidelines?
Yes, you will need to follow the FDA Cosmetic Labeling Guidelines.
Bath soaks are products added to bath water for the purpose of creating a luxurious and relaxing experience. Popular soaks include: Bath Fizzies, Bath Teas, Bath Salts and Milk Baths.
Do people really buy bath soaks?
Yes, they are considered an inexpensive way to create a pampering experience.
Does the FDA consider bath soaks to be a cosmetic?
Yes, the FDA considers bath fizzies, bath teas, bath salts and milk baths to be cosmetics.
Do I need to label my bath soaks according to cosmetic guidelines?
Yes, you will need to follow the FDA Cosmetic Labeling Guidelines.
Bath Fizzies – General Questions
What is a bath fizzy?
Bath or tub fizzies are sometimes called bath bombs. After the US attack on 9/11, the word “bomb” was generally dropped from the product name because it caused shipping delays while packages could be inspected or in some cases blown up by bomb squads.
Tub fizzies are an aromatic bath product intended to make the bathing experience luxurious, calming and fun.
Tub fizzies are usually made from aromatic oils, baking soda and citric acid. When a tub fizzy enters the bath water, the combination of wetting both baking soda and citric acid creates a fizz. This fizz gives a tickling, massaging, soothing sensation as the bath water bubbles around the bather, and the aromatic components get released. It also releases aromatic scents into the air.
Aromatherapy bath fizzies can be produced with essential oils to evoke feelings of calm and relaxation while bathing.
What are the ingredients in the tub fizzy which makes it fizz?
The sodium bicarbonate of the baking soda reacts with the citric acid to form carbon dioxide gas. As the carbon dioxide is released underwater, it rises to the surface as bubbles. The good part is that the carbon dioxide is not released until the mixture is hydrated. So, as long as you keep your bath bombs in a dry location, they will fizz well when they enter the water!
What is a basic proportions of baking soda and citric acid necessary to make the fizzing reaction happen?
Two parts baking soda to one part citric acid
Use less baking soda to create a harder bath bomb that dries faster and is less crumbly. You can play a bit with the ratio to find what best suits you. You can use as little as 2 cups or as much as 4 cups of baking soda to 1 cup citric and still get good fizzing action.
Is there anything else that can be added to make bath fizzies more luxurious?
Very often people add cornstarch. Cornstarch is nice and soothing on the skin; many of us who had chicken pox as children remember being given corn starch baths to soothe the skin and calm the itching of the chicken pox! If you would like to use cornstarch try adding 1-3%.
Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter are often added for moisturizing purposes. They leave the skin soft and supple. The down side of using butters is that the bath tub gets very slippery and difficult to clean. If you would like to use butters, try adding 0.25-0.5%. Make sure you add a “slip warning” on your product label.
Powdered Mica Color is often used to make the water glisten and sparkle. The very, very small particles of mica catch the light reflecting in the water to create a pampering mood.
Powdered Dyes are often used to create color which depending on the amount used, can color the bath tub water. This is fun when the color and fragrance coordinate.
Fragrance and essential oils are often used to fill the room with delightful aromatic notes. Fruits, florals, rains, ozonics, and herbal scents are very popular as well as comfort fragrances such as almond, honey and vanilla.
Where can I find bath fizzie formulas and recipes?
Check out Handmade 101. We have added several of our best sellers.
Bath or tub fizzies are sometimes called bath bombs. After the US attack on 9/11, the word “bomb” was generally dropped from the product name because it caused shipping delays while packages could be inspected or in some cases blown up by bomb squads.
Tub fizzies are an aromatic bath product intended to make the bathing experience luxurious, calming and fun.
Tub fizzies are usually made from aromatic oils, baking soda and citric acid. When a tub fizzy enters the bath water, the combination of wetting both baking soda and citric acid creates a fizz. This fizz gives a tickling, massaging, soothing sensation as the bath water bubbles around the bather, and the aromatic components get released. It also releases aromatic scents into the air.
Aromatherapy bath fizzies can be produced with essential oils to evoke feelings of calm and relaxation while bathing.
What are the ingredients in the tub fizzy which makes it fizz?
The sodium bicarbonate of the baking soda reacts with the citric acid to form carbon dioxide gas. As the carbon dioxide is released underwater, it rises to the surface as bubbles. The good part is that the carbon dioxide is not released until the mixture is hydrated. So, as long as you keep your bath bombs in a dry location, they will fizz well when they enter the water!
What is a basic proportions of baking soda and citric acid necessary to make the fizzing reaction happen?
Two parts baking soda to one part citric acid
Use less baking soda to create a harder bath bomb that dries faster and is less crumbly. You can play a bit with the ratio to find what best suits you. You can use as little as 2 cups or as much as 4 cups of baking soda to 1 cup citric and still get good fizzing action.
Is there anything else that can be added to make bath fizzies more luxurious?
Very often people add cornstarch. Cornstarch is nice and soothing on the skin; many of us who had chicken pox as children remember being given corn starch baths to soothe the skin and calm the itching of the chicken pox! If you would like to use cornstarch try adding 1-3%.
Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter are often added for moisturizing purposes. They leave the skin soft and supple. The down side of using butters is that the bath tub gets very slippery and difficult to clean. If you would like to use butters, try adding 0.25-0.5%. Make sure you add a “slip warning” on your product label.
Powdered Mica Color is often used to make the water glisten and sparkle. The very, very small particles of mica catch the light reflecting in the water to create a pampering mood.
Powdered Dyes are often used to create color which depending on the amount used, can color the bath tub water. This is fun when the color and fragrance coordinate.
Fragrance and essential oils are often used to fill the room with delightful aromatic notes. Fruits, florals, rains, ozonics, and herbal scents are very popular as well as comfort fragrances such as almond, honey and vanilla.
Where can I find bath fizzie formulas and recipes?
Check out Handmade 101. We have added several of our best sellers.
Is there anything else that can be added to make bath fizzies perform better?
White Kaolin Clay is often added to make the fizzies harder and easier for transport. If you would like to use kaolin clay try adding 1-3%.
Cream of Tartar is sometimes used to make the fizzing action last longer. If you would like to use cream of tartar, try adding 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of citric acid used in the recipe.
White Kaolin Clay is often added to make the fizzies harder and easier for transport. If you would like to use kaolin clay try adding 1-3%.
Cream of Tartar is sometimes used to make the fizzing action last longer. If you would like to use cream of tartar, try adding 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of citric acid used in the recipe.
Bath Tea – General Questions
I find bath teas interesting. How are they made so they don’t get all “yucky” in the water?
Since bath teas largely consist of dried herbs, they can leave a messy herbal residue and particles on the skin and bathtub if not properly packaged. Just like beverage teas, tub teas are usually contained in cloth or a paper tea bag, or in a mesh tea ball, to minimize the mess. You may find this is a perfect way to recycle old stockings or single socks or cheese cloth or muslin squares that you can tie off into sachet type bundles for infusing.
WSP also sells muslin tea bags which serve as an economical way of packaging and using bath teas. They can be reusable if you empty them after each bath and wash them THOROUGHLY, and are also inexpensive enough to be disposable. They even come in two different sizes!
WSP also sells paper, heat sealable bath tea bags.
What are some herbs I can put in my bath teas and their properties?
Many herbs have a long history of usage in certain ways and for certain conditions. Here are some herbs and their traditional uses:
Calendula: Bright yellow to dark orange flower. Thought to help with skin inflammation and a common ingredient in skin and hair care products.
Chamomile: White and yellow chamomile flowers are beautiful, mild and sweet-smelling, and the scent blends well with others. "Chamomile" is in fact named for its apple-like scent. (Chamomile means "earth apple" or "ground apple" in Greek). Thought to help create a soothing and relaxing experience. Flower heads are usually dried and kept whole, not crushed, as the crushed herb is very fine and can make the bathwater "muddy".
Eucalyptus Leaf: Highly scented medicinal aroma. Thought to help create a relaxing experience for those experiencing head colds and muscle stress.
Jasmine: Jasmine is a common flower in Japan and China. Jasmine has a beautiful, relaxing scent. Thought to help create a balanced feeling.
Lavender: Lavender flowers are highly-scented tiny purple-blue buds. Lavender is the #1 scent thought to help create feelings of relaxation. Lavender's name is derived from the latin verb "to wash". It was valued by ancient Romans and Greeks for its fresh smell. Nonetheless, some people don't like it, and it's best used in moderation, as the scent is strong. Different varieties have somewhat different scents. So, finding the one you like most might require some experimentation.
Lemon Verbena: Actually a deciduous shrub, lemon verbena is a sweet lemon-scented herb. Thought to help create a refreshing and cleansing experience.
Mint: Scents range from peppermint and spearmint, to orange, apple, pineapple and chocolate mint. Thought to help create an invigorating and “feel good” bath experience. Try mixing with nettle for an awakening experience.
Nettle Leaf: A bath-type pick me up. Thought to help create an invigorating experience. Often used in hair products.
Oats: Ground oatmeal is thought to help create a wonderful skin softening experience. Many people find it to be especially helpful for soothing itchy skin.
Rose buds and petals: Thought to help create a soothing and romantic experience.
Since bath teas largely consist of dried herbs, they can leave a messy herbal residue and particles on the skin and bathtub if not properly packaged. Just like beverage teas, tub teas are usually contained in cloth or a paper tea bag, or in a mesh tea ball, to minimize the mess. You may find this is a perfect way to recycle old stockings or single socks or cheese cloth or muslin squares that you can tie off into sachet type bundles for infusing.
WSP also sells muslin tea bags which serve as an economical way of packaging and using bath teas. They can be reusable if you empty them after each bath and wash them THOROUGHLY, and are also inexpensive enough to be disposable. They even come in two different sizes!
WSP also sells paper, heat sealable bath tea bags.
What are some herbs I can put in my bath teas and their properties?
Many herbs have a long history of usage in certain ways and for certain conditions. Here are some herbs and their traditional uses:
Calendula: Bright yellow to dark orange flower. Thought to help with skin inflammation and a common ingredient in skin and hair care products.
Chamomile: White and yellow chamomile flowers are beautiful, mild and sweet-smelling, and the scent blends well with others. "Chamomile" is in fact named for its apple-like scent. (Chamomile means "earth apple" or "ground apple" in Greek). Thought to help create a soothing and relaxing experience. Flower heads are usually dried and kept whole, not crushed, as the crushed herb is very fine and can make the bathwater "muddy".
Eucalyptus Leaf: Highly scented medicinal aroma. Thought to help create a relaxing experience for those experiencing head colds and muscle stress.
Jasmine: Jasmine is a common flower in Japan and China. Jasmine has a beautiful, relaxing scent. Thought to help create a balanced feeling.
Lavender: Lavender flowers are highly-scented tiny purple-blue buds. Lavender is the #1 scent thought to help create feelings of relaxation. Lavender's name is derived from the latin verb "to wash". It was valued by ancient Romans and Greeks for its fresh smell. Nonetheless, some people don't like it, and it's best used in moderation, as the scent is strong. Different varieties have somewhat different scents. So, finding the one you like most might require some experimentation.
Lemon Verbena: Actually a deciduous shrub, lemon verbena is a sweet lemon-scented herb. Thought to help create a refreshing and cleansing experience.
Mint: Scents range from peppermint and spearmint, to orange, apple, pineapple and chocolate mint. Thought to help create an invigorating and “feel good” bath experience. Try mixing with nettle for an awakening experience.
Nettle Leaf: A bath-type pick me up. Thought to help create an invigorating experience. Often used in hair products.
Oats: Ground oatmeal is thought to help create a wonderful skin softening experience. Many people find it to be especially helpful for soothing itchy skin.
Rose buds and petals: Thought to help create a soothing and romantic experience.
Can I add fragrance and essential oil to my bath tea?
Sure! Most of the herbs in your bath tea already contain aromatic components which will be released into the air when the bath tea is used. So, be careful not to add so much additional fragrance/essential oil that the scent is overwhelming when combined with the natural scent of the steeping herbs.
Once you’ve determined the best amount of fragrance/essential oil to add, you can drizzle it lightly over the bath tea mixture, spread the mixture out on a baking sheet, and let it dry overnight before packaging.
What are some packaging suggestions for bath tea?
There are a number of ways in which crafters commonly package bath teas. One of the simplest is in cello or glassine bags, perhaps with a header card or your company label affixed. You can add a wooden or plastic scoop to the outside of the bag for a cute and functional accessory!
For a more upscale look, you can package the bath tea in a plastic or glass jar, perhaps with a scoop or mesh tea ball enclosed or attached to the lid. The glass jars which WSP sells for container candles also make lovely bath tea containers.
Sure! Most of the herbs in your bath tea already contain aromatic components which will be released into the air when the bath tea is used. So, be careful not to add so much additional fragrance/essential oil that the scent is overwhelming when combined with the natural scent of the steeping herbs.
Once you’ve determined the best amount of fragrance/essential oil to add, you can drizzle it lightly over the bath tea mixture, spread the mixture out on a baking sheet, and let it dry overnight before packaging.
What are some packaging suggestions for bath tea?
There are a number of ways in which crafters commonly package bath teas. One of the simplest is in cello or glassine bags, perhaps with a header card or your company label affixed. You can add a wooden or plastic scoop to the outside of the bag for a cute and functional accessory!
For a more upscale look, you can package the bath tea in a plastic or glass jar, perhaps with a scoop or mesh tea ball enclosed or attached to the lid. The glass jars which WSP sells for container candles also make lovely bath tea containers.
Bath Salts – General Questions
I want to make bath salts but don’t know where to begin.
There are a variety of salts and salt additives that you can add to your bath, with a variety of traditional uses. Here are some:
Dead Sea Salts: The waters from the Dead Sea are unique in that they contain 27% of various salts as compared to 3% in normal sea water. Further, while sodium accounts for approximately 80% of the salt content of normal sea water, it comprises much less of the salt total in water from the Dead Sea. The balance of the salts in Dead Sea water are magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. Dead sea salts are all natural.
Dendritic salt: Dendritic Salt is a very fine grain salt with a greater surface area than most salts on the market. This greater surface area allows the salt to absorb twice the amount of oil. It has less clumping, greater fragrance retention and dissolves quickly in water. Dendritic salt is all natural.
Epsom Salts: Dissolved in a bath, Epsom Salt is absorbed through the skin to replenish the body's levels of magnesium. Researchers have found that magnesium increases energy by encouraging the production energy packets made in the cells. Experts recommend soaking with Epsom Salt at least three times a week to look better, feel better and have more energy. Epsom salt is all natural.
European Spa Salts: European Spa Salts are solar evaporated and harvested from the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea. They are produced using the ancient method of solar evaporation in a region that is free of pollution and has high evaporation rates. European Spa Salts are one of the purest salts in the world. European spa salts are all natural.
Do bath salts come in different sizes?
Yes, these are called “grain” sizes. They can vary from very, very large to very, very small. You will find that larger grains look great but dissolve very slowly and can be somewhat painful if the user sits on them in the bath water. I highly recommend an assortment of fine, medium and large grain salts blended for interest.
Are there additional additives can I add to bath salts?
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Baking soda is a natural particle that dissolves while cleansing the skin or in bath water. It is a natural alkaline that neutralizes acids and washes away oils and dirt. It's natural pH balance leaves the skin soft, silky and smooth. It is great to use in soaps, bath salts, and skin scrubs. When mixed in appropriate amounts with citric acid, it produces a chemical reaction that leads to the fizz in bath fizzies. This is an all natural product.
I heard that adding glycerin to the salts is a good idea.
Glycerin is a humectant (attracts & retains moisture) which softens dry skin. Products that will not dissolve in water will dissolve in glycerin. Since glycerine is a humectant, it draws moisture from the air. So, its addition to bath salts can cause them to clump.
There are a variety of salts and salt additives that you can add to your bath, with a variety of traditional uses. Here are some:
Dead Sea Salts: The waters from the Dead Sea are unique in that they contain 27% of various salts as compared to 3% in normal sea water. Further, while sodium accounts for approximately 80% of the salt content of normal sea water, it comprises much less of the salt total in water from the Dead Sea. The balance of the salts in Dead Sea water are magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. Dead sea salts are all natural.
Dendritic salt: Dendritic Salt is a very fine grain salt with a greater surface area than most salts on the market. This greater surface area allows the salt to absorb twice the amount of oil. It has less clumping, greater fragrance retention and dissolves quickly in water. Dendritic salt is all natural.
Epsom Salts: Dissolved in a bath, Epsom Salt is absorbed through the skin to replenish the body's levels of magnesium. Researchers have found that magnesium increases energy by encouraging the production energy packets made in the cells. Experts recommend soaking with Epsom Salt at least three times a week to look better, feel better and have more energy. Epsom salt is all natural.
European Spa Salts: European Spa Salts are solar evaporated and harvested from the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea. They are produced using the ancient method of solar evaporation in a region that is free of pollution and has high evaporation rates. European Spa Salts are one of the purest salts in the world. European spa salts are all natural.
Do bath salts come in different sizes?
Yes, these are called “grain” sizes. They can vary from very, very large to very, very small. You will find that larger grains look great but dissolve very slowly and can be somewhat painful if the user sits on them in the bath water. I highly recommend an assortment of fine, medium and large grain salts blended for interest.
Are there additional additives can I add to bath salts?
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Baking soda is a natural particle that dissolves while cleansing the skin or in bath water. It is a natural alkaline that neutralizes acids and washes away oils and dirt. It's natural pH balance leaves the skin soft, silky and smooth. It is great to use in soaps, bath salts, and skin scrubs. When mixed in appropriate amounts with citric acid, it produces a chemical reaction that leads to the fizz in bath fizzies. This is an all natural product.
I heard that adding glycerin to the salts is a good idea.
Glycerin is a humectant (attracts & retains moisture) which softens dry skin. Products that will not dissolve in water will dissolve in glycerin. Since glycerine is a humectant, it draws moisture from the air. So, its addition to bath salts can cause them to clump.
How do I prevent my salts from clumping?
Try adding dendritic salt to your recipe. Many people feels that this addition helps prevent clumping of the total recipe or formula. Also make sure that you package the bath salts in an air tight, dry container. Overtime, moisture and water will cause clumping.
What colors can I use to color my bath salts?
Liquid colors that have been dissolved in glycerin and/or oil work best. Liquid colors that have a water base will tend to dissolve the salts. Crafter’s Choice Liquid Lakes produce bright vibrant colors. Crafter’s Choice Powdered Mica produces a wonderful sparkle to the water.
How do I make bath salts that look like gold nuggets?
To create a “nugget” look, use large grain bath salts. Place them in a bowl and add fragrance or essential oil. Toss and mix well. Sprinkle Crafter’s Choice Powdered Mica – Gold on the salts and spritz with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol will cause the mica to “stick” to the salt and create the look you are seeking.
Tips: Gold nuggets look great when then mixed with uncolored smaller grains of salt. Don’t limit yourself to the color gold. This technique looks great with all mica colors!
Can I add fragrance and essential oils to my salts?
Sure! Your best bet is to place the salts in a plastic bag or large bowl, drizzle the fragrance or essential oil over the salts, and toss/stir thoroughly. Then you can spread the salts out on a baking sheet, and leave them in a warm location overnight to dry.
Try adding dendritic salt to your recipe. Many people feels that this addition helps prevent clumping of the total recipe or formula. Also make sure that you package the bath salts in an air tight, dry container. Overtime, moisture and water will cause clumping.
What colors can I use to color my bath salts?
Liquid colors that have been dissolved in glycerin and/or oil work best. Liquid colors that have a water base will tend to dissolve the salts. Crafter’s Choice Liquid Lakes produce bright vibrant colors. Crafter’s Choice Powdered Mica produces a wonderful sparkle to the water.
How do I make bath salts that look like gold nuggets?
To create a “nugget” look, use large grain bath salts. Place them in a bowl and add fragrance or essential oil. Toss and mix well. Sprinkle Crafter’s Choice Powdered Mica – Gold on the salts and spritz with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol will cause the mica to “stick” to the salt and create the look you are seeking.
Tips: Gold nuggets look great when then mixed with uncolored smaller grains of salt. Don’t limit yourself to the color gold. This technique looks great with all mica colors!
Can I add fragrance and essential oils to my salts?
Sure! Your best bet is to place the salts in a plastic bag or large bowl, drizzle the fragrance or essential oil over the salts, and toss/stir thoroughly. Then you can spread the salts out on a baking sheet, and leave them in a warm location overnight to dry.
Powdered Milk Bath – General Questions
What can I put in my milk bath?
Milk baths are just like regular baths, only with the addition of powdered milk and often other ingredients such as lavender, oatmeal, and essential oils. Other ingredients you might want to add to your milk bath include baking soda, bath salts, and a bit (just a smidgen, so it’s not stick and messy!) of powdered honey.
How do I fragrance and/or color milk baths?
It’s recommended that you not color your milk baths. You can add a bit of fragrance by drizzling it into the milk bath, stirring THOROUGHLY and then running the milk bath through a sieve or sifter to eliminate clumps.
What are some milk powders I can use in my milk bath?
WSP sells some milk powders which are WONDERFUL for use in a milk bath. These include:
Buttermilk Powder – Buttermilk powder has great skin softening properties.
Coconut Milk Powder – Coconut Milk Powder has great skin softening properties. Especially wonderful for a “tropical” milk bath!
Goat’s Milk – High in protein and triglyceride content making it an excellent natural moisturizer. Goat’s milk contains vitamin A, B6, B12 and E as well as beta-casein which all help with to hydrate and nourish dry skin. It is also a natural emollient.
Is there anything I can add to my milk bath to make it more luxurious?
Yes – tapioca starch is a great additive to milk baths! It locks in the fragrance and slowly releases it into the bath water, making for a more luxurious bath experience.
Milk baths are just like regular baths, only with the addition of powdered milk and often other ingredients such as lavender, oatmeal, and essential oils. Other ingredients you might want to add to your milk bath include baking soda, bath salts, and a bit (just a smidgen, so it’s not stick and messy!) of powdered honey.
How do I fragrance and/or color milk baths?
It’s recommended that you not color your milk baths. You can add a bit of fragrance by drizzling it into the milk bath, stirring THOROUGHLY and then running the milk bath through a sieve or sifter to eliminate clumps.
What are some milk powders I can use in my milk bath?
WSP sells some milk powders which are WONDERFUL for use in a milk bath. These include:
Buttermilk Powder – Buttermilk powder has great skin softening properties.
Coconut Milk Powder – Coconut Milk Powder has great skin softening properties. Especially wonderful for a “tropical” milk bath!
Goat’s Milk – High in protein and triglyceride content making it an excellent natural moisturizer. Goat’s milk contains vitamin A, B6, B12 and E as well as beta-casein which all help with to hydrate and nourish dry skin. It is also a natural emollient.
Is there anything I can add to my milk bath to make it more luxurious?
Yes – tapioca starch is a great additive to milk baths! It locks in the fragrance and slowly releases it into the bath water, making for a more luxurious bath experience.