A Non-Toxic DIY Soak

Let’s be honest, I’ve tried almost every plant-based, low-tox alternative to commercial bubble bath… and each has been a complete #momfail. When it comes to bath time, my sweet little children demand clouds of everlasting bubbles – to which, I’ve failed miserably to provide. But alas! I found a recipe that meets the high expectations of my children AND that satisfies my lowtox, easy-to-make mom requirements.
Bubble bath is self-care staple for many households and unfortunately, one that can be potentially dangerous for human and environmental health. Much like shampoos, laundry detergents, dishwashing liquid, lotions, and hand soaps, bubble bath typically contains a number of harsh chemicals. These chemical components can cause skin irritation and contribute to household and environmental degradation. I’m especially wary of store-bought bubble bath products because they tend to include toxic ingredients like:
- Strong artificial fragrances and synthetic colors
- Sodium laureth sulfate (which creates the bubble or foam effect)
- Various other sulfates (another item used to create foam, and to loosen oils from the skin or
hair) - Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone (which can
potentially cause contact dermatitis)
The ingredients present in many bubble bath products can also disrupt vaginal pH levels and contribute to health issues like infections and UTIs.
Aside from the potential health impacts, commercial bubble bath products can damage household drainage systems, pollute local water sources and damage soils. The chemicals in these products eventually make their way into the surrounding environment, where they can cause significant damage in large quantities. Sulfates in particular tend to make their way to local water resources and contribute to the acidification of water and soil.
So, as the hippie-granola-eco(and)health-conscious mama, I’ve created a simple bubble bath paste recipe that for the entire family to enjoy!
Bubble Bath Paste Recipe
Supplies:
Large mixing bowl and spoon
Mason jar or other air-tight storage container
- 2.1 oz Vegetable glycerin (where to buy)
- 1.4 oz Sodium Lauryl sulfoacetate (where to buy)
- 10 drops of your favorite essential oils
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir.
- Once your ingredients are thoroughly mixed into a paste, transfer them to an airtight container
or jar. - Use between 1/2 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of the paste per bath (more bubble bath paste = more
bubbles!)
- 4 oz cup water
- 4 oz vegetable glycerine
- 10 oz castile soap
- 10 drops of your favorite essential oils
- Combine all ingredients and stir until you have a uniform mixture.
- Transfer the liquid to a bottle or jar and seal with a lid.
- Pour a few teaspoons of the liquid into the water at bath time.
Note: The liquid bubble bath solution produces fewer bubbles than the paste (especially if you live in an area with hard water)