Ever since Anne-Marie dyed her hair light pink, we’ve been obsessed with hair color trends. The latest trend to catch our eye is pearlescent hair. The technique involves creating multi-colored locks with a holographic effect. Pearl hair inspired these Iridescent Bath Bombs. They are covered in Rose Gold Mica and Aqua Pearl Mica to create the subtle ombré effect.
The great thing about this bath bomb technique is that it’s simple to do. Apply the mica directly to the bath bomb with your fingers and spread it around until you’re happy with the effect. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The process is a little bit messy though, so gloves and something to cover your surface is recommended.
What You’ll Need:
8-10 Bath Bomb Mold & Package
3 cups Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
1.5 cups Citric Acid
3 oz. Shea Butter
0.5 oz. White Rose Fragrance Oil
0.5 oz. Polysorbate 80
Super Pearly White Mica
Rose Gold Mica
Aqua Pearl Mica
Witch Hazel in a Spray Bottle
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Find the supplies you need for this project below
ONE: Add 3 ounces of shea butter to a small heat and fragrance oil-safe container and melt in the microwave using 30 second bursts. Add 0.5 ounces of Polysorbate 80 and 0.5 ounces of White Rose Fragrance Oil. Use a spoon to fully mix the ingredients together. The Polysorbate 80 is there to help disperse the color in the tub (less chance of color sticking to the sides of the tub).
TWO: In a large bowl, mix together the baking soda and citric acid. To get rid of clumps in the mixture, you can push the powders through a sifter or break them up with your fingers. Citric acid has a tendency to take off nail polish, so wear gloves to protect your manicure. Thoroughly stir the ingredients together.
THREE: Add the shea butter mixture to the baking soda and citric acid. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together.
FOUR: Test the consistency of the bath bomb mixture. The perfect consistency for molding is a texture similar to damp sand that holds its shape when squeezed. If it’s too dry, use one hand to spritz the mixture with witch hazel and one to mix. Continue spritzing until the mixture holds its shape when squeezed. Below, you can see that the mixture forms a ball when squeezed. This means that the mixture will hold its shape in the mold as well.
FIVE: Fill the two halves of the molds, gently pressing the bath bomb mixture in each so they hold their shape. Mound a little extra mixture in the center of each half of the molds. Wipe away any mixture that got in the seams of the mold, match the eyelets of each side up, and press together. To avoid any imperfections on your bath bomb, make sure to direct pressure to the edges of the mold rather than the center. Continue filling up the bath bomb molds until the mixture is gone.
SIX: Allow the bath bombs to harden in the mold for 24 hours. Then, carefully remove them from the package. Fill a bowl with a few tablespoons of Super Pearly White Mica. The following steps can get a little messy, so you may want to lay down newspaper or another cover to aid in cleanup.
SEVEN: Spritz the outside of one bath bomb lightly with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Gently roll the bath bomb in the mica until completely covered. Use your fingers to carefully brush off any excess mica.
EIGHT: Once the bath bomb is coated in Super Pearly White, it’s time to play with color! Dip your finger into the Rose Gold Mica brush it onto the surface of the bath bomb. You can always add more color, so start with a light application. Spread the Rose Gold Mica around the bath bomb. There is no right or wrong way to place it, so just have fun. Once you’ve covered about 1/4 to 1/2 of the bath bomb, move on to the next color.
NINE: Dip your finger into the Aqua Pearl Mica and spread it onto the bath bomb in a different area. Once the colors begin to touch, blend them together with your finger. Continue blending the micas on the bath bomb in different areas until you’re happy with the effect. If necessary, sprinkle more Super Pearly White on the bath bombs to help blend the colors, add more sparkle, or lighten the colors.
EIGHT: Repeat this process for each bath bomb until all are covered with color. Carefully place the bath bombs back into the mold and package until ready to use. Before placing them back into the package, you may want to wash the mold for a clean look. Just make sure they are completely dry before placing the fizzy back into the mold. To use, place the bath bomb into a hot bath and enjoy!
- 8-10 Bath Bomb Mold & Package
- 3 cups Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- 1.5 cups Citric Acid
- 3 oz. Shea Butter
- 0.5 oz. White Rose Fragrance Oil
- 0.5 oz. Polysorbate 80
- Super Pearly White Mica
- Witch Hazel in a Spray Bottle
- Add 3 ounces of shea butter to a small heat and fragrance oil-safe container and melt in the microwave using 30 second bursts. Add 0.5 ounces of polysorbate 80 and 0.5 ounces of White Rose Fragrance Oil. Use a spoon to fully mix the ingredients together.
- In a large bowl, mix together the baking soda and citric acid. To get rid of clumps in the mixture, you can push the powders through a sifter or break them up with your fingers. Citric acid has a tendency to take off nail polish, so wear gloves to protect your manicure. Thoroughly stir the ingredients together.
- Add the shea butter mixture to the baking soda and citric acid. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together.
- Test the consistency of the bath bomb mixture. The perfect consistency for molding is a texture similar to damp sand that holds its shape when squeezed. If it’s too dry, use one hand to spritz the mixture with witch hazel and one to mix. Continue spritzing until the mixture holds its shape when squeezed. Below, you can see that the mixture forms a ball when squeezed. This means that the mixture will hold its shape in the mold as well.
- Fill the two halves of the molds, gently pressing the bath bomb mixture in each so they hold their shape. Mound a little extra mixture in the center of each half of the molds. Wipe away any mixture that got in the seams of the mold, match the eyelets of each side up, and press together. To avoid any imperfections on your bath bomb, make sure to direct pressure to the edges of the mold rather than the center. Continue filling up the bath bomb molds until the mixture is gone.
- Allow the bath bombs to harden in the mold for 24 hours. Then, carefully remove them from the package. Fill a bowl with a few tablespoons of Super Pearly White Mica.
- Spritz the outside of one bath bomb lightly with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Gently roll the bath bomb in the mica until completely covered. Use your fingers to carefully brush off any excess mica.
- Once the bath bomb is coated in Super Pearly White, it's time to play with color! Dip your finger into the Rose Gold Mica brush it onto the surface of the bath bomb. You can always add more color, so start with a light application. Spread the Rose Gold Mica around the bath bomb. There is no right or wrong way to place it, so just have fun. Once you've covered about ¼ to ½ of the bath bomb, move on to the next color.
- Dip your finger into the Aqua Pearl Mica and spread it onto the bath bomb in a different area. Once the colors begin to touch, blend them together with your finger. Continue blending the micas on the bath bomb in different areas until you're happy with the effect. If necessary, sprinkle more Super Pearly White on the bath bombs to help blend the colors, add more sparkle, or lighten the colors.
- Repeat this process for each bath bomb until all are covered with color. Carefully place the bath bombs back into the mold and package until ready to use. Before placing them back into the package, you may want to wash the mold for a clean look. Just make sure they are completely dry before placing the fizzy back into the mold. To use, place the bath bomb into a hot bath and enjoy!
These look amazing! So the poly 80 will work without being combined in the mica?
Thanks
Yes!
Love this informative blog when it comes to bath product especially bath bomb.
Thanks and appreciate your sharing.
These shiny bath bombs would be a lot of fun to make 🙂
I’m finding the Polysorbate 80 has a strong smell and is overpowering my fragrance oil, is there anything I can do to fix this. I was told to use 1:1 ratio for fragrance oil to Polysorbate.
Thanks
We have not found that to be the case. Though for bath bombs we normally use a lower usage rate of the Polysorbate 80, at just 1% of the total weight of your bath bomb mixture. Maybe try using a little less and see if you like the results better.
These are probably the most beautiful bath bombs I’ve seen. I love the finish!
How much Super Pearly White Mica, Rose Gold Mica, Aqua Pearl Mica, & Witch Hazel will I need to make the Iridescent Pearl Bath Bomb?
Are these measurements by weight or volume?
Everything is by weight except the Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid.
I would love to try this! My only concern is that I live in the Florida keys and its 80-95% humid here all the time… should I lessen the amount of shea butter ? Would I be able to add any embeds to this? And would slsa if added be good for a more foam effect, and what amount for this size batch .. sorry.. so many questions… wanna learn from the best!
You can keep the same amount of shea butter, but you will need to wrap the bath bombs with plastic wrap and store them in a cool, dry area. Heat and humidity can cause them to fizz early. If you have a fan or a dehumidifier, that really helps. Get more tips on storing bath bombs here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
What embeds would you like to add (soap, other bath bombs)?
You can add SLSA. For lighter bubbles, add half as much as the citric acid. For larger bubbles, add the same amount as the citric acid.
SLSA: https://www.brambleberry.com/Sodium-Lauryl-Sulfoacetate-SLSA-P5244.aspx
I would like to add bath bomb embed. Will these float as well?
This post shows you how to embed a smaller bath bomb into a larger one: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/guest-post-sherbet-surprise-bath-fizzies/
Sometimes our bath bombs sink and sometimes they float. We’re not entirely sure what causes this, so we don’t have tips to make them go either way.
Does the water look pearlescent after dropping bomb into tub? Do you have a video showing how these bombs (and the Midas Touch) ones look in the bath?
We don’t have a video, but I can tell you the micas in this one and the Midas Touch Bath Bombs won’t color the tub too much. You will see a bit of shimmer though.
Midas Touch Bath Bombs: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/midas-touch-bath-bombs/
Will the mica adhere to the skin? Like an illuminating effect? Or just stay in the tub? I’m trying to create that particular effect.
A little bit of that mica will stick to the skin. If you want a more concentrated effect, you may try a shimmery lotion or body butter. I’ll link recipes below.
Whipped Amber Bronzing Butter: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/whipped-amber-bronzing-butter/
Burnt Sugar Shimmer Lotion: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/burnt-sugar-shimmer-lotion/
Just don’t use the polysorbate and use coconut oil instead of shea butter and you’ll be dripping in gold after your bath!
If you don’t use the polysorbate 80 it makes it so the oils float on the top of the water and make residue left behind on your tub. That is it’s purpose.
The green and rose micas have stained my countertop and I can’t get it off. Any suggestions? These are really durable counters so I’m surprised this happens. Not even sharpies stain this. Please help.
Try spraying the area liberally with 99% isopropyl alcohol and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub it with a paper towel. You may need to do this several times, and depending on the surface there may still be color.
99% isopropyl alcohol: https://www.brambleberry.com/99-Isopropyl-Alcohol-16-oz-P5682.aspx
For your next project, we recommend laying down newspaper or cardboard on your surface to protect against color transfer. If you do spill mica, try to brush it away lightly without adding water, then try the alcohol trick.
I’ve never found anything that works as well as a Magic Eraser.
On trying to separate metal molds, the material would not release from molds. How do you separate without this happening?
There are a few tricks to get your bath bombs to stick together. First is the texture. You want your bath bombs to feel like wet sand and hold their shape when squeezed. That will help them stick together.
Once they’re the right texture, you can fill the molds. You want to pack the powder in firmly but not so much that it sticks in the molds. Then, mound some of the bath bomb mixture in the center of each side of the mold. That will act like glue when they’re pressed together. You can see the texture and molding technique here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bjpsQXt6NU&t=169s
Can you substitute coconut oil for the shea butter?
Yes, coconut oil will work well in this recipe. The bath bombs may be a bit softer with coconut oil instead of shea butter, so you may want to make a small test batch to see what you think.
Coconut oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Coconut-Oil-P3196.aspx
Yes that is what I did it worked fine
Hi i made these bath bombs but found I didn’t need any witch Hazel as my mixture was fine with just the oil. I take it it’s not necessary to use it if it’s for the bath bomb to be fine
Yes, that’s correct – witch hazel isn’t always required. It depends on how much oil is in your batch and how humid it is that day. If the mixture feels like wet sand and holds its shape when squeezed, you don’t need to add any witch hazel. If not, keep spritzing and mixing until it does.
Get more bath bomb tips here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/bath-bomb-questions-answers/
I was looking up mica powders on amazon and a seller has your photo there. I wasn’t sure if you knew that or not. https://www.amazon.com/Mineral-Pigment-Colorant-Cosmetic-Shimmers/dp/B01MTFSU35/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1508448766&sr=8-11&keywords=shimmer+mica+powder+for+bath+bombs
Thank you for letting us know!
could you put the pearl mica in with the bath bomb mix and have it be like a luster bath bomb?
We haven’t tried that with mica, but we have made a hidden color bath bomb using La Bomb Colorants. Find that tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bjpsQXt6NU&t=111s
La Bomb Colorants: https://www.brambleberry.com/For-Bath-Bombs-C50.aspx
If you try with micas, I would recommend using the same method shown in the video of putting the color in the middle and then putting the two halves together.
What would happen if you left out the Polysorbate 80? Would you end up with a mica ring around the tub?
The polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier that helps the oil and color mix into the bath water. Without it, both will pool on top and can leave transfer on the tub. Polysorbate 80 is an optional ingredient, but we recommend it for best results.
I made this recipe the other day even though I felt that 3 oz of Shea butter was a little much for this recipe and I was right. They fizzed very little & when I finally did get one to dissolve, it was nothing but greasy feeling. I live in a humid climate & I know that is often the culprit, but I have been making bombs/fizzies for 3 years and have never had this happen. All yes, all ingredients were fresh and from reputable suppliers. Other thoughts please?
With the higher butter content these bath bombs will have a moisturizing feeling in the tub. However, in our tests we didn’t find that it affected the fizz. Did you notice the bath bombs expanding, or did they feel wet and soft? That can happen when they react to moisture in the air.
I cannot wait to try this out. If I “add to cart” all of the supplies listed above, will I be able to make more than one batch of these? I’d like to create a bunch! Do you know if I should double the amount of any of these ingredients to do this more than once?
You will have fragrance, butter, and color leftover. However, if you want to make a larger batch, I would recommend picking up another 1 ounce of polysorbate 80, 2 pounds of baking soda and 1 pound of citric acid. This recipe uses most of those, so extra will allow you to make more. You’ll also want to pick up more molds.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
what can I use instead of polysorbate 80?
We haven’t found a substitute for polysorbate 80 that helps disperse the color and butter in the bath water. You can leave it out, just know that the butter will pool on top. Make sure to be careful when exiting the tub, as it will be slippery. You can also reduce the amount of shea butter. The mixture will be more dry, so you may need more witch hazel to wet it.
Get more tips in this post: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/bath-bomb-questions-answers/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Really pretty! Do you have any pictures of what these bath bombs turn the water into? Does it also become pearlescent?
When you first drop the bath bomb in, it will give off some pink/blue iridescence. It looks really lovely. After the colored layer is done, it will fizz like a normal uncolored bath bomb. So, overall the water doesn’t have a lot of color, but will have a touch of shimmer.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
they are beautiful! what is the difference in using micha versus oxide- I have some oxides from brambelberry and wondered if I could use that to add color to my bath Bombs?
We don’t recommend oxides for bath bombs. They are heavier than micas, so they tend to be pretty streaky in the bath bombs and then transfer to the side of the tub. Micas work well though. Learn more about using them here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/bath-bomb-questions-answers/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Okay, I am about to cry with joy. I have been trying what feels like a million bath bomb recipes over the past few months. I am in a VERY humid area and after in-molding I watch them slightly sink or slightly activate. This recipe comes out perfectly! The only thing I did was substitute coconut oil (it was on hand). Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for providing this recipe!
That’s awesome, glad these bath bombs turned out well Cyd! I had quite a few broken bath bombs when I first started. It feels awesome to get that consistency down just right. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Another great tutorial. Thank you for always teaching!
You’re welcome Kimberly, glad you enjoyed it!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I live in a very humid climate. about 50% of the time my bombs begin reacting with the humidity in the air after a few hours and get all bumpy looking. How do you recommend preventing this? All ingredients are sifted through a sieve to remove any clumps, I add no water based products.
Purchasing a dehumidifier can really help, especially for humid climates. That will keep your space cool and dry so the bath bombs don’t start reacting with moisture in the air. You can also run a fan over them and place rice or silica packets nearby to keep them dry. Learn more in this post: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks again! I love that you always respond to questions!
This is SO ME!!! I’m totally excited, especially since I already have all the ingredients to make it!
Love when that happens!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
They are soooo pretty!!! They look like galaxy pearlsfalling from orbit!! I will be trying my first bath bombs with color and polysorbate80 this week!!!so excited. They look cosmic
Oh thank you Meka, glad you like them. Let us know how your first batch of bath bombs turn out. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Those look soo fun!! Great job! 🙂
They’re really fun to make, hope you get a chance to try them. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Very neat, they look like giant pearls 🙂
Thanks Michael!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry