Pamper yourself with DIY lavender bubble bath bar scoops that turn bath time into a spa-like experience! Infused with lavender essential oil, moisturising cocoa butter and shea butter, these DIY bath truffles soften the skin, relax your senses and create long-lasting bubbles. This solid bubble bar recipe is easier to make than bath bombs but looks just as beautiful and is a lovely homemade gift idea for many occasions.
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DIY lavender bubble bath bar scoops – homemade, no-fail bath truffle recipe with essential oils
Don’t like fussing with bath bombs? Then these foaming and skin-moisturising DIY bath truffles with lavender essential oil are perfect for you! They fizz when you drop them in the tub, create beautiful bubbles and foam, release nourishing oils into the water and give off a tantalising lavender scent.
The little beauties resemble scoops of yummy ice cream, and a cookie scoop is used to form them. You may also know them as bubble bath truffles, bubble bath bomb scoops, bubble bars, sundae bath truffles, bubble bath bars, solid bubble bath, bubble bomb, or bath fizzy. A lot of names for one homemade bath product, right?
Because these lavender bath truffles contain more oils than regular bath bombs, they are easier to form and can be made even in a humid environment. And as we use an ice scoop to shape them, you won’t have to worry about using a bath bomb mould either.
Pin the DIY Lavender Bubble Bath Bar Scoops for later
Bubble bars are a cute DIY gift idea for natural beauty lovers
Bubble bath truffles are a gorgeous homemade gift idea for everyone who loves natural skincare and lavender-scented gifts. They just look adorable, and you can gift the bath truffles individually, put them into a beauty hamper, or package a few bath truffles into a pretty box. You can also download this printable gift box with a lovely lavender design to wrap the bubble bath bomb scoops.
A word of warning: if you gift these DIY lavender bath truffles be sure to let people know that this is a homemade body product and NOT an edible treat. My brother-in-law has – repeatedly – tried to eat beauty DIYs I brought over to Cyna’s for photos. Men and bath gifts – they never learn, do they?
Benefits of lavender essential oils for beauty, health, and wellness
Lavender essential oil is a popular and versatile essential oil with many uses in skincare and aromatherapy. The oil is steam distilled from the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) and has been used as a bath additive since ancient times.
When buying lavender essential oils, only choose a good-quality, organic, pure and undiluted essential oil. I like this lavender essential oil from Viva, Plant Therapy and Healing Solutions are excellent options, too. Products labelled “lavender fragrance oil” or “lavender perfume oil” aren’t essential oils and therefore don’t have the benefits of real lavender essential oil.
READ: Homemade Rose Bath Truffles
Possible health and skincare benefits of lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is a multipurpose oil with numerous skincare and health uses. Adding this oil to your bath can be beneficial for several skin issues. The topical application of lavender essential oil has many possible benefits:
- anti-inflammatory properties: lavender EO is purported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic abilities and its pain-relieving effects can help soothe inflamed and sunburned skin.
- reduces acne: due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, lavender oil can also be effective to improve and lessen the appearance of acne and to regulate the production of sebum.
- soothes eczema and nourishes dry skin: the anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil may help to reduce eczema, dry, itchy skin, and psoriasis. (source)
- wound healing ability: lavender oil is said to promote the healing of skin tissue and to speed up healing of minor wounds, cuts, bruises, razor bumps, and bug bites. (source)
- anti-fungal activity: a study found that lavender essential oil has anti-fungal properties that could be useful to fight fungal infections. (source)
- antioxidant: lavender oil contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radicals and may be beneficial for anti-ageing.
- hair care: a Scottish study suggests that this essential oil may also aid with hair loss by increasing hair growth. (source)
- relieves pain: taking a bath with lavender essential oil can also remedy sore and tense muscles, sprains, and joint pain.
Aromatherapy benefits of lavender essential oils
Taking a bath is a great way to relax and unwind at the end of a stressful day. The relaxing effects are furthered by the aromatherapeutic benefits of lavender essential oil. So breath in deeply when the lavender bubble bar dissolves in the tub. Here are three benefits:
- relieves stress and anxiety: recent studies show that lavender oil provides relief for stress, anxiety, migraines, headache, nervous tension, and restlessness. (source 1, 2)
- promotes sleep: inhaling lavender at bedtime fights insomnia and improves sleep onset, quality and duration. (source 1, 2)
- helps with respiratory problems: lavender oil is also useful to alleviate respiratory conditions such as sinus congestion, throat infection, cough, flu, cold, or tonsillitis.
Caution and side effects
Although lavender essential oil is considered to be one of the safest EOs, side effects, skin irritation, or allergic reactions may occur. Do not exceed the dosage listed in the bubble bar recipe and reduce the amount for people with sensitive skin, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children.
Lavender essential oils blends for bubbling bath truffle scoops
I scented my homemade bath truffles only with lavender essential oil. Of course, you can also create essential oil blends to fragrance this sundae bath truffle recipe. For the natural aromatherapy essential oil blend ideas below, I chose essential oils that pair well lavender.
- relaxing floral blend: lavender, geranium, ylang-ylang (1:1:1)
- anti-anxiety blend: lavender, Roman chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood (2:2:1:1)
- insomnia blend: lavender, bergamot, patchouli (2:1:1)
- stress relief blend: lavender, neroli, lemongrass (2:1:1)
- muscle pain blend: lavender and rosemary (3:1)
- cold and pain relief blend: lavender, marjoram, cedarwood (5:2:2:1)
What materials do I need to make DIY lavender bubble bath bar scoops at home?
We’ve talked about lavender oil and essential oil blends to fragrance these DIY bubble bath bars. Now, let’s see what other ingredients and materials we need to make lavender bath truffles.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda is used for many household purposes, including baking as a raising agent, natural cleaning, and beauty products. Always purchase pure baking soda, some brands sell baking soda mixed with cornstarch.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a dry powder and a weak organic acid. Citric acid, together with baking soda, causes the fizzing reaction of the solid bubble bath. This ingredient is available online or in the preserving/canning aisle of some supermarkets.
SLSA (sodium lauryl sulfate)
SLSA is a finely milled, white powder derived from coconut and palm oils that creates the beautiful bubbles in these bubble bars. This ingredient is not to be confused with SLS, which is a harsh chemical that can cause skin irritation. Because SLSA is a fine dust, I recommend wearing gloves and a face mask to avoid breathing it in.
Cocoa butter and coconut oil
Cocoa butter and coconut oil are plant-based oils that provide structure to the bubble bombs and act as carrier oils for the lavender essential oil. Cocoa butter and coconut oil are also excellent emollients, which soften and hydrate the skin once they melt in the bathwater.
You can prepare this DIY bubble bar recipe also with only one type of butter or any combination of cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, and mango butter. You just have to choose a butter that is solid at room temperature as the mini bath scoops otherwise won’t set and harden.
Mica
Mica powders are potent cosmetic pigments, which are perfect for bath fizzies because they are dry powders instead of liquids and won’t change the consistency of the bubble scoop mixture. When you mix the mica powder with the dry ingredients, the colour will appear lighter than in the finished bubble bath scoops. Once you add the liquid ingredients, the colour becomes stronger an richer.
Mica powders come in countless colours, and I love this set of 21 mica powders.
Polysorbate 80
Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier that helps to disperse and emulsify the butters, essential oils, and mica into the bathwater. This ingredient also helps to avoid a coloured ring of dye or fat when you drain the water, makes the surface less slippery and helps with easy cleanup.
Cookie scoop
Lastly, you need a cookie scoop with a trigger release to form the bath bombs. Ice cream scoops without this type of release won’t work for this DIY. I used the medium-sized scoop from this set of 3 cookie scoops. Of course, you can make the solid bubble bath scoops smaller or larger as well.
Tips & Tricks: How to make this easy solid bubble bar scoops recipe?
Learn how to make bubble bath scoops with essential oil and moisturising butters. I have put together a few tips and tricks that will help you to get the best DYI lavender bath truffles.
General tips
- Baking soda and citric acid are available in different grain sizes. For the best fizzing reaction, buy the finest milled ingredients possible.
- Essential oils must be dissolved in a carrier oil (cocoa butter and coconut oil in this recipe) before you add them to the dry ingredients. Since essential oils are very volatile (meaning they vaporise easily), let the butter-oil mixture cool for 10 minutes before stirring in the lavender essential oil or oil blend.
- I don’t recommend using liquid soap dyes in this recipe. Liquid colourants often contain glycerin, which is water-absorbent and can cause the solid bubble bath to soften and expand.
Right consistency
- While the mixture for bath bombs should have the consistency of barely damp sand, the bubble bath scoop mixture should feel like wet cookie dough or play dough. I prepared the recipe multiple times and found the amount of oil and butter stated in the ingredients list is perfect to get the right consistency. If you live in an arid environment, you can also add up to 3 tablespoons more melted oil if necessary.
Forming and drying the bath truffle scoops
- Fill and pack the bubble bar mixture firmly into the scoop. Compact the mixture as much as you can and create a flat, level back. I lined a cutting board with parchment/baking paper and released the bubble bath scoop directly onto the paper. Dropping down the mixture a few inches above the cutting board can cause breakage.
- After forming the bath truffles, put them into the fridge for 1 to 2 hours so that the cocoa butter and coconut oil can solidify. Then let them dry for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature. Most refrigerators are moist inside, and this moisture can start the fizzing reaction. Therefore, it’s best to let the DIY lavender bubble bath bar scoops dry at room temperature. You can also use the truffles bars right after taking them out of the fridge. I did this, and they dissolved perfectly.
I hope you enjoy this step-by-step bubble bath bar tutorial. If you have a question, just drop me a comment!
More homemade beauty recipes to make bath time fun
Love these DIY lavender bubble bath bar scoops and want more homemade beauty and natural skincare ideas? Check out the links below:
- Lavender Bath Salt
- DIY Floral Bath Creamers
- DIY Himalayan Salt Bath Bombs
- Bath Bomb Favours
- Relaxing Bath Oil
DIY Lavender Bubble Bath Bar Scoops
Pamper yourself with DIY lavender bubble bath bars scoops that turn bath time into a spa-like experience! Infused with lavender essential oil, moisturising cocoa butter and she abutter, these DIY bath truffles soften the skin, relaxes your senses and create long-lasting bubbles. This solid bubble bar recipe is easier to make than bath bombs but looks just as beautiful and is a lovely homemade gift idea for many occasions.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Put on the gloves and face mask.
- Sift the baking soda and citric acid into a large mixing bowl. Add the SLSA and mica powder and whisk slowly until the ingredients are well combined.
- Put the cocoa butter and coconut oil into a microwave safe bowl or jug. Melt in the microwave in one-minute bursts. Alternatively, melt in a double boiler. Set
aside for 10 minutes, then stir in the Polysorbate 80 and lavender essential oil. - Pour the melted oil mixture over the dry ingredients and knead with your hands. The mixture should have a consistency similar to cookie dough or playdough.
- Line a cutting board or tray with parchment/baking paper or wax/grease-proof paper.
- Pack and press the mixture tightly into the ice cream scoop. The backside of the bath truffle should be flat.
- Squeeze the sides of the handle together to release the bath truffle onto the lined board/tray.
- Put the bubble bars in the fridge for two hours to harden. Then let the bath bomb scoops dry for at least 24 hours at room temperature.
Notes
How to store bubble bars
Wrap each bath truffle in plastic wrap and put the bath scoops in an airtight container. The DIY lavender bubble bar scoops can be stored in a cool, dry place for 3 months.
How to use DIY lavender bubble bath bar scoops
For mild foam and bubbles, simply drop a lavender bath truffle into the water and let it dissolve like a bath bomb. For mounds of bubbles, crumble a bath scoop under running water to create foam and bubbles. Use your hands to stir the water for even
more bubbles.
Be careful when getting in and out of the tub – the oils in these bubble bath bar scoops can make the surface slippery.
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Over to you!
Thanks so much for visiting Country Hill Cottage – we’re so happy you’re here! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!
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Irena xx
Mary-Jane
Wednesday 4th of October 2023
Hi, would I be able to use fractionated coconut oil instead of coconut oil? Thank you!
Mary-Jane
Thursday 5th of October 2023
@Irena | Country Hill Cottage,
Perfect, thank you!
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Thursday 5th of October 2023
Hi Mary-Jane! Yes, you can substitute fractionated coconut oil as long as you use cocoa butter too. Happy making!
Dianne
Thursday 25th of November 2021
Hi, is it possible to substitute the coconut oil for sweet almond oil? I used Shea butter and sweet almond oil but they don't seem to be hardening.
Thanks
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Friday 26th of November 2021
Hi Dianne! I'm sorry you have an issue. Sadly, it's not possible to substitute coconut oil with sweet almond oil in this recipe. You need an oil or plant butter that solidifies. Sweet almond oil will always remain liquid.
You can make the bubble scoops with just shea butter in case you don't have coconut oil.
To save your current batch, try placing the bubble scoops in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours.
Please let me know in case you have another question!
Nic
Monday 30th of August 2021
Hi, I followed the recipe exactly except I substituted the cocoa butter for shea butter. After 48 hours they are still soft and not hardening. How long do they take to get hard? They turned out great and work great just not hardening. Should I be doing something different? Do I need to add a hardening product? Thank you so much!
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Monday 30th of August 2021
Hi Nic! Cocoa butter is a lot harder than shea butter. Usually this isn't an issue in a moderate environment, but shea butter can have a hard time setting in hot temperatures. But nothing is lost yet, you have 2 options:
To safe your current batch, put the bubble bars in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours. That should help the shea butter to harden up nicely. If you want to keep the bubbles scoops in the fridge for longer, place them in an airtight container once the are hard enough to be handled. Otherwise, they might absorb moisture from the fridge and react prematurely.
For future batches, skip the coconut oil and prepare the mixture with 1 cup shea butter (instead of 1/2 cup coconut oil + 1/2 cup shea butter).
I hope this helps and please let me know how it goes!
May Linda
Monday 21st of June 2021
Hi, do you have an alternative to polysorbate 80? It can have side effects. Or a recipe with all natural stuff?
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Monday 21st of June 2021
Hi! You can use Sorbitan oleate as an ECOCERT-approved solution instead of Polysorbate 80. Another idea would be to replace the Poly 80 with melted Olivem 1000. You need 3 tbsp Olivem and you can melt the product together with the oils. I hope this answers your question and reach out anytime in case you have another question. Happy making!
Julie Ewing
Saturday 12th of June 2021
Hi, can you add Epsom salt and glycerin to this recipe?
Cyna | Country Hill Cottage
Sunday 13th of June 2021
Hi Julie! You can probably add a small amount of Epsom salt to the recipe. I would start with 1/4 cup and see how the texture turns out. If the texture is too dry, add a little more coconut oil/cocoa butter. And be sure to store the bath scoops airtight. Epsom salt will draw moisture from the air, which can melt the product, especially if you live in a humid environment.
I'm not sure if glycerin would work. If you try start with 1-2 tbsp. If the texture is too soft, increase the amount of baking soda and citric acid.
I hope this answers your question and please let me know how it goes!