DIY Bubble Bath Recipes: Luxurious Essential Oil Formulas for Relaxation

There's something magical about sinking into a tub full of fragrant, luxurious bubbles. But commercial bubble baths often contain harsh sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and ingredients that can dry out skin or cause irritation. Making your own bubble bath lets you enjoy mountains of bubbles with pure, skin-nourishing ingredients and therapeutic essential oils.

These DIY bubble bath recipes create real, lasting bubbles while delivering aromatherapy benefits and leaving your skin soft and moisturized. From relaxing evening soaks to energizing morning baths, these formulations transform ordinary bath time into a true spa experience.

The Science of Bubbles

What Makes Bubbles

Key bubble-making ingredients:

Liquid castile soap creates the base bubbles
Glycerin strengthens bubble walls
Light carrier oils add moisturizing without killing foam
Essential oils provide aromatherapy

Why homemade bubbles are better:

Gentler surfactants than commercial products
No harsh sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Customizable for sensitive skin
Therapeutic essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance

Relaxation Bubble Baths

Ultimate Relaxation Bubble Bath

Melt away stress:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap (unscented)
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon light carrier oil (sweet almond or jojoba)
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
5 drops cedarwood essential oil

Classic spa-style relaxation in your own tub.

Deep Sleep Bubble Bath

Pre-bedtime soak:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops roman chamomile essential oil
5 drops vetiver essential oil
5 drops marjoram essential oil

Deeply sedating blend for insomnia sufferers.

Stress Relief Bubble Bath

When tension won't release:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

12 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops clary sage essential oil
8 drops bergamot essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil

Grounding and calming for high-stress days.

Energizing Bubble Baths

Morning Wake-Up Bubble Bath

Start your day refreshed:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon light carrier oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

15 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
8 drops rosemary essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil

Invigorating blend to shake off sleep.

Citrus Burst Bubble Bath

Mood-lifting energy:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

12 drops sweet orange essential oil
10 drops grapefruit essential oil
8 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops lime essential oil

Bright, cheerful citrus for happy bathing.

Focus & Clarity Bubble Bath

When you need mental sharpness:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

12 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
8 drops basil essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil

Stimulating blend for cognitive enhancement.

Muscle & Body Bubble Baths

Sore Muscle Soak

After workouts or physical labor:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon arnica-infused oil
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 cup Epsom salt (add directly to bath)

Essential oils:

12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
8 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops black pepper essential oil

Cooling and warming for tired muscles.

Joint Comfort Bubble Bath

Ease stiffness and aches:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 cup Epsom salt (add to bath)

Essential oils:

12 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops juniper berry essential oil
8 drops ginger essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil

Warming comfort for achy joints.

Detox Bubble Bath

Support lymphatic drainage:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 cup Epsom salt (add to bath)

Essential oils:

12 drops grapefruit essential oil
10 drops juniper berry essential oil
8 drops cypress essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil

Stimulating blend for body cleansing.

Romantic Bubble Baths

Date Night Bubble Bath

Set the mood:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

12 drops ylang ylang essential oil
10 drops sandalwood essential oil
8 drops jasmine absolute
5 drops patchouli essential oil

Sensual, exotic, deeply romantic.

Rose Garden Bubble Bath

Classic romance:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon rosehip oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

15 drops rose geranium essential oil
10 drops palmarosa essential oil
5 drops rose absolute (or more geranium)
5 drops sandalwood essential oil

Floral elegance reminiscent of rose gardens.

Couples Relaxation Bubble Bath

Shared bathing experience:

Base ingredients (double batch):

2 cups liquid castile soap
4 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
1/2 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

20 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops bergamot essential oil
10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
10 drops cedarwood essential oil

Balanced blend both partners enjoy.

Kids-Friendly Bubble Baths

Gentle Lavender Bubble Bath

Safe and calming for children:

Base ingredients:

1 cup unscented baby castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

8 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops roman chamomile essential oil

Mild formula for ages 2+.

Bedtime Bubbles

Help little ones wind down:

Base ingredients:

1 cup baby castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops mandarin essential oil
2 drops cedarwood essential oil

Gentle, sleepy-time blend.

Fun Citrus Bubbles

Playful bath time:

Base ingredients:

1 cup baby castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon coconut oil (fractionated)
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

6 drops sweet orange essential oil
4 drops mandarin essential oil
2 drops vanilla extract (not essential oil)

Kid-approved citrus sweetness.

Seasonal Bubble Baths

Spring Garden Bubble Bath

Fresh, floral renewal:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

12 drops geranium essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops petitgrain essential oil

Light, fresh, garden-inspired.

Summer Cooling Bubble Bath

Beat the heat:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon coconut oil (fractionated)
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

15 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops spearmint essential oil
8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops lime essential oil

Refreshingly cool—perfect for warm evenings.

Autumn Harvest Bubble Bath

Warm, cozy comfort:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

12 drops sweet orange essential oil
8 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
8 drops clove essential oil
5 drops ginger essential oil

Warming spices for cool autumn nights.

Winter Wellness Bubble Bath

Support immunity:

Base ingredients:

1 cup liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1/4 cup distilled water

Essential oils:

12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
8 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil

Immune-supportive for cold and flu season.

Creating Your Bubble Bath

Equipment Needed

Glass or plastic measuring cups
Funnel
Storage bottle (glass or PET plastic)
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Method

Combine wet ingredients:
- Pour castile soap into bowl
- Add glycerin and carrier oil
- Add distilled water
- Whisk gently (don't create foam yet)
Add essential oils:
- Add drops one at a time
- Stir gently to incorporate
- Don't whisk vigorously
Bottle:
- Use funnel to transfer to storage bottle
- Cap tightly
- Label with contents and date
Use:
- Shake gently before each use
- Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup under running water
- Adjust amount for desired bubble level

Storage

Store in cool, dark place
Use within 3-6 months
Shake before each use (oils may separate)
Keep away from humidity

Tips for Best Bubbles

Maximize Bubble Formation

Pour under running warm water
Use adequate amount (at least 1/4 cup)
Hot water creates more bubbles than warm
Agitate water as it fills

Make Bubbles Last

Don't add extra oils to bath (kills bubbles)
Keep bath bombs separate from bubble bath
Use glycerin—it strengthens bubble walls
Don't use too much carrier oil

Troubleshooting

Not enough bubbles:

Add more bubble bath next time
Pour under running water, not still
Water may be too cold

Bubbles disappearing quickly:

Too much carrier oil in formula
Water too cool
Need more glycerin

Skin irritation:

Reduce essential oil concentration
Try different castile soap brand
Lower water temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bubble bath should I use per bath?

Start with 1/4 cup for a standard tub. Increase to 1/2 cup for more bubbles. Large soaking tubs may need 3/4 cup. It depends on your water hardness and tub size.

Can I add bath salts to bubble bath?

Yes—add Epsom or sea salt directly to the bath water, not to the bubble bath formula. Salt doesn't kill bubbles the way oil does.

Why is my bubble bath separating?

Natural separation is normal—just shake before use. If extreme separation occurs, try using less carrier oil or adding a small amount of polysorbate 20 (an emulsifier) to blend ingredients.

Is bubble bath safe for jets/whirlpool tubs?

Use sparingly in jetted tubs—excessive bubbles can overflow or clog jets. Use about half the amount you'd use in a regular tub, and run jets briefly.

Can I use bubble bath as a body wash?

Yes—the castile soap base makes it an excellent body wash. Use a small amount on a loofah or washcloth. It won't bubble as much without running water.

How do I make bubble bath more moisturizing?

Increase the carrier oil slightly (up to 2 tablespoons), but be aware this reduces bubble production. Alternatively, apply body oil after bathing for deep moisture.

Last updated: December 2025. These recipes are for external use only. Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs. Keep out of eyes.