Like all little girls, my daughter loves her bubble baths. It’s not unusual for her to soak in the bath for over one hour playing with her toys. When we become adults, we tend to avoid bubble baths as they can be drying to the skin. We also noticed that most commercial bubble baths contain harmful chemicals and fragrances such as sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine.
Sodium laureth sulphate is a common ingredient in most soaps, detergents, shampoos and toothpaste. It works well for removing oils and dirt, but it can be extremely strong. Something that can get your concrete or tile floor squeaky clean is not always the best substance to soak your body in for prolonged periods of time.
The skin is the largest organ therefore we easily absorb what we put on it. Making your own bubble bath allows you to reduce the number of chemicals in your home.
Old Fashioned Bubble Bath
• 1 cup liquid Castile soap
• ¼ cup glycerin
• ½ cup water
• 15 drops of your choice of essential oil ( such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, vanilla, or citrus)
Castile soap is a natural vegetable soap made with olive oil, lye, and water. It’s safe to use on all skin types and is available in health shops.
Glycerin is a clear liquid produced from the oil of plants. It helps the skin retain moisture therefore it’s an essential ingredient for bubble bath. It’s widely available in supermarkets, chemists, beauty shops and health shops.
Lavender, which is known to promote relaxation, also contains anti-fungal properties which protects against skin and nail infections.
Peppermint and citrus are invigorating scents which help to boost energy.
Directions
• Combine the soap, glycerin, and water in a clean container.
• Add one or more essential oils of your choice and mix well.
• Pour some of the mixture into a running bath of warm water.
• Relax and enjoy.
Egg white bubble bath
Mix 1 cup of castile soap with 1 egg white and 30 drops of essential oils. The egg white helps to create stronger, longer-lasting bubbles. Use this bubble bath with warm, not hot water, to avoid curdling the egg. If you have dry skin, add a tablespoon of natural oil such as olive or almond oil.
It is important to note that the bubbles will not last as long as the commercial varieties which contain chemicals that helps to create bubbles. However, you will benefit from a chemical free relaxing experience with all the therapeutic benefits of essential oils as well as the moisturizing benefits.