Bubble Bath Base

This formulation provides light, lacy bubbles with good skin after-feel. In order to get high-quality bubbles, you need a few surfactants that compliment one another. Our anionic surfactant is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - the beauty of including this one is that it can be thickened with table salt. 

This formula can take an additional 10% of add-ins so try adding extra ingredients to soothe and soften skin. Some favourite add-ins include aloe vera, honey, brewed tea, essential oils, and powdered goat milk—but this is a time to get creative!

The formulation contains Polysorbate-20, which means you can add a small amount of fragrance oil or essential oil and it will solubilise.

Equipment:

• Heat-resistant glass or stainless steel bowl
• Mixing utensils
• Stick blender or hand mixer
• pH strips (optional, for checking pH)
• Sterilised bottle or container for storage

METHOD:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure your workspace is clean and sterilised. Sterilisation is crucial to prevent contamination of your bubble bath product.
2. Weigh and Measure Ingredients: Use a kitchen scale to accurately weigh and measure each ingredient according to the percentages listed above. Precise measurements are important for consistency.
3. Combine Water and Xanthan Gum: In a heat-resistant bowl, slowly sprinkle the xanthan gum into the water while stirring continuously. This prevents clumps from forming. Allow it to hydrate for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens into a gel-like consistency.
4. Heat and Add Surfactants: Gently heat the xanthan gum and water mixture in a double boiler or the microwave until it reaches a temperature of around 140°F (60°C). Once heated, remove from heat and add the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Cocobetaine), and Sodium Lauroamphoacetate. Stir well to combine. Remember, these are bubbling ingredients so avoid mixing too vigourously.
5. Dissolve Salt: Dissolve the salt in a small amount of warm water separately, ensuring it fully dissolves. Add this salt solution to the main mixture and stir thoroughly. The salt helps thicken the bubble bath and improves bubble formation.
6. Cool the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This may take some time, so be patient. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from setting too quickly.
7. Check pH (optional): Use pH strips to check the pH level of your bubble bath product. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, which is gentle on the skin. Adjust the pH using citric acid or sodium hydroxide if needed.
8. Incorporate the Preservative: Once the mixture has cooled and the pH is adjusted, add the Optiphen Plus preservative following the manufacturer's instructions. This is crucial for preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms in your product.
9. Mix and Bottle: Use a stick blender or hand mixer to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. Ensure that the mixture is well combined and has a smooth texture. Carefully pour the bubble bath into a sterilised bottle or container for storage.
10. Label and Store: Label your bubble bath container with the date of preparation and any additional information, such as usage instructions or scent. Store your bubble bath product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

To use, simply pour a desired amount of the bubble bath under running water as you fill your bath. Enjoy a relaxing and bubbly bath experience with your homemade bubble bath product!

Try these simple variations:

• Essential Oils: For fragrance and therapeutic benefits. Examples include lavender (relaxing), eucalyptus (refreshing), or chamomile (soothing). Add 10-15 drops per cup of bubble bath base.
• Fragrance Oils: These provide scent without therapeutic benefits. Use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Colourants: Use skin-safe liquid soap dyes or mica powders. Add a few drops or a pinch at a time until the desired colour is achieved.
• Moisturisers: Additives like glycerin, vitamin E oil, or natural oils (e.g., almond oil, jojoba oil) to enhance skin hydration. Use up to 1 tablespoon per cup of base.
• Botanical Extracts: Aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula extracts can soothe and heal the skin. Add according to product instructions.
• Foaming Agents: If you want more bubbles, you can add a bit of additional surfactant like coco betaine.