Have you ever dropped a bath bomb into your tub only to watch it sink like a stone? That initial excitement quickly turns to disappointment when you realise the bomb isn’t going to fizz and bob around as you hoped.
Many enthusiasts face this sinking issue, but whether you are a bath bomb hobbyist or make bath bombs to sell on, there is a way to create bath bombs that float gracefully on the water’s surface, providing a more pleasant bathing experience. This guide will provide you with the steps needed to craft the perfect floating bath bomb.
H2: Ingredients That Help with Buoyancy
To float, bath bombs need to be buoyant, which depends on density. If a bath bomb is overfilled, it becomes too dense to float. To ensure it floats, avoid overfilling the mould and keep the right balance of size and weight. The ingredients inside don’t matter as much as the overall density.
Citric Acid
Not all citric acid is created equal. Using high-quality citric acid can speed up the fizzing reaction and help achieve a floaty bath bomb.

Sodium Bicarbonate
Fine sodium bicarbonate is crucial. It contributes to a light texture that promotes flotation. Larger granules can weigh down the bomb and lead to sinking.

Fragrance Oils
When choosing Fragrance oils and other additives, look for lightweight options. For instance our fragrance oils are super concentrated which means less is required. This will help keep the bomb less dense.
Achieving the Perfect Ratio
A good, basic starting recipe for floating bath bombs includes:
- 2 parts Bicarbonate of Soda
- 1 part citric acid
- A small amount of binder, such as water, or alcohol
Optional: a small amount of fragrance oil- this will depend on the IFRA allowance of each fragrance or even adding some colour using our water soluble dyes.
Using this simple yet effective recipe will help your bath bombs stay afloat, for a great bathing experience for the user. You can then experiment by adding different oils such as Apricot Kernel Oil or surfactants like SLSa.
Tips for Crafting Perfect Floating Bath Bombs
There are some additional steps you can take to ensure your bath bombs stay on top of the water. From thorough mixing techniques to longer drying times, every little counts!
Mixing Techniques
Proper mixing is key. Use slow, circular movements to ensure all ingredients are well combined. This reduces the likelihood of dense clumps.
Packing the Mould
Packing the moulds too tightly can increase density. Aim for a gentle press, allowing air pockets, which help the bomb stay buoyant. Also, try not to overfill your moulds, as this is the quickest way to make your bath bombs sink.
Drying Time
Adequate drying time is essential. Leave your bath bombs to dry on a drying rack for at least 24 hours. This ensures they harden properly and reduces the chance of sinking.
Where to Get High-Quality Bath Bomb Ingredients?
Perhaps the most important step to achieving a floating bath bomb is the quality of the ingredients. Here at Soak Rochford, we are a team of enthusiastic individuals committed to providing premium products for making the perfect bath bomb, as well as other cosmetic products.
We supply a range of ingredients from dyes and micas to dry ingredients, arming you with the perfect kit to create marvellous bath bombs! Why wait? Browse through our product range to craft your perfect bath bomb today!