How to Create the Ultimate Bubble Bath

When you think of self-care, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For us, it’s soaking in a warm bath surrounded by mountains of bubbles. If done right, bubble baths can feel like the most luxurious, spa-like treat on the self-care scale, and yet it is probably one of the easiest and most accessible acts we can do for ourselves.

Most of us are aware that having a warm bubble bath is good for us, but what about it is so beneficial to our health? Soaking in a warm tub increases blood flow, releases tension in your muscles, and helps reduce levels of cortisol (aka the hormone associated with stress). Plus, when you add the right products, baths can have additional benefits like moisturizing your skin and getting your body and mind ready for a deeper sleep.

If having a bath is the best method for relaxation and stress relief, we’re here for it. Read on to learn how to enhance the overall experience and benefits of your bath so you can get the most out of this self-care strategy, starting with the most essential part: the bubbles.

How to make DIY bath bubbles

There’s something magical about watching bath bubbles form into a cloud of foam in your bathtub and then stepping into them, easing your body into the warm water underneath. Not only do bubbles level-up your bath, but did you know that they actually help to make your bath last longer? The bubbles act as a layer of insulation by trapping the heat in the water, keeping it hot for longer and giving you more opportunity to reap the rewards of a warm soak.

This is why bubbles are a must to enhance your overall bath experience. Unfortunately though, many mass-produced bubble bath products contain chemicals that are potentially toxic to our health and the environment, including common ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause irritation and dry skin; parabens, which can disrupt hormone function; and phthalates, which have been linked to cancer.

While some brands meet our standards of being vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic (read more about Kinder Beauty’s product standards here), the beauty of creating your own bubbles is knowing exactly what you’re putting into your bathwater. For a homemade solution that is simple and clean, we like to mix one cup of Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (a brand we love because it’s always vegan, fair trade, and sustainably sourced) with two or three drops of lavender essential oil, one tablespoon of coconut oil, and enough water to thin it out.

Tips for enhancing your bubble bath

Now that you’ve got your bubble bath solution in hand, here are some simple steps to boost your bath time.

1. Take your time

A big part of any bathtime ritual is slowing down. If full relaxation and self-care are your goals, it’s best to hit the bath when you have time to just be. The experience should start from the moment you start running the bath water—this isn’t the time to stress over your to-do list or worry about an upcoming deadline.

If you have limited time or constant interruptions, you won’t get the benefits you were hoping for. For many of us, bath time is best at the end of the day and as part of the bedtime routine. This way, there are fewer chances for interruptions or scheduled conflicts.

2. Set the mood

Yep, we’re talking about all the stereotypical mood-enhancing ways to adjust your physical environment to be as relaxing as possible. Low lighting and candles, calming background music, and a bath pillow are just a few of our favorites.

3. Get the right temperature

While there isn’t an ideal temperature for bathwater that suits everyone, it comes down to personal preference and whether you’re looking to warm up or cool down during your soak. For most people, comfortable bathwater is about 100 degrees F, but the easiest way to ensure it’s just right for you is to hold the inside of your wrist under the running water. This helps you gauge what the water temp feels like against the sensitive parts of your body.

And while you have the water running to fill the tub, don’t forget to add your bubble bath solution. Slowly add the liquid under the running water—typically, the stronger the water pressure, the more bubbles you’ll get.

4. Use your best products (you’re worth it)

While you’re enjoying some heavenly self-care time, why not pull out some of those fancy products you might be saving for a special occasion, like a face mask, exfoliating scrub, bath bomb, or body brush? These little extras will make your ordinary bath time that much more indulgent.

5. Focus on skincare

Soaking in the time is an opportune time to focus on skincare, too. The steam effect from the warm water in the tub can enhance the penetration of skincare products because it opens up your pores, so now’s the time to put on a face mask, or apply your face serum, toner, and other skincare essentials.

When you get out of the bath, aftercare is equally important. Be sure to moisturize from head to toe, including your face, and then gently pat yourself dry.

Final thoughts

Baths are one of the best ways to relax, improve circulation, and sleep more deeply. Adding homemade bubbles and other indulgent skincare products made with vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic ingredients will take your bath to the next level.

Nicole Axworthy is a Toronto-based writer and author of the vegan cookbook DIY Vegan.