Who knew bath time could be this magical? When I first stumbled on the idea of baking soda bubble bath dough, I thought — is it a bath bomb, is it playdough… or both? Turns out, it’s a genius mash-up that my kids can’t stop playing with. Not only does it fizz and bubble under water like a mini science experiment, but it’s also squishy, sparkly, and super fun to make.
Whether you’re looking for a creative sensory activity, a unique spa gift, or just want to make bath time less of a chore and more of a treat, this baking soda bubble bath dough recipe is where it’s at. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get sudsy!
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need for Baking Soda Bubble Bath Dough
Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff — what you actually need to whip up this squishy, fizzy bath dough magic. I’ve tried tweaking this recipe more times than I can count, and honestly? The secret’s in the balance of ingredients, not overthinking it.
Start with These Basics
You can’t make baking soda bubble bath dough without — you guessed it — baking soda. It’s not just a cleaning hack you stash in your fridge. In this recipe, it’s what gives the dough its soft fizz and helps cleanse the skin naturally.
- 1 cup baking soda – High-traffic keyword and a budget-friendly exfoliator that also softens bathwater.
- ½ cup gentle dish soap or bubble bath – Go for a sulfate-free option if your kiddo has sensitive skin. This is where the bubbly action comes from.
- ¼ cup cornstarch – This makes the texture dreamy. Too much and it crumbles like shortbread, too little and you’ll end up with sticky goo.
Here’s a tip I learned after a few sticky fails: mix the dry stuff first. I once dumped everything into the bowl all at once and ended up with this weird gummy mess that wouldn’t shape no matter what I did. Rookie move.
Optional – But Totally Worth It
You don’t need these, but if you want to level up your bath dough game or gift it out, these extras are clutch.
- Food coloring – Go bold or pastel. A single drop goes a long way. I love using gel-based ones for richer colors.
- Cosmetic-grade glitter – DO NOT use craft glitter. Trust me, you do not want itchy sparkles in uncomfortable places. Learned that the hard way.
- Essential oils – Lavender for chill vibes, citrus for energy. Just a drop or two — more than that and it gets overpowering.
I always test a drop on my wrist before mixing oils in. One time I used peppermint oil straight in and it turned bath time into a full-on tingle fest. Cool for me, not so much for my 5-year-old.
Tools That Make Life Easier
You’ve probably got everything already:
- A medium-sized mixing bowl – Plastic or glass, whatever’s on hand.
- Spoon or spatula – For mixing before kneading.
- Cookie cutters – If you want to make shapes. I’ve used hearts, stars, even dinosaurs.
- Airtight container or plastic wrap – Keeps leftovers soft for about a week.
And if you’re gifting these? Grab some mason jars, ribbons, and labels — Dollar Store staples. Add a little “Fizz & Fun” tag and boom: instant holiday gift.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Bath Dough That Fizzes & Foams
I’m not gonna lie — the first time I tried making this, it turned out like a sticky blob. But after some trial and error (and cleaning glitter off my kitchen table for days), I nailed the perfect bath dough recipe. It’s kind of like making slime, but with way better smells and zero parental dread.
1. Mix Dry Ingredients First
In a big ol’ bowl, combine:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Stir it together so it looks like soft white powder. This combo is what gives the bath dough its fizz and silky feel. Don’t skip this step. One time I added soap first and ended up with lumps that refused to mix. Lesson learned.
2. Slowly Add the Bubbles
Pour in ½ cup of gentle dish soap (or sulfate-free bubble bath for sensitive skin) slowly while stirring. You want a dough that’s soft but holds its shape — not soup.
If it’s too sticky: add a tablespoon of cornstarch.
If it’s too dry: drizzle in a bit more soap.
I usually end up kneading it by hand. Gloves help if you’ve got sensitive skin, but I just go for it. It’s like squishing marshmallow fluff, super satisfying.
3. Time to Color & Scent
Divide your dough if you want more than one color. Add:
- 1–2 drops of food coloring per portion
- A few drops of lavender essential oil (or vanilla, orange… whatever you’re into)
- A pinch of cosmetic glitter for sparkle (I skip this for toddler baths)
You gotta knead it like bread here. The color and oils will blend in evenly the more you work it. Don’t be surprised if your hands turn pink for a bit. It’s temporary… mostly.
4. Shape the Magic
Now comes the fun part — shaping! Roll them into balls, flatten them like cookies, or use cookie cutters. I once made tiny bath donuts with a straw and they were adorable. My daughter called them “bath snacks.” (Don’t eat ‘em.)
Let them sit out for an hour or so. They won’t dry out completely, but they’ll get firmer. If you’re impatient, just use them right away. They’re even squishier when fresh!
5. Store It Right
Pop the extras into airtight containers or wrap ‘em in plastic wrap. They stay good for about a week — after that, they get kinda crumbly.
How to Use It in the Tub (Without Making a Mess)
Okay, real talk — the first time I tossed one of these in the tub, I expected fireworks. Like, full-on bath bomb explosion. Turns out, this bubble bath dough is more chill. Think: fizzy play meets creamy suds. Once I figured out the right way to use it, bath time went from a fight to full-blown fun zone.
Hold It Under Running Water
This is key. If you just plop the dough in the tub, it kind of… sits there. Not bad, but not bubbly either. The trick? Hold a piece right under the faucet as the water runs. Boom — instant fizz, and little foam clouds start floating up. It’s like a DIY bubble bath for kids without the price tag.
I usually let my kiddo hold it herself while the water runs. It turns into this little science show, fizzing and dissolving like a bath volcano. We’ve even had mini races to see which color “melts” faster.
Rub It Directly on Skin
This part surprised me: the dough actually works like a soft bath soap alternative. It’s gentle, especially if you used sulfate-free ingredients, and leaves the skin feeling super smooth. I sometimes break off a chunk and use it like a loofah bar — kinda fancy, honestly.
Tip: If you’re adding essential oils like lavender, this part turns into a mini spa moment. Super calming after a long day.
Use It for Sensory Play
Let the kids shape it, squish it, dunk it — go full sensory mode. I’ve caught mine making “bubble cakes” on the edge of the tub. And hey, if it keeps ‘em entertained and clean at the same time? Total win.
For toddlers or sensory-sensitive kiddos, this stuff is gold. Soft, colorful, lightly scented… basically, bath-time Play-Doh that fizzes. Just remember: always supervise. Even though it’s safe, it’s still soap.
Tips for Storing and Gifting Your Bath Dough Creations
If you’re anything like me, half the fun of making stuff like this is giving it away. I’ve gifted DIY bubble bath dough to teachers, neighbors, my kid’s entire preschool class (yes, I was that mom). It’s super budget-friendly, looks adorable, and smells amazing. But — and this is a big one — you gotta store it right, or you’ll end up handing someone a crumbly mess.
How to Store Bath Dough So It Lasts
Let’s be real: this isn’t meant to last forever. It’s a fresh product with soap and starch, so think of it like homemade cookies — best enjoyed sooner than later.
Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Airtight containers – Snap-lid plastic tubs, old jam jars, even baby food jars work.
- Plastic wrap + zip bags – Wrap each dough ball tightly in cling film and then toss into a resealable bag.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place — no windowsills or humid bathrooms.
When I forgot one in the bathroom once, it turned into a rock. Cute rock, still glittery, but totally unusable. Now I stick extras in a pantry bin and label ‘em like snacks.
DIY Gift Ideas That Actually Impress
You don’t have to go full Martha Stewart. A little presentation goes a long way. Here’s what I’ve done (and gotten lots of oohs over):
- Roll dough into colorful balls and place them in mini mason jars.
- Stack shaped pieces in a tin or clear bag, then tie with twine or a cute ribbon.
- Add a handwritten tag: “Fizz & Fun Bubble Dough – Hold Under Running Water!”
People love stuff that feels homemade but looks thoughtful. Add a little card with instructions, and boom — you’ve got a legit bath bomb alternative gift.
Perfect for Every Occasion
I’ve made these for:
- Birthday party favors (huge hit with 6-year-olds)
- Mother’s Day gifts (add rose oil, wrap in lace = classy)
- Holiday spa gift baskets (tuck between candles and lip balm)
- Even teacher appreciation day (because coffee mugs are overdone)
Trust me, no one’s gonna be mad about a fizzy, sparkly surprise they can drop in the tub after a long day.
Safety Notes for Kids & Skin: What You Need to Know
Before you let your little ones dive headfirst into fizzy bath fun, let’s get real about bath product safety. I’ve learned the hard way (hello, rash from using dollar-store glitter), and now I don’t mess around when it comes to ingredients — especially for younger kids or sensitive skin.
Use Cosmetic-Grade Glitter Only
This one’s non-negotiable. That cheap craft glitter might look the same, but it’s full of sharp edges and mystery dyes. When I used it once in a rush, my kid ended up with itchy legs and I had to drain the tub mid-bath.
Look for skin-safe, cosmetic glitter labeled as “safe for soap or bath use.” It costs a bit more, but one small container lasts forever.
Choose Gentle, Sulfate-Free Soap
Not all dish soaps are created equal. The first time I made this dough, I grabbed a regular lemon-scented one from under the sink… and wow, big mistake. My hands stung just from kneading it.
Now I use a fragrance-free, baby-safe bubble bath or plant-based dish soap. If your kid has eczema or sensitive skin, stick to something hypoallergenic and unscented. Brands like Dr. Bronner’s or Honest Co. have worked great for us.
Patch Test Essential Oils
Essential oils = amazing… until they’re not. Just a drop too much can cause redness or tingling, especially with potent ones like peppermint or eucalyptus.
I always do a wrist patch test first. And for toddlers? I often skip oils completely or use kid-safe blends like lavender or chamomile — one or two drops max.
Keep an Eye on Younger Kids
Even though it’s non-toxic, supervise younger children while they play with bath dough. It looks like candy, and while a nibble won’t hurt, you don’t want anyone making it part of their snack time.
Also, slippery tubs + soap = wipeouts. I keep a non-slip mat in the bath now just to be safe.
There’s something kinda magical about turning everyday stuff like baking soda and soap into squishy, bubbly bath creations. This DIY bubble bath dough has become a go-to in our house — part science experiment, part spa day, and 100% fun. It’s gentle enough for kids, pretty enough for gifts, and simple enough to whip up in 15 minutes.
Whether you’re just looking for a way to make bath time easier, or you’re making a stash of homemade bath gifts for the holidays, this project checks all the boxes. Trust me — once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever paid five bucks for a bath bomb at the store.
So go ahead, grab your glitter, pick your favorite scent, and roll up your sleeves. Oh — and if you’re proud of your fizzy creations (and you should be), snap a pic and share it on Pinterest! It’s a great way to spread the love and maybe inspire another bath-time breakthrough.
