I enjoy giving a good detox bath to help remove toxins and help kids unwind, especially before bedtime, but there’s something extra fun about a bubble bath! Unfortunately, many store-bought bubble baths contain ingredients that could be harmful. So, making your own bubble bath is a wonderful way to let kids enjoy the bubbles without exposure to toxins.
Traditional bubble baths out there know how to grab attention. Bright, colorful bottles with cartoon characters are hard to resist for any kid. But the ingredient list is often far from desirable. The Environmental Working Group’s ratings highlight how some bubble bath ingredients are among the most toxic, with rankings from 1 to 10 (10 being the worst).
Ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, used to make the bubbles last, are concerning. Considering the skin is our largest organ and very absorbent, it’s crucial to be mindful of what we apply to it. This is why I suggest avoiding conventional bubble baths, whether for kids or adults.
The challenge many naturally inclined parents face is explaining to their kids why they can’t have those bright bottles from the store. Kids just want a fun and fragrant bath, and let’s be honest, so do I! But here’s the solution: make a safe, homemade bubble bath using natural ingredients.
This DIY bubble bath might not create quite as many bubbles as the store brands, but it’s free from harmful chemicals. When using essential oils in a bubble bath, it’s important to dilute them properly in a carrier oil since water alone won’t do the trick. Also, ensure the oils are child-safe. For very young children, be cautious and use essential oils sparingly and always diluted.
For a detailed list of safe essential oils for kids, check out recommendations from the Plant Therapy blog. They even offer Kid-Safe blends, which take the guesswork out of choosing the right oils.
Although you can enjoy this DIY bubble bath as often as you like, be mindful about bathing frequency. Too many baths might disrupt the skin’s microbiome, potentially leading to conditions like eczema or asthma. Kids, especially those who haven’t hit puberty, might only need a bath once or twice a week.
One important thing to note about using castile soap, like Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild, is that it’s not tear-free. That’s because real soap has a different pH than our eyes, which can cause irritation if it gets in them. Tear-free products usually don’t contain actual soap, opting instead for synthetic ingredients that could be harmful.
My approach? Try to avoid getting soap in the eyes and rinse thoroughly with water if it happens. We’ve had few issues so far.
While I enjoy making my own bath products, time doesn’t always allow it. Fortunately, there are store-bought options available now that are much safer, with some rated as a top choice by the EWG. If you try them, let me know your thoughts!
Ever tried making your own bubble bath? How did it go for you?
