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Solid Bubble Bath
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:14 pm
by StripyPixieSocks
I just found
this and wondered if it was any good?
I googled sodium laurel sulfoacetate and it said it was plant based... is it? would this be a good recipe to make... it would certainly prove an interesting change to liquid bubble bath.
Has anyone ever made anything like this?
Re: Solid Bubble Bath
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:38 pm
by Loobyloo
i couldn't use the link (damn work security) but I use Lush solid bubbles baths and they're good, you don't need much at a time and they last for ages. If that recipe is anything like theirs it'll be lovely.
Re: Solid Bubble Bath
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:22 pm
by StripyPixieSocks
Hiya... apparently that is what they were trying to compare it too but the smell and bubbles didn't last so long... I guess it's another one on the list for doing after Christmas :)
I do so love bubble baths!
This is the basic recipe they made (as you can't see it)
ingredients
1 cup baking soda
1 cup sodium laurel sulfoacetate
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
2 ml essential oil
liquid glycerin as needed
instructions
First I measure the baking soda into a bowl. I use a cheap plastic one which I use only for bath products, not food. Essential oils might permanently scent containers, so far my plastic bowl is fine. Be aware that baking soda can scratch softer plastics. If I want to add coloring I do it at this point. I take a smaller amount of baking soda and mix it with drops of food coloring in a separate bowl, then mix that back into the rest of the baking soda.
I do the same to add the essential oil. It helps to have a little disposable droppers (you can buy some from Majestic Mountain Sage) - or just go drop by drop until you're happy with the strength or mixture of the scent.
Next whisk in the cream of tartar, make sure everything is well mixed. Now add the sodium laurel sulfoacetate. I chose this surfactant chemical because it comes in powdered form (not a liquid or flakes), and is more mild than sodium laurel sulfate, according to The Chemistry Store. The sodium laurel sulfoacetate will immediate disperse in the air when you open the container, so it is best to have super-good ventilation, a strong filtering mask (I find a dust mask is not enough), and everyone else chased away for a little while. According to the chemical specs it is not harmful if inhaled. But you will cough. Handle with care, if you have any concerns, don't use it.
Whisk in the sodium laurel sulfoacetate gently. Add a splash of liquid glycerin and mix in, adding more until the mixture holds it's shape when pressed together between your hands.
I prepare my molds (I use a chocolate or soap mold, be aware the mixture will scratch the surface, and don't use the mold for food after this!) by taking a pinch of the wet mixture and rubbing it on the inside of the mold and tapping out the excess. I sprinkle some dry baking soda into the mold and turn it until most of the surface is lightly covered, tap out excess. I find this helps to keep it from sticking. Now, spoon the bubble mixture into the mold, and press it in firmly. Turn the mold over on top of wax paper or parchment paper and either tap the top of the mold to release, or lift the mold a few inches and drop back to the counter. Perhaps you'll end up like me -- having to bang it a bit. If it comes out a crumbly mess throw it back into the mixture and add more glycerin or baking soda to adjust.
You're done, ta daaaaa!! Now, store in a sealed container. I have heard of plastic containers sort of absorbing the scent of the essential oils. I sent mine out in small 4 oz. plastic cups with lids (the kind you get salsa in for take-out, got them at a restaurant supply store) and even after a few months all seemed to be well. You can also make a loaf and try to slice it, or break parts off as you need. To use: crumble under running water. I find it will bubble more if you add it at the beginning of filling the tub. Honestly, I don't think these bubbles keep as long as, oh, say, Mr. Bubble. But they are fun to make, and that's the whole point right? Right? Um.. right?
I added these instructions:
instructions for use:
1. gather things for bath (see suggesions in instructions for bath bombs)
2. run water with great strenght
3. pull off a hunk of this stuff and crumble under the running water
4. go ahead, you can use more (i will make more)
5. when tub is full, place self in
6. now play with the bubbles dammit
7. tip #1: if you're going to wash yourself* wait until the end of bath time because it seems that soap and such are bubble-murderers
8. tip #2: crumble under water right after you start running it, there will be more wonderful bubbles that way**
9. tip #3: if you don't like bubble baths shame on you
* need to wash self is not a requirement for the taking of a bath
** this has only been tested by me and therefore may not be entirely true for everyone... sorry
bubble bar ingredients: baking soda, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (i bought it from, and you can read about it at, http://www.chemistrystore.com - lemme know if you want more info, i'll mail you what it is all about), glycerine, cream of tartar, grapefruit essential oil, food coloring (do not worry you will not turn orange)
Re: Solid Bubble Bath
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:34 pm
by Loobyloo
Cheers!
Looks interesting, I'm still a bit of a virgin when it comes to making bath products, soap etc. so I think I'll stick to essential oils or lush stuff in my bath at the moment. Something I'd consider trying in the future though.
If you do give it a go you could try putting chips of cocoa butter in the mix (a la creamy candy bar from lush) they'll melt in the water and moisturise you. Mix with vanilla, ylang ylang type scents.
scrummy