Glow in the Dark Donut Bath Bombs For Kids

Do your kids love bath bombs? Want to save some money and teaching them some incredible science? Try making your very own bath bombs at home! Kids love the magical fizz of bath bombs and with this Glow in the Dark Donut Bath Bomb, they will be begging to learn more science and make more bath bombs. Plus, you are going to save so much money making them yourself!

GLOW IN THE DARK DONUT BATH BOMB WITH SOAP GLAZE

Glow in the Dark Bath Bombs in a blue bowl

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This isn’t the first time we have used our silicone donut molds to make bath bombs. Last time we broke out these molds we made Black Hole Bath Bombs. It’s safe to say this mold is becoming very popular around here!

The kids also love glow in the dark! We have made a few glow in the dark bath bombs including a Glow Cupcake and a Halloween Glow in the Dark Bath Bomb with a creepy surprise inside!

There are a few reasons we love making bath bombs. First, it saves me a TON of money. Seriously, you can make a bath bomb for less than a dollar. Brilliant! Especially with how much my kids love using them.

Second, kids are fascinated by the science and the whole idea of making something that is creative, and that they love to use. It makes this one project that gets kids passionate and excited about learning. Win!

The Science of Glow in the Dark Bath Bombs

So what is the science behind these bath bombs?

Well first up the fizz is a chemical reaction between an acid and base. Namely citric acid and baking soda. In their dry form they do not react, but once you add warm water, you get a fun fizzy reaction!

We learned in our Science Fair bath bomb investigation that the warmer the water, the bigger reaction.

We are also working with an emulsifier, polysorbate 80, that makes it seem like a magical ingredient. Any child can tell you that oil and water don’t mix. But they do, like magic, when you add an emulsifier. You can see it in action in our video where we used it to make Moon Dough. The reason we need this is that it makes the colours and oils mix with the water, rather than sticking to you, the bath tub and generally making a slimy mess.

Finally, we have glow in the dark paint. In this recipe we are using a body paint. To ensure they are non-toxic and safe to use in a bath bomb, the type we used will only glow under black lights. Scientifically this means the paint fluoresces under black light. We find it super easy to swap out the bathroom light bulbs with black light bulbs when we are using these bath bombs, but there are other portable options available too.

Donut bath bomb in a paper bag that glows in the dark

Glow in the Dark Donut Bath Bombs Recipe

This recipe will make 6 donut bath bombs.

2 cups baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup citric acid
1/4 cup white Kaolin clay
1/4 cup Epsom salts
1/3 cup coconut oil
2 teaspoons polysorbate 80
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon glazed donut scented oil
2 tablespoons of orange glow in the dark colorant
1/2 tablespoons of blue glow in the dark colorant
Biodegradable cosmetic glitter*
2 ounces of melt and pour soap base
Silicone donut mold
1 large mixing bowl
1 microwave safe measuring cup
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon
Disposable gloves (optional)

*A NOTE ON GLITTER – Glitter has become very controversial due to the negative impacts on the environment, but I know many of you still love a little sparkle in your projects! When it comes to glitter, I believe it is always optional. None of my projects require it. But if you decide you do want a little sparkle and shine in your creations, I highly recommend using a biodegradeable glitter. There are lots of fantastic options available.

neon nights 8 x UV Body Paint Black Light Make-Up 5.5 fl oz Bodypainting Neon Blacklight Bodypaint Face PaintsArm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, 8 Ounce (Pack of 3)Citric Acid (4 oz) by Pure Organic Ingredients, Eco-Friendly Packaging, All-Natural, Highest Quality, Pure, Food Grade, Non-GMOKAOLIN CLAY White Cosmetic NATURAL POWDER 1 LB Facial Mask Spot Treatments (1 -16 oz Bag)100% Natural ,Pure, White Kaolin KR Cosmetic Grade/ Personal Care Kaolin Clay Fine Powder Made in USA (8oz)Epsoak USP Epsom Salt - 19 lbs. Resealable Bulk BagViva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 OuncePolysorbate 80 (Solubilser) - 500gGlazed Donut Fragrance Oil, 10 ml100% ORGANIC ULTRA CLEAR TRANSPARENT GLYCERIN Soap Base by Velona | Melt & Pour all Natural Bar For The Best Result | Size: 5 lb3-Pack Silicone Donut Baking Pan of 100% Nonstick Silicone. BPA Free Mold Sheet Tray. Makes Perfect 3 Inch Donuts. Tray Measures 10x7 Inches. Easy Clean, Dishwasher Microwave SafeBiodegradable Glitter Chunky Glitter for Festivals. Eco Friendly Body Glitter for Hair Glitter and Nail Glitter (Violet)Moonlit Silver Biodegradable Glitter 1/4 Ounce - Made from Plant Cellulose, Earth Friendly. Perfect for Body, Cosmetics, Crafts, DIY Projects. Can be Mixed with Lotions, Gels, Oils, Face PaintMermaid Mix biodegradable chunky eco glitter (8g) by Eco Lovers. Biodegradable glitter for face, body and hair

 

How to Make Glow in the Dark Donut Bath Bombs Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, Epsom salts and kaolin clay. Kaolin clay can aid in the stability of the bath bomb when you pop it from the silicone donut mold. If you are ever having issues using a silicone mold to make bath bombs, try adding the clay and see if it solves the problem. Mix the dry ingredients together.

In the microwave safe measuring cup add the coconut oil and melt in the microwave until it is just liquid. Coconut oil is the binding agent that holds the bath bombs together so they don’t crumble. If you are having issues with crumbling bath bombs, increase the coconut oil. A bit goes a long way!

Add the polysorbate 80 and scented oil to the coconut oil. Mix. Add 2 tablespoons of the orange glow in the dark colorant and some glitter. Mix.

Add the liquid mixture to the bowl with the dry mixture.

Using your hands mix everything together making sure to break down all the lumps and really blend it all in. The mixture is perfect when it holds together as you press it into your hands and feels like wet sand.

Add the bath bomb mixture into each cavity of the mold. Pack it in firmly and ensure there are no air pockets.

Set the molds somewhere warm and dry for 24 to 48 hours to allow them to harden and set up. If they are not 100% dry, they will break when you try to take them out of the molds. So I always err on the side of waiting an extra day, just to be sure.

Adding the Soap Glaze

Prepare the area by laying out parchment paper.

Melt the soap in the microwave safe measuring cup. Then pour it into a shallow dish. We are going to use the “dip” method to add the glaze. You will need to work quickly as the soap will rapidly start to solidify.

Holding the donuts on the sides, carefully dip donut bath bombs into soap glaze. Set on the parchment paper, and immediately sprinkle the top with the blue glow in the dark colorant and glitter. Repeat with the next bath bomb until they are all done. Allow the bath bombs to set for 15 minutes before handling. If your soap is a little thicker you might need to wait a bit longer.

Store in an airtight container until you are ready to have your bath!

Happy Bath Bomb Making!

Donut bath bombs glowing in the dark

MORE BATH BOMB PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Hand painted pumpkin bath bomb Halloween STEAM Project
Cookie Dough Bath Bombs, kid approved bath bomb recipe with no citric acid
Pink bath bombs with pink bubble shaped pearls set in the ends, are stored in a jar on a white background. Overlay text says Fun Bubble Gum Bath Bomb Recipe