Put that bottle back on the store shelf. You can absolutely make your own bubbly, DIY non-toxic bubble bath that is a safer, kid-friendly option. It’s fun, foamy, and easy to make at home with only a few ingredients. It costs less, you control what goes in (especially important for kiddos and sensitive skin), and it’s more fun than you’d think.
I tested these two DIY bubble bath recipes myself, and they passed the fun test with flying bubbles. Both recipes are easy, affordable, and kid-approved. One is extra gentle and great for everyday bubbly fun. The other adds a natural protein boost for longer-lasting foam. Both are safe, natural, and fun for kids and adults alike. —no sketchy ingredients required.
Why I Stopped Buying Bubble Bath
As a mom, I get the appeal of store-bought bubble bath. But the ingredients? Yikes. Many commercial bubble baths contain:
Fragrance (a common irritant, especially for kids) [source]
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) (a foaming agent that can be irritating and may be contaminated during processing) [source]
Artificial dyes and colors (completely unnecessary)
Retinyl palmitate (linked to potential health risks like organ toxicity and even cancer) [source]
No thanks. My kids love a good bubble bath, but I decided years ago that we needed a cleaner alternative.
What I Tried First (and Why It Didn’t Work)
I gave plain liquid castile soap a shot. It kinda worked, but the bubbles were tiny and disappeared in seconds. Not exactly satisfying for kids who want mountain-sized suds.
Then I splurged on California Baby’s Bubble Bath—it’s one of the cleaner commercial options and scored well on the EWG Skin Deep database. But the price? Oof. Not sustainable for regular bath fun.
So I did what any from-scratch mama would do: experimented. I came up with two easy, affordable bubble bath recipes using a base of castile soap.
Pour into your bath under running water (this activates the bubbles!).
Notes:
This version creates soft, sudsy bubbles that kids can scoop, stack, and blow around.
Bubbles last a decent amount of time and can be fluffed back up with your sprayer.
Optional add-ins: 1-2 drops of essential oils like sweet orange, lavender, or ylang ylang. (Avoid peppermint or eucalyptus in kids’ baths. Always dilute properly!) [EO Safety dilution chart here]
👉 Try this with DIY Herbal Bath Salts for a relaxing twist.
DIY Non-Toxic Bubble Bath Recipe #2 (Foamier with Egg White)
Makes 1 bathIngredients:
3/4 to 1 cup castile soap
1 egg white
1 to 1 1/4 tsp vegetable glycerin
Instructions:
Gently whip the egg white with a fork.
Stir in castile soap and glycerin.
Pour under running water.
Notes:
This version creates bigger, longer-lasting bubbles.
It did leave a slightly sticky feel on my hands, likely from the egg white—not a deal breaker but something to note.
Best used the same day you make it. (No long-term storage.)
DIY Bubble Bath: Ingredient FAQs & Tips
What does vegetable glycerin do in bubble bath?
It boosts the foaming action and helps the bubbles last longer. Plus, it’s a humectant, so it helps keep skin hydrated. [source]
What if I can’t use soy-based glycerin?
Look for non-soy vegetable glycerin from sources like coconut or palm.
Can I make a bigger batch to store?
Yes, for Recipe #1. Just multiply and store in a squeeze bottle. Recipe #2 (with egg) should be made fresh each time.
Can I use this for babies?
If your baby has sensitive skin, stick with unscented castile soap and skip the essential oils. Always patch test first.
Do essential oils kill the bubbles?
Not if you use just a drop or two! Herbs, on the other hand, tend to pop bubbles.
Essential Oils → Always choose kid-safe, high-quality oils. Plant Therapy is a fave.
(Amazon is also an option if you’re short on time.)
Quick Answers (Bubble Bath FAQ)
Can I make this bubble bath ahead of time?
Yes, Recipe #1 can be stored in a bottle for several uses. Recipe #2 should be made fresh due to the egg white.
What does vegetable glycerin do in this recipe?
It boosts bubbles and acts as a natural skin hydrator by attracting moisture.
Is this safe for babies or toddlers?
Stick with unscented castile soap and skip essential oils for babies. Always do a patch test first.
What kind of glycerin is soy-free?
Look for vegetable glycerin sourced from coconut or palm—check the label or shop trusted brands.
Will essential oils pop the bubbles?
Not if you use just 1–2 drops. Herbs tend to reduce bubbles more than oils.
Reader Questions (from the Comments!)
Recipe #1 can be stored; Recipe #2 should be used fresh.
t = teaspoon, T = tablespoon.
Look for soy-free glycerin (see links above).
Final Thoughts on DIY Non-Toxic Bubble Bath
If you’re tired of shelling out for expensive bubble bath with questionable ingredients, these easy recipes are the perfect solution. They’re budget-friendly, customizable, and most importantly—safe.
Your kids get the bubbles. You get peace of mind.
Hi Katrina! Honestly, you will use this up long before it goes bad. The ingredients have a long shelf-life. As for the recipe with the egg, you’d want to use that up pretty quickly…so maybe half or even quarter the recipe for a one time use for one person. Happy DIYing!
Comments 9
Hi is the T for teaspoon or Tablespoon? Thank you
Author
t + teaspoon
T = tablespoon 🙂
What does t stand for? tsp or tbsp?
Author
t = teaspoon
T + tablespoon
My kids are obsessed with bubbles for their bath but I don’t trust the commercial stuff, so I love this DIY option!
What is the shelf life of the bubble bath recipe?
Author
Hi Katrina! Honestly, you will use this up long before it goes bad. The ingredients have a long shelf-life. As for the recipe with the egg, you’d want to use that up pretty quickly…so maybe half or even quarter the recipe for a one time use for one person. Happy DIYing!
I have a soy allergy so is there an alternative to Vegetable Glycerin I can use and I haven’t found any organic ones that aren’t soy based?
Hi Courtney! The vegetable glycerin we use in our shop is soy based as well. If you find one that isn’t, please stop by and let use know about it!