Feijoa-scented bath bombs

Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 6 bath bombs

The fragrance of the feijoa is a very distinct fresh, tropical, fruity scent. Perfect for bath bombs! Besides the delicious fragrance, these bath bombs also contain nourishing mango butter to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

ONE: Using the standard 2:1 formula, add two cups of baking soda and one cup of citric acid to a bowl.

TWO: Measure out one tablespoon mango butter in a heat proof glass bowl or cup and melt it on high in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until melted. Mango butter has a high melting point, so it might take a while. Usually, I will heat it in the microwave for 2 minutes on high and then let it sit for 2 minutes. If it still hasn’t melted, I’ll heat for another minute and then let it sit again.

THREE: Next, add one tablespoon of polysorbate 80 to the now-melted mango butter and stir well to combine the two. Polysorbate 80 will ensure that the mango butter will be fully dispersed into the bath water, instead of floating as little blobs on the surface of the water.

Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients, and, wearing disposable gloves to protect your hands and nails, mix everything and break up any clumps.

FOUR: Add the feijoa fragrance. Make sure the fragrance you are using is cosmetic grade, i.e. skin-safe! Candle fragrances are not always safe for use on skin, so check back with your supplier if you are not sure.

FIVE: Add a couple of drops of green colourant. You can use either a special bath bomb colourant or food colouring. Both will work. Rub the little blobs of colourant into the dry ingredients to disperse the colour throughout the bath bomb mixture.

Keep mixing with your hands. If necessary, spritz some water or witch hazel until you reach the right consistency. It should still be powdery, but if you squeeze some mixture in your hand, it should hold its shape.

SIX: Scoop the bath bomb mixture into your mold and press firmly to compact.

SEVEN: Let them dry in their molds for a few hours, then gently tap to remove them from their molds. Place them on a baking sheet and leave to harden completely overnight in a dry, warm place. I like using my hot water cupboard for this, because it’s the driest place in the house.