Natural Bubble Bath Recipe

children self-care Nov 26, 2018

by editorial team and Sophia Ruan Gushée

 

Make your own natural bubble bath, and you can avoid bathing in petrochemical ingredients that may contribute to health issues.

The chemicals found in conventional bubble bath soaps contain chemicals that you should avoid.

Make your own natural bubble bath, and you (and your baby) can avoid harmful chemicals.

Below is a list of nontoxic ingredients for you to use!

 

How Chemicals in Conventional Bubble Baths Can Harm You and Your Child's Health

Bubbles in conventional bubble bath are created from a category of chemicals called surfactants. Surfactants, which are commonly referred to as sulfates, may contribute to cancer, hormone disruption, asthma, and allergies.

Synthetic fragrances are another source of chemicals in conventional bubble baths. They can be created from any number of chemicals.

Most of these ingredients are made from petrochemicals. Synthetic fragrances may contribute to allergies, skin and eye irritation, biological mutation, reproduction problems, endocrine disruption, and cancer.

There are also unintentional toxicants, which are toxins created when two or more exposures combine. The common chemical 1,4-Dioxane is one of the unintentional toxicants in bubble bath. It may contribute to neurotoxicity, cancer, kidney damage, and respiratory issues.

 

What are Nontoxic Bubble Bath Ingredients?

1. Vegetable-based Soaps

Use ingredients that are vegetable-based, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable glycerin, instead of those with a petrochemical base. My household staple is Dr. Bronner's (in the image below).

2. Organic Essential Oils

Avoid synthetic fragrances too. For healthier options, consider organic essential oils.

Organic essential oils can be used (but cautiously!) as a nontoxic bubble bath ingredient. Essential oils are regarded as generally safe, and some people enjoy tremendous benefits from them. Safety testing in 2014 showed “very few bad side effects or risks when they are used as directed,” according to the National Cancer Institute.

However, some people are more sensitive and vulnerable to the effects of essential oils, so explore conservatively and read more about the potential risks (skin reactions and potential hormone disruptors for baby boys). There are potential health effects from some essential oils that are still not fully understood. For example, pine and citrus release terpenes which, when mixed with small amounts of ozone in the air, become formaldehyde.

If children or adults are allergic to a flower or plant, essential oils with that flower or plant may cause allergic reactions. As mentioned above, some oils (like lavender and tea tree) may be hormone disruptors. I resisted using essential oils for my children for as long as possible (the younger they are, the more conservative you should be). When you can't avoid scents any longer and need fragrance, try using as little as possible around children. Remember: Even though they are natural, they are still potent!

Use caution when adding organic essential oils. Sophia's household brand for essential oils is Doterra. You can click on the image below to buy from Sophia's Doterra eStore.

3. Free of Dyes.

Since dyes don’t affect the "performance" of bubble bath soap (you'll still get clean without dyes!), this ingredient can be left out. By avoiding synthetic dyes in your bath, you'll also be avoiding bathing in petrochemical ingredients!

 

Natural Baby Bubble Bath Recipe

Natural baby bubble bath is easy to find and doesn’t require a recipe. However, the method used when adding soap can make a difference.

Organic castile soap is widely accepted as one of the nontoxic soaps available. It can be used as a natural baby bubble bath.

In order to increase the amount of bubbles in your tub, follow these three simple steps:

  1. Fill the bottom of tub with water.
  2. Add organic castile soap.
  3. Fill tub the rest of the way, until the desired amount of water is reached.

The soap suds will not be nearly as voluminous. But children will still have fun, and adults should be relieved by the avoidance of risky ingredients. 

 

Conclusion

Making natural baby bubble bath doesn’t require many ingredients or recipes. Using organic castile soap can create a bubble bath for everyone from adults to babies!

 

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About Ruan Living

Ruan Living simplifies a nontoxic lifestyle through its Practical Nontoxic Living podcast, free detox workshops, online D-Tox Academy, and transformative 40-Day Home Detox. It aims to help you avoid toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from what you buy, own, and do— without compromising your joy and convenience. Ruan was founded by Sophia Ruan Gushée, author of the bestselling critically acclaimed book A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Your Toxic Exposures and several detox workbooks. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Business School, Sophia has served on the Brown University School of Public Health Advisory Council and Well+Good Council. A popular nontoxic living speaker, consultant, and teacher, Sophia lives in New York City with her husband and three daughters. Her passion for empowering others to enjoy nontoxic living began with the birth of her first daughter in 2007. Everything she creates is a love letter to her children and for the healthiest, brightest future possible. You can learn more here: Sophia’s Impact.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. This information is provided “as is” without warranty.

It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. We do not offer medical advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other opinion on your conditions or treatment options. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Ruan Living.

In no event will Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living be liable for any damages or loss of any kind resulting from the use of this website. Anyone relying upon or making use of the information on this website does so at his or her own risk.

Some of the services and products recommended on this website provide compensation to Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living. All recommendations are based foremost upon an honest belief that the product, service, or site will benefit our site visitors in some way.  

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