When it comes to kids and bubble baths, the right tricks (AKA, a few fun bath toys and naturally colored bath water) make all the difference. Suddenly, one of the most dreaded times of the night becomes a fun, cozy sensory play experience that kids actually look forward to! But here’s the thing: the type of bubble bath you use matters more than you might think.

Not all store-bought bubble bath formulas are made equal. Many contain harsh ingredients that aren’t even ideal for adults—let alone little ones with sensitive skin! That’s why I’ve turned to making easy, safe, and gentle homemade bubble bath with simple, natural ingredients. This small swap keeps bath time fun, soothing, and worry-free.

Looking to make the swap too? You’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing my DIY bubble bath recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions and ingredient tips to help you create bubbles right at home. Let’s dive in!

How to Make Easy Bubble Bath at Home: Kid-Safe and Gentle

As a parent, I know how tricky it can be to get little ones into a bath—let alone get them to enjoy it! So when you learn that some store-bought formulas may be harmful, skipping bubbles altogether doesn’t feel like an easy option. The good news? You don’t have to!

There are plenty of easy, kid-friendly bubble bath recipes that prioritize safe ingredients and the same amount of fun. Plus, DIY formulas aren’t just safer for our little ones’ skin; they also offer stronger, longer-lasting bubbles, too. Talk about a win-win!

Before diving straight into the how-to, though, let’s talk about the “what’s” and the “why’s.” I’ll explore what bubble bath is, whether it’s safe, and the typical ingredients in both store-bought and homemade versions. This will help you understand why making the switch can be a total game-changer that makes a real impact!

What Is Bubble Bath?

A bubble bath is a bath filled with foamy bubbles created by mixing soap and running water. It’s as simple as it sounds! The layers of soap, typically made from surfactants, sit on top of the water and slowly dissolve over time.

Of course, bath time is an integral part of our daily routine as parents. It supports essential hygiene habits while also serving as a calming moment that gently signals bedtime. However, you’d be amazed by how many benefits this simple part of the day can offer! For kids, bubbles are a huge part of what makes bath time a sensory adventure.

Swirling, stacking, popping, and blowing the bubbles around creates a multi-sensory experience full of unique sights, sounds, and textures. This isn’t just beneficial for imaginative play and enhancing creativity, either! Bubble baths are fantastic for language growth, hand-eye coordination, motor skill development, and emotional regulation.

That said, bath time is non-negotiable when it comes to keeping our children clean. But they’re also an excellent, easy way to encourage self-care, independence, sensory stimulation, and early learning.

Are Bubble Baths Safe?

Bubble baths can certainly be safe! However, this is why the type of bubble bath you use truly does matter. Many store-bought formulas contain fragrances, conditioning ingredients, and muscle-relaxing additives to create a relaxing, spa-like experience. Sounds incredible, right?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of hidden chemicals in those add-ons. As a result, they can irritate the skin, strip natural oils, and, in some cases, cause allergic reactions. But when you use skin-friendly, kid-safe ingredients, bubble baths are entirely safe—and even beneficial!

Nonetheless, always make sure to keep your hawk eyes out during bath time, especially for littles.

What Is in Bubble Bath?

Bubble bath ingredients vary depending on whether the formula is store-bought or homemade. Lots of commercial options rely on synthetic ingredients, while DIY recipes focus on gentler, safer, and more kid-friendly ingredients. Here are the key differences:

What ingredients are in store-bought bubble baths?

Each formula is different depending on what it “offers,” right? Some are meant to soothe and relax muscles, while others claim to hydrate the skin. In general, though, you’ll find ingredients like…

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) for foam
Sulfates and synthetic surfactants
Phthalates and artificial fragrances
Preservatives to safely extend shelf life

What ingredients are in homemade bubble baths?

Homemade bubble baths tend to prioritize simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. For example, you’ll probably find…

Liquid Castile Soap for gentle cleansing
Vegetable glycerin or coconut oil to hydrate and moisturize the skin
Honey or sugar for longer-lasting, fluffier bubbles
Kid-safe essential oils for relaxation and sensory stimulation (used sparingly!)

Below, I’ll share a few extra helpful bath time ingredients that my kids love! Remember, though, always patch test ingredients on the inner elbow or behind the knee before using them. You want to be extra sure that your little one won’t have a negative reaction to their bubble bath—even if it IS all-natural!

How to Make Bubble Bath At Home

Step 1: Mix the Water Base

Bubble bath 101: Distilled water actually creates better, longer-lasting bubbles! It doesn’t contain the same minerals as tap water, which can ultimately affect how well the soap lathers. The more you know!

So, first things first, grab a cup of warm distilled water. It doesn’t have to be steaming hot! A lukewarm temperature just helps dissolve and activate the ingredients, making your mixture more effective. Don’t worry, you’ll add this to running water in a bit.

Step 2: Add Vegetable Glycerin

Next, add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin—a liquid derived from plant oils that acts as a “thickening agent!” Essentially, it slows bubble evaporation and makes the bubbles thicker, fluffier, and longer-lasting. Plus, it’s excellent for hydration, helping relieve dry skin and soothe irritation.

Don’t have vegetable glycerin? Substitute it for coconut oil! You don’t need too much, though—¼ cup should be plenty. It’s important to note, though, that this alternative won’t produce as foamy, long-lasting bubbles as vegetable glycerin. However, don’t count it out just yet! This next step is where the magic happens.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Castile Soap

Liquid Castile soap is a plant-based soap made from vegetable oils that's completely free from harsh chemicals! That means no sulfates, no parabens, no synthetic dyes, and no artificial fragrances. And, fortunately, a little goes a long way here! Just add around ¼ to ½ cup of soap to your warm distilled water, stirring gently.

On its own, liquid Castile soap can create a gentle layer of bubbles. However, it’s the blend of vegetable glycerin (or coconut oil) that really helps it foam up! And the best part? You don’t have to stop here! You can keep adding kid-friendly ingredients to create a bubble bath experience that’s both fun and nourishing.

Step 4: Optional Add-Ins for Skin Support

There are plenty of kid-safe ingredients you can stir into this mixture that offer plenty of additional benefits! Here are some of my favorites:

Egg Whites: The protein in eggs isn’t just beneficial during breakfast time—it also acts as a natural bubble enhancer! Just stir in 1 egg white for thicker, longer-lasting bubbles.

Oatmeal: 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal is a fantastic anti-inflammatory addition! Aside from that, it hydrates the skin, soothes irritation and itchiness, and acts as a natural, gentle cleanser. Perfect for littles with minor summertime sunburns, chickenpox, bug bites, or eczema flare-ups!

Essential Oils: Not all essential oils are safe for bathtime—or are considered kid-friendly. Opt for lavender, Roman chamomile, sweet orange, or frankincense. These natural plant extracts don’t just add a simple fragrance to enhance the sensory experience. They’re also excellent for relaxation, muscle relief, and skin nourishment!

Just make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil (like olive, coconut, or jojoba oil) first. Otherwise, it can actually cause irritation—or it may not dissolve into your homemade bubble bath mixture at all!

Epsom Salt: Not a fan of adding a couple drops of essential oil to your bubble bath? Try out Epsom salt instead! It does just as good a job at promoting relaxation, soothing muscles, and easing skin irritation.

Step 5: Add to the Bath

Here’s the fun part! Slowly pour in your homemade bubble bath under warm running water and watch your gentle, kid-safe bubbles come to life. This is the perfect way to activate all of your ingredients without needing harsh foaming agents.

Now your kiddos can have all the fun they want—with plenty of bubbles to play in and a formula you can feel good about using on their skin.

This homemade bubble bath recipe uses simple ingredients to create a bath time you can feel good about!

As parents, we have a million and one things on our minds—but our children’s safety is always top priority. Trust me, I know how easy it is to toss the first bottle of bubble bath into your cart. However, it’s far more rewarding to prioritize natural, skin-safe ingredients. With just a few minutes of prep, you can create a bubble bath your little ones love—and one you know is completely safe.

I mentioned earlier that bubble baths are a fantastic way to raise confident, independent kiddos. However, that isn’t the only way! In my book, Playful by Design, I talk about tools, tactics, and helpful hacks parents can use to encourage self-directed play and transform boredom into an opportunity for creativity.

Looking for other helpful, kid-friendly alternatives to everyday routines? Check out the Mothercould blog, where I share kid-approved recipes, my organization favorites, and cleaning hacks for everyday messes. And, of course, don’t forget to join the Mothercould In Your Pocket resource! Here you can find 60+ printable recipes, guided play tutorials (Like this bubble painting activity!), and my recommended (affordable) purchases.

HOW TO MAKE EASY BUBBLE BATH AT HOME: KID-SAFE AND GENTLE