Cream of tartar is an ingredient you sometimes see used in bath bomb recipes, although it is a little bit outside the box. So, what exactly does cream of tartar do in bath bombs?
Cream of tartar helps harden bath bombs. Cream of tartar can also help the overall mixture to become firmer while adding a smooth texture and increasing the number of bubbles and the amount of fizz you get from your bath bombs.
Cream of tartar is an acidic ingredient that interacts with the citric acid in bath bombs to create more bubbles. This combination can also help to prevent the essential oils from evaporating too quickly.
So, if you are looking for a little extra boost in your bath bombs, cream of tartar is a good ingredient to try! Let’s take a closer look at cream of tartar.
How Cream of Tartar Helps Harden Bath Bombs
One of the main functions of cream of tartar in bath bombs is to help harden the mixture. This is important because it helps to keep the shape of your bath bombs when you add them to water.
Cream of tartar also has a binding effect that can help to hold the ingredients together. This is especially helpful if you are using a softer oil like coconut oil.
Adding cream of tartar can also help to firm up the overall mixture so that it is less likely to fall apart when you are handling it.
How Cream of Tartar Adds a Silky Texture
Cream of tartar can also help to add a silky texture to your bath bombs. This is because it is a fine powder that can help to smooth out the mixture.
Adding cream of tartar can also help to reduce the amount of oil that is needed in the recipe. This can be helpful if you are trying to reduce the amount of oil in your bath bombs.
How Cream of Tartar Interacts With Citric Acid
Cream of tartar is an acidic ingredient that can interact with the citric acid in bath bombs. This interaction can help to create more bubbles and make the bath bombs fizz more.
The combination of cream of tartar and citric acid can also help to prevent the essential oils from evaporating too quickly.
This is because the acid can help to lock in the oils.
When To Use Cream of Tartar in Bath Bombs
If you are looking for a little extra boost in your bath bombs, cream of tartar is a good ingredient to try.
Cream of tartar can help to harden the mixture, add a silky texture, and interact with the citric acid to create more bubbles. It can also help the bath bombs keep their shape when initially placed in the water.
Just be sure to add cream of tartar in small amounts until you get the desired consistency.
Pros and Cons of Using Cream of Tartar in Bath Bombs
Here are some pros and cons of using cream of tartar in bath bombs:
Pros:
- Can help to harden the mixture
- Can add a silky texture
- Interacts with citric acid to create more bubbles
- Can help the bath bombs keep their shape when initially placed in water
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find
- Can be expensive
- Can be difficult to measure correctly
So, those are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking about using cream of tartar in your bath bombs. Overall, cream of tartar can be a helpful ingredient to add to your bath bombs, but it is important to be aware of the pros and cons before you use it.
How to Use Cream of Tartar in Bath Bombs
If you want to use cream of tartar in your bath bombs, there are a few things you need to know. First, cream of tartar is an acidic ingredient, so it is important to add it in small amounts until you get the desired consistency.
Second, cream of tartar can be difficult to find and can be expensive. Third, cream of tartar can be difficult to measure correctly.
How to Measure Cream of Tartar
Now, you measure cream of tartar by weight, not by volume. This is because cream of tartar is a very fine powder and can settle differently depending on how you measure it.
So, if you are using cream of tartar in your bath bombs, be sure to measure it by weight.
The amount you use will depend on how large of a batch you are making.
How Much Cream of Tartar to Use
The amount you use will vary depending on the recipe and the other ingredients you are using. However, a good rule for adding cream of tartar is to use…
3% to 5% of the total mixture weight should be cream of tartar. Using less might not bring the desired results and using more might make your bath bombs too crumbly.
Try a few different batches at different percentage points and see what works best for you.
How to Mix Cream of Tartar
One way to use cream of tartar in your bath bombs is to add it to the dry ingredients before you add the wet ingredients. This will help to evenly distribute the cream of tartar throughout the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don’t have to use cream of tartar in your bath bombs. However, it can be a helpful ingredient to add to your bath bombs.
If you use too much cream of tartar in your bath bombs, the mixture might be too crumbly. So, be sure to add cream of tartar in small amounts until you get the desired consistency.
Cream of tartar does not have an expiration date, but it will start to lose its potency after about two years. So, if you are using cream of tartar that is more than two years old, you might not get the desired results.
No, cream of tartar cannot be used instead of baking soda. Baking soda and cream of tartar are two different ingredients and serve different purposes.
If you can’t find cream of tartar, you can try substituting with another acidic ingredient, such as citric acid or cream of tartar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cream of tarter is a useful tool in your bath bombs toolbox that can help you change the characteristics of your bath bombs. Be sure to use it in small amounts and measure by weight to get the best results.
If you take your time and use a little trial and error you can use cream of tartar to elevate your bath bombs to the next level.
Now go out and experiment with cream of tartar in your bath bombs!
