| In this Insider’s Guide to Bath Bombs you will learn their history, their ingredients, and even how to make you own. It is my hope you come away with all the knowledge you need to be a bath bomb expert! |
What Is A Bath Bomb?
According to Wikipedia, bath bombs were invented in Dorset, England in 1989 by Mo Constantine. So they have been around for over 30 years. Apparently she was interested in what caused Alka Seltzer to fizz and applied it to creating the Aqua Sizzlers, as she called them. I love how creative people can be!
They are usually spherical in shape, but can be formed in almost any shape. They are called bath bombs because they fizz when immersed in water.
What Are The Ingredients In A Bath Bomb?
They are made up of a mild acid and bicarbonate base. These ingredients react when in contact with water, and begin to fizz. Other ingredients may include a fragrance and a dye that colors the water.
The main ingredients of the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate do not usually cause skin irritations especially since they are diluted in the water of a bath. However, some people have sensitive skin that may react to the fragrance or the dye in the bath bomb. Consider this fact when deciding to use a bath bomb.
Other ingredients may be some sort of emollient (a preparation that softens the skin; Oxford Dictionary). This may give the bath water a slippery or oily quality as the emollient suspends in the water. If this is the case, be very careful when getting out of the bathtub, it may be slippery.
The dye is a water soluble dye, and should not stain your skin or the tub. The fragrance is made from essential oils or fragrance oils, some of which can have medicinal properties.
Why Would You Use A Bath Bomb?
The benefits of a bath bomb are much like other bath products. Those benefits are:
- Adding aroma to your experience. These can be relaxing smells, invigorating smells or just a fragrance you enjoy.
- Providing skin moisturizers.
- Cleansing the body.
- Fun! A fizzing colorful treat, sort of like a party in your tub!
Using a bath bomb is a treat to yourself. It should assist you in relaxing. It is also an add to cleansing your skin. The mild acid can help dead dry skin to be removed. And just enjoying a special aroma can lift your mood. What’s not to love?
How To Use a Bath Bomb
This hardly needs to be stated, but I will anyway! Fill your tub with water at a temperature to your liking. Drop in the bath bomb. You can get in when it is still fizzing, or wait until it is done. That’s totally up to you.
Most professionals recommend a soak of only 10 – 15 minutes. If you want to soak longer, then you should probably soak in just water with no additives.
Should You Shower After Bathing In A Bath Bomb?
Most research says you don’t have to because much of the ingredients are nourishing to your skin. But if you have used one with coloring, or scent or glitter (?), you may want to take a quick shower to remove those ingredients.
A good rule of thumb might be to see what your tub looks like after you drain it. What is left on your tub is what is also left on your skin.
And if redness, itchiness or scaliness occurs, then your skin probably can’t handle the ingredients and bath bombs aren’t for you! For females, gently cleaning your private parts with clean water is recommended, as we can be prone to infections.
You Can Make Bath Bombs At Home
I’m going to include a video that shows you how to make them, as well as what ingredients you need. Your fragrances will vary depending on your preference, as well as the oils you use. You should be able to find all the ingredients at places like Walmart.
The best part of making your own bath bombs is you will know exactly what is in them.
Downsides Of Bath Bombs
May leave a residue, so you should probably clean the tub after you use a bath bomb. May also make your tub slippery, so be careful and safe! Here’s my article about bathtub safety; How To Be Safe in the Bathtub.
Some people may react to the ingredients, including the fragrances. Be aware of what is in your bath bomb so you don’t experience adverse effects.
Like bubble baths and other fragranced products, some people may become irritated and get urinary tract infections. It is recommended that you use bath bombs sparingly, say once a week. There is no hard and fast rule here, but be cautious of overuse.
Best Selling Bath Bombs
Your choice of bath bombs is certainly based on preferences. These are the top results in my search. But do your own research to find products you like.
Lush
This company was sold by the creator of the bath bomb and is not world wide. It has medium to high priced bath bombs. Probably has the widest selection. Here is the link for their US website; Lush.
Natural
The above company has natural products as do many other companies. Be careful when shopping for natural, as some ingredients, even though natural can cause skin irritation.
This may also be true of organic products as well.
This link goes to Amazon which has many bath bomb products. This one I found is an Amazon choice, an Overall pick and has 4.5 stars.
Dr Teal’s
I have enjoyed this line of products for some time. They aren’t fancy but they provide much enjoyment. They also do not have an extensive line of products. But they are probably the most economical.
This link also brings you to Amazon where you can purchase them. I receive a small fee from the purchase. This product is another Overall pick and Amazon Choice!
Conclusion
Did you learn all about bath bombs? Because that was my intention, to provide you with everything you need to know about bath bombs. Then you can decide for yourself if a bath bomb is something you want to try.
Let me know of your experience with bath bombs, please. Or if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.