Buying guide for Best bath bombs
At the end of a long, stressful day, there’s nothing like soaking your troubles away in a warm, soothing bath. For more fun, just add a bath bomb. When bath bombs hit the water, they effervesce, releasing pleasant aromas, fun bubbles, attractive colors, and nourishing oils. Bath bombs make for a sensory experience that a regular bubble bath just can’t compete with.
There are so many bath bombs available that choosing the best fizzy luxuries for your bathroom can be tough. Which scents are relaxing and which are invigorating? Is a glitter bath really a good idea? Knowing a few key details will help you answer these questions and choose a relaxing bath bomb.
Bath bombs 101
What are bath bombs?
Bath bombs are tightly packed balls of dry ingredients that bubble up once they hit water. They typically contain a base of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid, which fizzes when wet. Bath bombs also include natural moisturizing ingredients, such as essential oils, so they aren’t just fun but good for your skin as well. The bath bomb’s color is usually released into the water, too, and many bath bombs contain add-ins, such as glitter or flower petals.
How do you use bath bombs?
Using a bath bomb is as easy as any bubble bath or bath salt. Simply fill your bathtub with warm water, and drop in the bath bomb. The bath bomb will begin to fizz immediately and release its fragrance, colors, and add-ins. A bath bomb may fizz for several minutes. Once it has dissolved, swirl your hand through the water to distribute the colors and other add-ins throughout the bath.
What are the benefits of bath bombs?
A bath bomb transforms an ordinary bath into a true sensory experience with its pleasant fragrance, attractive colors, and fun extras like glitter or flower petals.
Bath bombs usually contain all-natural ingredients and many are cruelty-free.
Bath bombs cleanse and deodorize your skin.
The natural oils included in bath bombs add moisture to bathwater, so you’re left with soft, supple, hydrated skin.
Bath bombs usually contain a base of sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) and citric acid for a fizzing effect. We find out what other ingredients are included in the bath bombs on our shortlist.
When we research bath bombs, we give special attention to those that provide a relaxing bath experience while soothing aches and pains.
During our research, we look at whether a bath bomb lives up to its claims. For example, does it cleanse and deodorize the skin? Does it moisturize? Does it provide aromatherapeutic benefits?
Some bath bombs include a surprise inside. In our research, we find out which bath bombs include “more than meets the eye.”
Fun shapes, interesting colors, glitter, and other extras—like rose petals—come part and parcel with some bath bombs. We check out a variety of bath bombs to help consumers get the bath experience they want (and the cleanup they’re prepared for).
Size varies, and we want to find out how big each bath bomb is during our research. In most cases, you only need to use one bomb per bath. Notably, some larger bath bombs can be cut in half.
Bath bombs range in color, from pretty pastels to vibrant primary colors. When we research bath bombs, we want to know that the dyes used are natural and FDA-approved.
A bath bomb’s scent is a major contributor to its spa-like experience. We look for lasting fragrances that help the user feel calm, uplifted, or reinvigorated.
The price of bath bombs varies according to ingredients, size, and the number of pieces per set. Single bath bombs cost $3 to $9, while sets can cost $25 to $35.
When we research bath bombs, we want to know if they include essential oils. Essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender can condition skin and soothe aching muscles.
What to look for in bath bombs
Ingredients
All bath bombs contain sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, and citric acid, which is what produces their fizzy, bubbling effect. High-quality bath bombs contain all-natural ingredients, so they’re gentle enough for even sensitive skin. Look for bath bombs that contain natural oils like almond oil and essential oils like lavender oil, which hydrate and condition the skin.
Many bath bombs are colored. It’s important to choose bath bombs that use natural dyes that are food-, drug-, and cosmetics-safe according to the FDA.
Some bath bombs also contain glitter to make your bathing experience even more fun. To avoid irritation, choose bombs that use non-plastic glitter. Mineral-based glitter isn’t just gentler on the skin, though — it’s easier to clean up as well.
Scent
A bath bomb’s fragrance is an essential part of giving your bath a spa-like feel. You can find bombs in a wide variety of scents, so there’s bound to be a fragrance that suits you. If you’re not sure what scent to choose, consider the mood you want to create.
Calming: For a relaxing bath before bed, choose a bath bomb that contains lavender notes.
Revitalizing: For an uplifting, revitalizing bath, choose a bath bomb that contains rosemary notes.
Invigorating: For an invigorating, energizing bath, choose a bath bomb that contains peppermint notes.
Stimulating: For a stimulating bath to improve your focus and concentration, choose a bath bomb that contains cinnamon notes.
- Uplifting: For a soothing bath when you’re feeling a little down, choose a bath bomb that contains rose notes.
Color
Most bath bombs contain dye that transforms the color of your bathwater. You can find bath bombs in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bright primary shades. You can even find bombs with multiple colors, which create pretty swirls in the water.
Add-ins
If the pleasant scent, fun bubbles, and attractive colors aren’t quite enough to make your bath special, look for bath bombs with add-ins. These add-ins are distributed throughout the water as the bombs fizz. For a fun, sparkly bath, choose a bath bomb with glitter. For a romantic bath, choose a bath bomb with flower petals.
Did you know?
Bath bombs were originally created as a substitute for bubble bath for people with sensitive skin.
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How much do bath bombs cost?
Bath bombs vary in price based on size and the number of bombs in a set, but you can typically expect to spend between $3 and $35.
Single: For a single bath bomb, you’ll usually pay between $3 and $9.
Set of 6: For a set of six bath bombs, you’ll usually pay between $14 and $20.
Set of 10: For a set of 10 bath bombs, you’ll usually pay between $20 and $25.
Set of 12: For a set of 12 or more bath bombs, you’ll usually pay between $25 and $35.
Did you know?
The fresher a bath bomb is, the more bubbles and fizz you’ll get when you add it to water.
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Bath bomb tips and tricks
If you aren’t filling your tub completely for your bath, you can cut a bath bomb in half and save the other piece for another bath.
Always fill your bathtub with water before adding the bath bomb.
For the best results, drop a bath bomb into the tub right before you’re ready to get in.
For the most fizz and bubbles, use your bath bombs within six months.
After using most bath bombs, rinse yourself off in the shower to remove any color, glitter, or other residue from your skin.
Because bath bombs usually contain color, make sure to clean your tub right after your bath to prevent staining.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a bath bomb if I have sensitive skin?
A. Bath bombs usually contain natural ingredients, so unless you have an allergy to a particular ingredient, you can use bath bombs if you have sensitive skin. However, it’s best to avoid bombs that contain glitter, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Q. How many bath bombs should I use per bath?
A. Manufacturers usually recommend using one bath bomb per bath. However, if you’re interested in combining fragrances or colors, consider cutting bath bombs in half and using different combinations to create a custom spa experience for your bath.
Q. Will bath bombs stain my tub?
A. The dyes included in nearly all bath bombs are water-soluble, which means they rinse away easily with water. However, to avoid any possible stains, it’s best to clean the tub immediately after your bath while the dye is still wet. Use a sponge or tub brush to scrub away any residue. If glitter or flower petals remain in the tub, rinse them away with clean water.
