You’re not sure how to use your new bath bomb? We’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide. It covers all the information bath bombing a bath bomb and things you might need to consider before using one.
A bath bomb is much more than just throwing one in and jumping into the tub. Sure, that’s what they’re meant for. Still, there are some details of how you should use them, which will not only make your time with these little miracle workers more enjoyable (and less likely to run out prematurely) but also help ensure maximum benefits for their therapeutic properties.
What is the Point of a Bath Bomb?
There is no doubt that bath bombs are the most visually pleasant skincare products. There is a tremendous amount of bathtub selfies that are shared on Instagram featuring multi-colored water.
But what are these bath bombs made from? Are there any real benefits of using a bath bomb?
Bath bombs are single-use skincare products that you can toss in your tub to rejuvenate and refresh yourself. Mostly spherical in shape, bath bombs contain dyes, fragrances and, oils that uplift your mood.
The essential ingredients of bath bombs are sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. When added to a tub of water, both of them react with each other to create an amazing fizz in the bathtub.
After the fizzing reaction, the bath bomb breaks apart. It reveals all its beautiful scents and skin moisturizing emollients from within it to make your bath time a next-level experience.
Here are some reasons you should use bath bombs for:
- Jump in the heaven of fragrance
Bask in your favorite fragrances for a while to let go of all the stress and exhaustion accumulated throughout the day. Bath bombs are known for their efficiency in combating stress. Treat yourself to the luxury of a relaxing spa session after a tiring day at work. - Hydrate your skin and eliminate dryness
Bath bombs are packed with hydrating oils that will leave your skin super soft after a good time in the bathtub. The citric acid present in the bath bombs also loosens the damaged layers of skin and replaces them with fresh skin. - Relax and heal your body and mind
Bath bombs are carefully formulated to include soothing ingredients in their formula. They help relieve muscle soreness and tension. Spending 15 – 20 minutes in the bath bomb water will let you shed off all day’s tiredness before you go to bed. - Detoxify your skin
The sodium bicarbonate content of bath bombs has a detoxifying action on your skin. It helps take away the impurities and pollutants caught in the skin from the outdoor environment. Cleansers present in bath bombs rejuvenate and cleanse your skin, saving it from acne and blemishes.
How do you use a bath bomb?
If you wish to get the best of your bath bomb, it is essential to use it correctly. Here are some principles you must remember if you are a bath bomb enthusiast.
- Add water, then bath bomb.
Most often, people debate on which comes first. However, dropping your bath bomb in a tub already filled with water will let it dissolve entirely. In this way, all the beneficial ingredients of a bath bomb are released perfectly. - The Warmer the water, the better
The temperature of water you prefer for the bath is entirely a personal choice. However, warmer temperatures let the ingredients such as cocoa butter melt easily. There is no need to overheat your tub. Keep the water at a temperature that makes the tub cozier for you. - Add Bath oil for an amazing experience.
Though the bath bombs are already so colorful and relaxing, adding bath oil or bubble bar to the tub will make the experience even more magical. - Add a purpose to your bath.
All bath bombs are different. Bath bomb makers are using their best creative skills to produce outstanding products. From aesthetics to functionality, each ingredient adds its unique value to a bath bomb.
For an amazing experience out of your bath bombs, it is essential to the ones that serve your purpose. Do you want to encircle yourself in a pool of floating colors and patterns? Or do you need to moisturize your dry, dehydrated skin? Choose a bath bomb accordingly. - Choose your Essential oil.
Do you want to maximize the therapeutic properties of your bath bombs? Turning your bath bombs into relaxants will require the addition of essential oils. Lavender and Chamomile are the best choices for those who seek relaxing baths after their stressful days.
Essential oils such as lemongrass, mint or, ginger provide spa-like rejuvenating and refreshing baths. Ingredients such as oat milk rose and, lavender is also great for soothing troubled skin. If you have allergy-prone skin, don’t forget to check the ingredient list. - Enjoy your bath bomb experience.
Adding a little bit of mindfulness and planning to your bathing time will let you enjoy a spa-like experience at home. Keep your clean towels and PJ’s at hand. Create a beginning and ending routine for your bath. For example, light and blow candles, or play soft music to make your bathing a total comfort.
How Do Bath Bombs Work?
Bath bombs are composed of simple ingredients that react in water to create a fizz-enriched bath time experience.
Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid are the main ingredients that make a bath bomb fizz like an Alka Seltzer or soluble aspirin tablet.
In their dry state, these chemicals are inert meaning, that they do not react. In the presence of water, citric acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to release sodium citrate and carbon dioxide.
The sodium citrate gets dissolved in water. Carbon dioxide escapes forming gas bubbles that further breaks down the bath bomb.
With the breakdown of the bath bomb, all the detergents, oils and, perfumes present in it are mixed with bath water to give an ultimate bath experience.
How often should you use bath bombs?
The ingredients of a bath bomb are not potentially harmful, so prolonged usage daily should also not be a problem. Therefore, you could potentially drop one in your bathtub every time you take a bath. There are no specific conditions for using bath bombs except that the ingredients should be friendly for your skin.
Long and short term effects on the skin of daily usage
Especially if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, you will need to check the ingredient list thoroughly. But even if the ingredients are skin-friendly, the effects of prolonged usage might be different, so this is something you’d need to check for yourself.
Unfortunately, bath bombs contain some ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin. When using bath bombs, you should never forget the principle of moderation.
If your skin reacts after using bath bombs, stop using them immediately and contact a dermatologist.
Is the pH of bath bombs safe?
Regular use of bath bombs may alter the pH of a woman’s vagina. This changed pH may lead to all sorts of problems one can imagine. Therefore women should be aware of everything they are tossing in their bathtub.
What about the chemical additives?
According to Healthline, continued use of toxic fragrances that contain aldehydes, Benzene derivatives, talc, and artificial dyes may increase the risks of certain cancers and allergies.
Therefore, if you love using bath bombs daily, you should consider bath bombs that contain natural ingredients. Healthline suggests the consumers make their bath bombs at home.
The Cost of using bath bombs on a regular basis.
It is also important to know that when using bath bombs daily may be expensive, especially if you are on a budget. However, if using one helps you each time you feel tired or stressed, the costs shouldn’t really matter. You could also make your own bath bombs which definitely helps lower the costs.
Bath bombs are effective for combating stress and relieving fatigue. Therefore it’s up to you to decide whether you use them a few times a week or just enjoy the pleasurable spa experience once a month.
Using bath bombs every day might not be such a good idea. The soothing and relaxing effect it creates will eventually not be the same as your body gets used to it. It is therefore important to find other ways to create a relaxing environment when bathing.
How many bath bombs can you use at once?
You can use one or more than one bath bomb together. However, if you want to mix two different bath bombs, you can use a half or use half piece of two different bath bombs. You can also use two small bath bombs at once in a bathtub.
NOTE: Using two or more large bath bombs may leave you with way too much baking soda, colorants, and other residues and might negatively affect the skin.
Should I use half a bath bomb?
For some people, regular use of bath bombs may cost too much. Most of the bath bombs enthusiasts ask often ask, “Are bath bombs single use?”
Luckily, the answer is no. You can use bath bombs more than once, and you do this by splitting them in two. Of course, you’ll have less effect with a half bath bomb, but half is more than enough for most people.
Here is an easy-to-learn technique that helps you use the bath bomb twice if you wish to try.
Tools you will require
- Ziploc bag
- Plastic storage container
- Flathead screwdriver
- Hammer
- Cutting board
What you should know
- Before you grab some bath bombs with the intention of dividing them into two, check whether they can withstand the breakage. Some bath bombs will crumble when you try to split them. You can choose the circular ones that have a crease running in their center. If the bath bomb crumbles while you try to split it into two, you can still use it as a scrub.
- Most of the users feel that half of a bath bomb suffices for a bath. Therefore using a whole bath bomb is a waste of your money. Especially if you use bath bombs more than once a week, it is better to use a half every time you take a bath.
- Don’t keep the remaining half for long, as it will lose its fizz capacity.
- Even when kept in Ziploc bags, bath bombs slowly lose their fizzy ability. It is because they undergo oxidation, due to which citric acid and sodium bicarbonate bind together.
How to split a bath bomb into two
I have an article that explains just that and gives you different options (safe and the easy way) to do it, but here is one short version:
Step 1: Put the bath bomb in the bottom corner of the Ziploc bag.
Step 2: Place the side of the bath bomb on the cutting board.
Step 3: locate the crease or seam in the middle of the bath bomb to insert a screwdriver in it.
Step 4: Insert the tip of the screwdriver in the crease from one side. It is better to ask someone to hold the bath bomb so that it does not move.
Step 5: carefully hit the head of the screwdriver with a hammer. Repeat until the bath bomb splits into two pieces.
Step 6: Now, place each bath bomb half in the Ziploc bag and seal tightly. Store them in an airtight container.
Can you use bath bombs in a Jacuzzi?
The hot tub is heaven for a tired, stressed soul. Nothing seems more relaxing than a luxurious hot bath with fantastic bath bombs. But is everything so simple?
I have an extended article on this topic which I think is something that you should definitely check if you’re planning on using bath bombs in your expensive Jacuzzi.
But here is the simple version:
Use with Caution:
You need to be very careful if you wish to throw your favorite fizzy bombs into your hot tub. A little bit of carelessness may cause you to damage worth thousands of dollars.
Yes, it’s true! Some reckless use of bath bombs is enough to wear down and damage your expensive hot tub.
Here is all you need to know before you toss these cute bath bombs in your Jacuzzi!
Never use a bath bomb that has confetti or other stuff
Bath bombs that contain flower petals, glitter, and confetti look very tempting. However, they are actually disastrous for the jets of a hot water bathtub. If you use bath bombs in a Jacuzzi tub, you can only enjoy it for a maximum of four baths, after which it may stop working.
The large particles such as glitters and confetti are released from a bath bomb when they fizz and dissolve in water. As these large particles are insoluble in water, they easily clog the jets.
So can’t you ever use the bath bombs with decorative stuff in them?
You can use these cute bath bombs without damaging your new hot tub. But you have to wrap them with a fabric bag or nylon stocking before throwing them in the bathtub.
This is the only way you should use the bath bombs that contain decorative stuff.
Don’t forget to clean your Jacuzzi after every use
Cleaning a Jacuzzi after bathing is a laborious job, and using bath bombs adds up to the difficulty. When using bath bombs in a Jacuzzi, you should immediately clean the accumulated oils, dyes, and glitter.
When these bath bomb ingredients are left to stick and dry on the walls of your beautiful Jacuzzi, they’ll make your tub very unpleasant in appearance.
Apart from your regular cleaning routine, you will have to go the extra mile to clear off the bath bomb leftovers.
First of all, you should run a very hot bath and add dishwashing soap to it. Run it for at least 30 minutes so that all grease is removed.
Then run another hot bath for 30 minutes and add bleach to it so that it sanitizes your tub and removes any dyes from its sides.
Finally, run a cold water bath for 30 minutes to remove the residual bleach and dishwashing soap. To clean the jets, you can use any small brush to ensure that no particles remain in them.
Can I use bath bombs in a shower?
Bath bombs are intended for bathing in a bathtub. However, you can use them in a shower too. This is especially good news for people who don’t own or want to have bathtubs.
You just need to make some changes to enjoy your bath bombs in a shower. Here are different ways in which you can use a bath bomb while you are in a shower;
Use as a soap
All bath bombs naturally have soap inside them to ensure they provide proper cleansing. The oils present in the bath bombs have a nourishing and soothing effect on the skin.
Simply divide a bath bomb into two halves. Now keep away one half and use the other because using a full bath bomb will be way too much.
Hold half of the bath bomb in your hand and soak it in water. As soon as it begins to fuzz, rub it thoroughly on the whole body. Make a lather and rinse properly before you step out of the shower.
Mix in a bucket
Mixing in a bucket is also an effective way to use your favorite bath bombs while in a shower.
Fill a bucket with water and drop a bath bomb in it. Let it dissolve and release its mesmerizing aroma and colors. Then pour it over your body by scooping it from the bucket. It almost is like the way people used to bathe themselves before showers were invented.
Tie on the showerhead
This is the easiest and most convenient way to enjoy a fizzy bath experience. You will need a small breathable cloth bag in which you can securely tie your bath bomb. Now you can hang this cloth on your shower so that all the water passes through it, slowly dissolving the bath bomb.
Just make sure to set the water to the desired temperature before attaching the bath bomb to prevent wasting bath bomb ingredients.
Can I wash my hair in bath bomb water?
When you are immersed in your bathtub, you often think about how the ingredients present in the bath bombs impact your hair. Bath bombs are made from baking soda, fatty oils, and essential oils. They all leave their residue on your hair. So are bath bombs bad for your hair?
The usual ingredients present in bath bombs are mild. These ingredients are unlikely to cause damage to your hair. Most of them have a cleansing and softening effect.
Ingredients of a Bath bomb and your hair
Most people are concerned about the abrasive properties of baking soda and its impact on hair. However, we can say that when baking soda is dissolved in water, it does not remain harsh for your hair.
The presence of sea salt may also impact hair’s natural shine, so it is better to use a salt-free bath bomb if you habitually wash your hair.
Choosing bath bombs with nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil or apricot kernel oil may give a good texture to your hair.
Therefore it is always good to check the ingredient list before washing your hair. Bath bombs may leave their smell and other particles such as glitter clinging on your hair for long. So it is better to wash your hair with a showerhead at the end of your bath.
When do I put a bath bomb in?
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to throwing bath bombs in water. However, putting the bath bomb before filling the tub with water will ruin your bathing experience.
The best time to toss a bath bomb in a bathtub is right after the tub is filled to the desired depth. You can place the bath bomb even if the water is still running. Adding a bath bomb at this stage will help you benefit from the visual aesthetic beauty of the bath bomb.
Do you get in the bath with a bath bomb?
It is recommended that you should always add the bath bomb five minutes before you jump inside the bathtub. It is ideal for immersing in the water tub after the fizzy bomb has already shown its enchanting movements.
On average, a layered bath bomb takes nearly five minutes to dissolve and fizz to its full potential. The mix that is present in the center will burst out from different holes. Watching a bath bomb fizz revealing its colors embedded in the effervescence is a stress-busting sight. Feeling the mesmerizing aromas of bath bombs is out of a world experience when we are tired.
Do you shower after a bath bomb?
Showering after using a bath bomb is totally a personal choice. The decision will depend on what you feel is the best for yourself.
Usually, people do not require a shower after using the bath bombs. However, if your bath bombs contain glitter, flower petals, fragrances, dyes, or healthy oils, then they may stick to your skin.
In this case, it is strongly advised to take a shower as extra particles can cause irritation to the skin. To prevent the removal of beneficial ingredients from a bath bomb, you should not use soap during the shower. You should also make sure your shower is glitter-free after you shower, so clean it out as soon as you can.
Do you shower after a Lush bath bomb?
Most people wonder whether or not they need a shower after using a Lush bath bomb. The answer is yes; you will need a shower after a Lush bath bomb.
Lush bath bombs contain a lot of strong dyes and fragrances to enrich the bathing experience of consumers. However, these colors may cling to the skin’s surface, leaving stains on it.
Similarly, if you notice any residue present on your skin or the sides of the bathtub, it is better to take a shower to avoid irritation afterward.
Where do you buy bath bombs?
Bath bombs are becoming immensely popular. Therefore more and more people are stepping into the bath bomb-making industry. Bath bombs are often handmade with quite simple ingredients.
You can find a great variety of these cute, colorful, fizzy bombs everywhere in stores, but most likely, the best place to find is on Amazon.
Here are some very good options you can find on Amazon
It is to note that bath bombs are of two types depending on the source of their ingredients.
Natural Bath bombs contain all-natural and organic ingredients that do not harm the skin. On the other hand, bath bombs may also contain harsh dyes, synthetic fragrances, and chemical surfactants.
Buying bath bombs from a trusted source every time ensures that you get a consistent product.
What do you do with a bath bomb if you don’t have a bath?
If you have bought a bunch of bath bombs, but you don’t have a bathtub, you don’t need to worry. We have listed some great alternative uses of bath bombs to let you enjoy your bath bombs in the best manner.
- Use as a shower bomb.
- Turn it into a car air freshener
- Freshen up your clothes
- Utilize bath bombs for aromatherapy
- Use as a foot wash
- Deodorize your shoes
- Use as a fabric freshener
Can I use a bath bomb on my period?
This is a question that is asked a lot. A bubble bath and bath bombs are definitely soothing and relieving. Some women feel that immersing in a hot tub of water helps them relieve their menstrual cramps.
But should you use bath bombs while you are on period?
Most of the doctors agree that you should avoid using bath bombs when you are on period. Bath bombs contain harsh chemicals such as dyes and fragrances. These chemical ingredients may alter your vaginal pH.
The change in pH allows the growth of undesirable microbes such as yeast. The growth of bacteria and yeast may cause vaginal irritation and infections. In this case, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Final Verdict
Like all other beauty and skincare products, you should prefer bath bombs made from natural and organic ingredients. In this way, you can enjoy a chemical-free bathing experience.
Bath bombs are enriched with emollients and softeners that help soothe your skin and relax your muscles. They cleanse and moisturize your skin if you have chosen the right bath bombs for yourself.
Bath bombs create an atmosphere of ambiance and let you indulge in the beauty of colors. These mesmerizing effervescent balls will take your bathing experience to the next level—no need to spend on the spa when you have some bath bombs in your wardrobe.
