Shower bombs are also known as shower steamers or shower fizzies. These are great alternatives to bath bombs, although lesser-known. Even though subtle, knowing their differences can enhance your spa experiences exponentially!
Bath bombs are mainly used to interact with the skin directly. On the other hand, Shower bombs should be used as a shower steamer since their primary purpose is to release the oils into the air.
Discover the ‘secrets’ Professional Bath Bomb Makers use to create luscious bath bombs with this step-by-step guide. You’ll have a priceless reference collection of product recipes with natural ingredients designed to create a relaxing spa atmosphere in your own home.
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Shower bombs are a great alternative to bath bombs for those who don’t enjoy long baths. They are slowly gaining popularity due to their specific usage. Even those who don’t own a bathtub can use them conveniently, and they have multiple benefits.
The debate of shower bombs versus bath bombs involves understanding the differences in their components, usage, pricing, and manufacturing. Both can be made at home and are fun DIY projects. You can compare and contrast the two bath products and use them suitably.
What Are the Main Differences Between Bath bombs and Shower bombs?
The primary difference is the location where both are used. As the name suggests, shower bombs are used in the shower and bath bombs in the bath.
You can release a bath bomb into the bath once the bath is filled with water. For shower steamers, you can keep them on the floor during your shower. The main purpose is for the oils to be released in the air, so there is no need for direct contact.
While the two can be used interchangeably, their composition also differs. Shower steamers aren’t meant to turn your bathtub water fizzy or bubbly. They react to the shower water similarly but have milder effects. Mostly, they enhance your showering experience through aromas and some colors.
On the other hand, bath bombs are a full-scale bathing event. They are added to filled bathtubs to deliver color, fizz, and spectacle. Not to mention, bath bombs are also made to benefit your skin. Since you are expected to soak in the tub, a bath bomb will contain ingredients that nourish you. But with a shower streamer, you don’t need to consider this factor.
Do bath bombs and shower bombs use Different Ingredients?
This may sound logical to some, but the two are actually not that much different when it comes to their composition. The ratio and proportions of ingredients used in shower and bath bombs are different. However, the main ingredients are more or less the same in both bath products.
The following is a list of necessary ingredients that are used in both products.
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- Citric acid
- Baking soda
- Soap scents
- Colorants (skin safe soap colorants or mica powder)
- Essential Oils
- Witch hazel
This basic mix can differ for shower bombs since the citric acid plus sodium bicarbonate mix isn’t necessary. While it can be added for fizzing purposes, citric acid is not required in shower bombs. Citric acid is mainly meant to make the product more reactive. This is not always desirable for more calming shower steamers.
In addition to these basics, you will need to use moisturizing oils and salts. There is no specification for which to use, and the choice is up to personal preference.
The following list includes some of the common options.
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Another fun aspect of bath and shower bombs is the herbal touch you can add. Many DIY enthusiasts enjoy using dried flowers and natural herbs for this purpose.
You can add a combination of flowers to enhance the effect of the bomb. If you don’t like the clean up afterward, it’s best to include them only in smaller amounts.
You can use any of the following dried flowers and herbs.
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Not only can you add herbal ingredients to your bombs, but also glitter and other colorants. The best colorants to use are soap colorants.
This is because any other type of color will stain your bathtub or floor. Food coloring is another option. However, it would help if you only used lighter shades in this case.
Colorants can also stain your skin or react with it if they are not skin-friendly. This is why mica powder is a safe bet.
Irrespective of whether you make shower or bath bombs, the color should be mixed in well. Use gloves to incorporate the right colorant into the mix fully.
Glitter is a fan favorite of bath and shower bomb lovers. These extra additions are usually more popular in bath bombs since the effects are more visible in a tub. While color is nice even in a shower, the potency is lower.
It is important to remember that you can’t use arts and crafts glitter in bath products. Such glitter can cut your skin and adversely impact your bathroom tiles or tub.
The best choice for glitter is cosmetic or body-grade glitter. This is a specialized form of glitter that can be found online with ease.
Are the oils in bath bombs and shower bombs used differently?
Bath bombs and shower steamers can both contain oils for aromatic purposes. However, bath bombs have the added responsibility of skincare.
They are the right way of enjoying a moisturizing soak. This is not the case with shower steamers, and thus they contain fewer moisturizing oils.
Adding too much oil to shower bombs is risky since it can cause slipperiness. Instead, adding non-moisturizing oils like essential oils is the only necessity for shower bombs.
Bath and shower bombs include the same oils in different ratios. The amount of essential oils varies since the purposes differ.
Shower bombs use essential oils to release fragrances into the air or steam that is formed. Bath bombs contain oils in a way that ultimately leads to interaction with your skin directly.
As a result, the concentration of essential oils is much greater in shower bombs. This ensures that the aroma released is plentiful and doesn’t get drained away quickly.
Also, the essential oils can’t damage skin since the shower bomb will be placed on the floor. Thus, reactive essential oils can be tamed and used for purposes like aromatherapy in the shower.
The concentration of moisturizing oils also differs between the two. Bath bombs have large amounts of such oils, such as coconut oil. These are meant to nourish your skin and can be part of the skincare routine.
They are also the main ingredients for holding the bath bomb together. In contrast, too much oil in a shower bomb is a danger and can pose a risk to your safety. Thus, you only need the minimum amount of oil to keep the shower bomb intact.
Do shower bombs and bath bombs have different shapes?
The shape is an important and defining difference between bath bombs and shower fizzies. Since they are both used in different places, the shape plays a major role in their functioning.
For starters, bath bombs are round. This is the most common shape of bath bombs available for sale. However, they can be found in all sorts of designs. The mold will determine the final look of the bath bomb. You can get creative and use a star or heart molds and build them as you like.
While bath bombs’ shape isn’t necessarily important, it is a vital consideration for shower bombs. This is because, unlike bath bombs, the shower bomb will be placed on the ground. A bath bomb can float in the bathwater until it dissolves.
A shower bomb can’t be rounded since this could be a safety hazard. A shower steamer rolling around on the ground can cause someone to slip and lead to a severe injury.
As a result, shower bombs usually have a flat side that can firmly remain on the ground. Even with flat-sided shower bombs, it is suggested that you keep them near the drain. Another convenient place to put the steamer is on the ledge. This minimizes the chances of accidents and injuries. Thus, shower bombs can be in any shape as long as they are flat on one end.
What Molds Are Used for Bath And Shower Bombs?
Given that the shape is a determining difference between the two using the right molds is essential. For DIY shower and bath bombs, molds will shape the final product.
For molding shower steamers, use something with at least one flat side. Everyday items that can be used to mold shower fizzies include.
- Mini muffin or cupcake molds
- Half-sphere molds
- Other silicone molds for mini donuts, confectionaries, etc.
- Soap mold with flat press tops
On the other hand, bath bombs can be spherical or any different shapes. There is no limitation to the kind of molds you use for bath bombs.
Thus, you can use any of the molds mentioned above for bath bombs as well. In addition to this list, you can use rounded molds according to your preference.
The options are endless when it comes to molding either bath bombs or shower bombs. The one thing you should keep in mind is to make smaller shower bombs. Although this is not a compulsion, it is a useful suggestion since shower fizzies don’t need to be as reactive.
Is there a price difference between bath bombs and shower fizzies?
Bath bombs and shower bombs are not priced very differently. Usually, bath bombs are more popular and easier to shop online. Many online platforms even sell them together.
Also, since they are made of almost similar ingredients, there isn’t much variation in individual prices.
That does not mean that every bath bomb or shower bomb has the same price. Depending on the brand, quality, quantity, aroma, etc., each product has a distinct price tag.
You can buy bath and shower bombs, costing a few dollars or more expensive ones ranging from $10 to $30. It is challenging to find shower bombs exclusively, so the available price range may not be broad.
Making either of these products is much cheaper if you do it at home. You only need a few basic ingredients, and you can make large quantities of about 20 in one batch.
The net cost of 20 shower or bath bombs should not be more than $2 to $5. This means that each bomb will cost only a fraction of a dollar.
Can You Use Shower Bombs in A Bath?
Knowing about their respective ingredients should make it easier to understand their usage. Since they are both distinctive, using a shower bomb in a bathtub will have certain drawbacks.
A shower bomb will not fizz and bubble the way a bath bomb is meant to do. However, there is no real danger in using a shower bomb in a bath. The only necessary thing to monitor is the impact of the excess essential oils on your skin.
The correct way to use a shower steamer is not as evident as most people assume. While you can directly keep it on the shower floor, this is not the best technique. The best place to keep a shower bomb is at the edge of the tub, at the very back, or on top of the drain.
Keeping the shower steamer right under you can seem useful at first. However, even with its specialization, a shower bomb is still somewhat slippery. It can cause you to slip and trigger other accidents.
Can You Use Bath Bombs in The Shower?
Just as you can’t effectively use a shower bomb in the bath, the reverse is also true. Bath bombs can be used in the shower but won’t give you the desired results. Since they are meant to fizz and provide you with skin benefits, it is wasteful to use them in the shower.
The best way to use a bath bomb is by simply dropping it into the tub. This will trigger the citric acid and soda. You will get to see the colored carbon dioxide bubbles as a result. Simultaneously it will release oils and salts with its fragrance.
Simply placing a bath bomb on the floor will deprive you of the nourishing benefits. It can also lead to slippery floors and a rolling bath bomb that causes accidents.
However, in case you can’t find shower bombs, using bath bombs in showers is passable. The following ways are exciting techniques for using bath bombs even in showers:
One convenient method is to attach a bag of bath bombs directly to the showerhead. You should ensure that the water from the shower seeps through the bag.
The intention is to trigger the bath bomb without soaking it in the tub. Not only will you get the benefits of aromatherapy in the shower, but also the skin replenishment.
If you are bathing in the old school style with a basin, you can use a bath bomb innovatively. Just dissolve the bath bomb in the water and enjoy the fragrance. When you splash yourself with the basin water, you will be able to take advantage of the skin-friendly ingredients.
Additionally, you can keep the bath bomb on the bathroom tiles. As the shower water comes in contact with the bath bomb, it will slowly react. This reaction will release important essential oils and other components.
While these are all the ways to use bath bombs in the shower, you can also use them without showering. By soaking the bath bomb in water, you can enjoy the skin-nourishing advantages without even bathing. However, the complete joy and excitement of a fizzy bath will fade away.
Which One Should You Go For?
There is no easy answer to this question. As stated previously, both shower and bath bombs have different functions. Depending on your purpose at hand, you can choose the most suitable options.
- Ask yourself whether soaking in the tub is a feasible option for you?
- How frequently do you bathe in the tub, and do you enjoy it?
- Are you looking for quick aromatherapy benefits or fun and fizzy bath times?
Shower bombs are a more convenient option. Many prefer them since they can be used even on a jam-packed schedule in a regular shower. Not to mention, specialized shower bombs are used for clearing congestions. Chest or nasal congestion opens up with the use of shower bombs containing specific herbal properties.
You can also consider both shower and bath bombs for gifting purposes. They are useful self-care products. You can make these yourself or buy them at most stores.
Lastly, since there aren’t any glaring differences, you can go for both together. If you are looking to buy one of these, buying the other is an excellent way to increase variety.
You can switch between the two as per your mood and available aromas. Even for DIY purposes, the ingredients can be bought together and used later.
Final Thoughts
The world of bath and beauty products is vast and often confusing. If you are a beginner to DIY, doing your research can help. Before you begin making shower and bath bombs, their differences will help you maximize both their potential.
Not only can you make unique products, but use them appropriately for their given purpose. As for small and growing bath product businesses, the more you know, the better you can brand yourself as specialists.
