Bath Bomb 101: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Ah, bath bomb. This explosive personal care product that oozes a fizzy charm helps us enjoy what can be quite a monotonous event - taking a bath. Over the last unrelenting years, bath time came to embody more than just a relaxing soak but a symbol of self-care for many of us who have reawakened the love affair with the tub as a reprieve from the stress of the ongoing global crisis and prolonged confinement.
Bath bombs became so popular that these balls of bliss have become one of the 8 most gifted items in Amazon. Despite its resurgence, not everyone has had the chance of soaking in a sudsy eye candy. And because bath bombs are not going anywhere, we’re here to answer the most commonly asked questions from those who are new to bath bombs.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Bath Bombs
1. What are bath bombs made of?
Bath bombs are typically made from baking soda and citric acid, which create the fizzy effect when they come into contact with water, along with cornstarch to bind the ingredients and Epsom salt to soothe muscles and soften the skin.
Essential or fragrance oils provide delightful scents, while colorants add vibrant hues to the water. Higher-end bath bombs often include luxurious ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter for added moisturization. Additionally, some premium bath bombs are infused with CBD, which offers potential therapeutic benefits such as reducing inflammation and easing stress, enhancing the overall bath.
2. How do you use a bath bomb?
Bath bombs are fairly easy to use. First, run the hot water into your tub to a comfortable bath temperature. How hot will depend on your preference and comfort level but you want it somewhere between 90° F and 105°F.
After filling the tub with water, unwrap the bath bomb, drop it in the tub, and enjoy the show! As the bath bomb fizzes and dissolves in water, it will begin to release its enchanting scent, vibrant colors, and infuse your bath with its skin-healing ingredients. The best part? Sinking your naked self into a luxury bath filled with the natural goodness of a bath bomb soak, and slipping right into relaxation mode.
Feel your muscle pain, anxious worries, and doubts melt away as you immerse yourself in the soothing waters. A bath is the ultimate opportunity to relax and let go of stress, allowing both your body and mind to rejuvenate.
3. Do you unwrap the plastic in a bath bomb?
If the bath bomb came in its protective plastic casing, you need to remove it before you toss it in the tub. The shrink wrap is meant to protect the bath bomb from moisture or humidity that will cause it to prematurely fizz before you even have a chance to experience it.
4. How long should I stay in the tub?
Typically, 15-30 minutes should be plenty of time. Taking longer than this may compromise your skin health. A recent experiment found that a 22-minute soak is just right to reap the benefits of a bath. If you prefer to linger, aim to wrap up by the 30-minute mark. However, if you start feeling uncomfortably hot before that, it's time to step out and cool off.
5. Can I use bath bombs daily?
Daily use is most likely not a concern however, as with all the good things in life - moderation is key! Everything in this world is only good when enjoyed in small doses like chocolates, wine and even bath bombs! So while it may be tempting to use bath bombs everyday, we like to enjoy a bath bomb bath at least 1-2 times a week.
6. Do I need to shower after a bath bomb bath?
Showering after a bath bomb bath is optional, with its own set of pros and cons. The oils from the bath bomb will leave your skin feeling supple but showering may remove this from your skin. If you feel like rinsing especially if residues like glitter and petals are clinging on your skin, rinsing with plain water after you soak is typically enough.
7. Do bath bombs expire?
While the everyday ingredients that are used to make bath bombs are natural preservatives in themselves, bath bombs can only last up to 12 months when stored correctly. We recommend not to let it sit around for more than 6 months or else you may find that the fizzing action becomes a little less explosive. Using a bath bomb within a month from purchase will have you experience the best results!
8. Do bath bombs clean you?
These balls of bliss may contain cleansers that remove dirt and oil buildup from the surface of your skin but bath bombs aren't great soap substitutes.
If you require a good scrubbing, we would recommend complementing your tub time with a natural bar of soap such as our most purchased Oatmeal Milk & Honey CBD Bath Soap. Featuring real ground oatmeal to safely slough off dead skin cells, this cold processed bath soap creates a cream lather for deep cleansing and moisturizing.
For a proper scrub down, natural soap is the way to go: Tub Therapy Soaperstar CBD Soap in Oatmeal Milk & Honey, $16 each
9. Will bath bombs clog my plumbing?
Unfortunately, regular bath bomb use is bad news as it can wreak havoc on your plumbing. If you like to enjoy a bath bomb bath more regularly, have your drains cleared by a professional plumber from time to time. You can also help clear debris and oil that bath bombs have left inside the drains by pouring vinegar after a bath bomb bath then leave it inside the drain for several minutes before flushing it down with hot water.
10. Can I reuse a bath bomb?
Bath bombs are typically intended for one time use because once you drop it in the water, it will start to dissolve. You may cut larger bath bombs in half and keep the other half for future use but the medium golf ball size is just right enough for single use.
Bonus Q&A About Bath Bombs
Will bath bombs stain my tub?
When a bath bomb breaks in water, it explodes into a colorful swirling, twirling and fizzing motion that can be very fascinating to watch. Normally, bath bombs do not stain the tubs however stains may sometimes occur especially with high concentration of colorants.
To minimize staining, choose non-staining bath bombs that are made with polysorbate 80, which helps to prevent colorants from lingering. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients, ensuring that they mix uniformly and do not separate. In bath bombs, polysorbate 80 is used to prevent colorants and oils from staining the bathtub by keeping them evenly dispersed in the water. This makes it easier to clean the tub after use and reduces the risk of unwanted residue or discoloration.
How do you clean a bath bomb tub stain?
Bath bombs that leave stain may also leave remnants of oils and butters that stick to the bathtub, leaving a slippery surface. To clean a bath bomb mess, fill the bath with warm water and add a few tablespoons of dish detergent to dissolve the oils. You can leave to soak overnight then rinse in the morning to make it sparkling clean and safe for the next person to use.
If you’d rather do a quick clean, you can add the mixture of water and dish detergent into a spray bottle, apply it to the area, leave it for 5-10 minutes then scrub the residue off with a brush.
What is the difference between a bath bomb bath and a bubble bath?
A bath bomb bath and a bubble bath differ primarily in their effects and ingredients. Bath bombs, made from natural ingredients like baking soda and citric acid, fizz and dissolve in water, often adding color, scent, and moisturizing oils for a sensory and therapeutic experience.
In contrast, bubble baths use surfactants to create bubbles and foam, which can sometimes contain chemicals that may be harsh on sensitive skin. Bubble bars, a solid alternative to bubble bath, also create bubbles by crumbling under water but may have similar concerns. Overall, bath bombs tend to offer a more natural approach with fewer harsh chemicals.
Lastly, where can I buy the best bath bombs?
There are so many options in the market that it can be hard to choose. Not all bath bombs are made the same so what works for another may not work for you. However, the main deciding factor should come down to its ingredients. It’s really what’s on the inside - what we submerge our bodies into - that makes a lot of difference. Make sure the bath bomb is talc-free and power-packed with natural ingredients that safely moisturizes and nourish your skin.
If you’re looking to add a little boost to your self-care game, we’d recommend a CBD bath bomb - a luxurious take on traditional bath bombs! They’re infused with CBD or cannabidiol, a potent compound extracted from the cannabis plant that contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
The ultimate bath bomb? CBD-infused, hands down: Tub Therapy Soakshow CBD Bath Bomb in Vanilla Sandalwood, $15 each with free shipping
When applied on skin topically, CBD can help alleviate a myriad of skin issues such as dryness, acne, wrinkles, redness, and rashes. Infused with this skin superfood, CBD bath bombs are far superior and more expensive for this reason.
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all so if you’re looking to try a CBD bath bomb, read this guide to know what to consider as you navigate the market.
