5 Best Bath Bombs

Bath bombs offer more than just stress relief. 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 regular bubble bath just can’t compete with. But there are so many bath bombs on the market 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? The questions are endless.

What are bath bombs?

Most 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. The bath bomb’s color is usually released into the water and many bath bombs contain add-ins, such as glitter or flower petals.

“Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid are what create a bath bomb’s fizz.”

How do you use bath bombs?

Its easy using a bath bomb as any bubble bath or bath salt. Simply fill your bathtub with warm water, and drop in your favorite 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?

• Transforms an ordinary bath into a true sensory experience with its pleasant fragrance, attractive colors, and fun extras like glitter or flower petals.
• Typically contain all-natural ingredients and many are cruelty-free.
• Cleanse and deodorize your skin.
• Natural oils included in bath bombs add moisture to bathwater, so you’re left with soft, supple, hydrated skin.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING BATH BOMBS

Ingredients

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 your skin. Many bath bombs are colored, so 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.

“To avoid irritation, choose bombs that use non-plastic glitter.”

Scent

The fragrance of bath bomb’s 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.
• Sensual: For a sensual bath, choose a bath bomb that contains jasmine 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 all 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.

EXPERT TIP: If you would like to try cruelty-free bath products, look for bath bombs that use vegetarian dyes.

For a cool, magical, fun, sparkly bath, choose a bath bomb with glitter. For a romantic bath, choose a bath bomb with flower petals. Many bath bombs are handmade, so they each have a unique appearance.

HOW MUCH DO BATH BOMBS COST?

The price for bath bombs fluctuate in price based on size and the number of bombs in a set, but you can typically expect to spend between $2 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.

BATH BOMB TIPS AND TRICKS

• You can cut a bath bomb in half and save the other piece for another bath.
• Fill your bathtub with water before adding the bath bomb.
• Drop a bath bomb into the tub right before you’re ready to get in.
• Use your bath bombs within six months of purchase.
• After most bath bombs, rinse yourself off in the shower to remove any color, glitter, or other residue from your skin.
• Make sure to clean your tub right after your bath to prevent staining.

Q. Are bath bombs good for sensitive skin?
A. Bath bombs 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. ​​​​​​​

“If you have sensitive skin, avoid bath bombs with glitter, which can be irritating.”

Q. How many bath bombs can I use per bath?
A. Manufacturers typically 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 the bath bombs stain my tub?
A. All the dyes included in 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 there’s glitter or flower petals in the tub, rinse them away with clean water.