What Are Bath Bombs Good For? (Fun Facts)

Besides the fizzle, the spa-like effect, the burst of colors, and the enticing scents, bath bombs have other benefits. Although there are lots of added synthetic ingredients, the basic ingredients – baking soda and citric acid, and the other common natural ingredients – cornstarch and Epsom salt, are beneficial to health in many ways.

In this article, we will answer the following questions:

  • Are bath bombs good for you?
  • Are bath bombs good for your skin?
  • Are bath bombs good for your hair?
  • Are bath bombs good for relaxing?
  • Are bath bombs good for stress relief?
A photo of three bath bombs next to a bath
Have you ever wondered if bath bombs are good for you?

Are Bath Bombs Good for You?

There is no general answer to this because people react to things differently. While bath bombs might be good for person A, they might not go down well with person B. However, the major factors that will influence the safety of bath bombs are the brand, the ingredients used, the user’s sensitivity, and the frequency of use. 

Simply put, bath bombs are good for people that are not allergic to any of its ingredients or do not have sensitive skin when they are made from safe ingredients by trusted brands. 

If you are allergic to any of the natural or synthetic ingredients in bath bombs, avoid them. Also, if you have sensitive skin or eczema, you should avoid bath bombs. Bath bombs contain synthetic ingredients like glitters, dyes, and synthetic fragrances that could lead to irritations and reactions like rashes, redness, itches, etc.

Even natural ingredients might pose a danger for people with skin sensitivity. For instance, some people are allergic to essential oils, so they would have to avoid bath bombs that contain any essential oil they are allergic to.

Are Bath Bombs Good for Your Skin?

Honestly, all the synthetic ingredients added to bath bombs are not beneficial to the skin. If you have sensitive skin or a known skin problem like eczema, these ingredients will do more harm than good. Soaking in dye and glitter can cause skin irritation. 

However, if you do not have any sensitivity issues, you will probably find soaking in a bath bomb-filled tub relaxing. For such people, bath bombs are good, and the natural ingredients in the bath bomb can benefit their skin. Here is a list of the common natural ingredients and their benefits to the skin.

  • Baking Soda: Bicarbonate of Soda or baking soda is the primary ingredient in a bath bomb. Baking soda has exfoliating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. When added to your bath water, it can help get rid of dead skin, clean your pores, and reduce inflammation and mild rashes.
  • Citric Acid: Citric acid is combined with baking soda to produce the fizzing effect when bath bombs are dumped in the water. Citric acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). It helps loosen dead skin to reveal clearer skin. 
  • Cornstarch: In bath bombs, cornstarch helps control the fizzling reaction of bath bombs. For the skin, cornstarch helps soak excess oil, can reduce itchiness, and prevent athlete’s foot.
  • Epsom Salt: Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a popular bath salt often added to bath bombs. It helps you relax, loosens stiff joints, relieves muscle pains, and improves muscle function.

Notwithstanding, bath bombs should be used infrequently and for 10 to 15 minutes. It is also advisable to rinse or shower after using bath bombs to remove any particles on the skin.

Are Bath Bombs Good for Your Hair?

Bath bombs can be bad for your hair if used too often and without thoroughly washing your hair after soaking. Bath bombs contain two main ingredients that are not so good for your hair’s pH.

Baking soda alkalinity is too high for your hair and can dry your hair and cause a pH imbalance. Citric acid, when used in shampoo, lowers the pH level, but if used directly on the hair, it can be bad as it will reduce the pH level of your hair. However,  if the hair is damaged and dry, it can restore the hair by reducing its pH level.

Food colors can discolor your hair if it is a color other than black. You might have to shampoo several times to get the dye off. Bath bombs containing salt can also remove hair dye. It is best to cover your hair or thoroughly wash it after a soaking.

Are Bath Bombs Good for Relaxing?

Not all bath bombs help you relax. Bath bomb products that produce a relaxing effect contain some specific ingredients that help the body relax. These products are good for relaxing.

Essential oils like lavender, vanilla, chamomile, and bath salts like Epsom salt and dead sea salt are added to bath bombs to relax the body. These essential oils, when released, calm the mind and make one relax and sleep well. Epsom salt and dead sea salt also help relax the muscles and reduce body pain, eventually causing a relaxing effect.

Soaking in a lavender bath bomb or a bath bomb containing Epsom salt can help your body relax after the day’s work and help you sleep comfortably.

Are Bath Bombs Good for Relieving Stress?

Some bath bombs can help you relieve stress. Such bath bombs contain some essential oils like lavender, clary sage, and chamomile that have stress relief properties. If a bath bomb provides an additional benefit, it will be indicated, so when purchasing bath bombs for stress relief, look for the ones with stress relief properties. 

However, bath bombs should not replace seeing the doctor and resting if you are stressed out. It should only be an added way to reduce stress. 

Conclusion

Bath bombs are good for the skin and the body. Packed with the right ingredients, It can help you relax and can relieve stress. However, if you are not allergic to any ingredient used in producing them and as long as you use them in moderation. 

Bath bombs contain synthetic products like glitter and food dye that can cause irritations and skin reactions. Even natural ingredients like essential oil can irritate your skin if you are allergic to them or if your skin is too sensitive. On this note, it is best to check the ingredients before buying, and avoid bath bombs if you have sensitive skin or eczema.  

Andrew Scents and Aroma