What are bath bombs?

Bath bombs are rounded, soft but strong balls of material designed to dissolve and bubble when they come into contact with water. The bombs are placed in bathtubs after being filled with water, similar to bubble baths. As they dissolve, bath bombs can add fragrances, colours, oils, cleaning agents or other materials to the bath water.

Bombs are usually made of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid or another organic acid, cornstarch and magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts). All of these ingredients combine to create the fizzing and dissolving effects for which the cans are known. The bombs can also contain materials such as food colouring, glitter, herbs or dried flowers for extra effect.

The time taken for bath bombs to dissolve can vary depending on the manufacturer and the size of the bombs. In general, however, you can expect a bath bomb to dissolve within two minutes. Crackling and fizzing sounds will occur as the bombs disintegrate, during which time the remaining bomb material will be dispensed.

Bathers may enjoy a burst of bubbles from this product. These bubbles can stick to a bather’s hair and skin and provide a source of entertainment for the bather. Although bombs can be fun, they could also have therapeutic uses.

If the bombs contain essential oils and cleansing agents, they can help a bather in even a small therapeutic sense. Sea salt, generally considered a very beneficial cleansing agent, can give the bather’s body a deep cleansing. If a bather wishes to be energised, she may choose a spray containing mint. If the bather wants to use the product for relaxation, she can choose to use a bath bomb with lavender ingredients. Similarly, products with sweet almond oil moisturise the skin, and those with avocado oil or wheat germ oil have soothing and healing properties.

rainbow bath bomb

Bath bombs can be interesting gifts. They are usually given to people who could benefit from a relaxing and cocooning bath experience. Bombs can also be useful for parents who want to make bath time more appealing to children. Bombs could also be appreciated by those who like to include natural ingredients in their skin care regime, as the ingredients in a bath bomb are generally much safer and more effective than the synthetic ingredients found in many other bath products.