Can bath bombs explode when heated by fire?

What Is A Bath Bomb?

A bath bomb or bath fizzy is a consumer product used during bathing. It was invented and patented in 1989 by Mo Constantine, co-founder of Lush Cosmetics. A bath bomb is a compacted mixture of wet and dry ingredients molded into any of several shapes and then dried. Bath water effervesces at the surface of a bath bomb immersed within it, with attendant dispersion of such ingredients as essential oil, moisturizer, scent, or colorant.

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Citric acid
• Epsom salts
• Fragrance oils
• Colorants
• Surfactants

Can Bath Bombs Explode When Heated By Fire?

For all bath bomb lovers, those colorful fizzy balls elicit nothing but feelings of relaxation and tub-time joy. But absurd curiosities arise...under some freak circumstance, could a bath bomb catch fire or explode?! Imaginations conjure up fantastical pyro-powered bath bombs, but let’s separate fact from friction and get the scoop on heat and havoc.

The Real Science Behind Bath Bomb Fizz

To understand bath bomb volatility, we must first appreciate what makes them fizz. Baking soda and citric acid hold the keys to the carbon dioxide kingdom, mixing when wet to generate those beloved bubbles. It’s high school chemistry class in the tub!

But just because they sizzle so satisfyingly doesn’t mean they can spark towering infernos. Fizzing’s no friend to flaming...or does it?

Adding Heat: From Fizzle to Sizzle?

What if that hair straightener gets dangerously close to your precious bomb before bath time? Could searing heat trigger a fiery eruption? In reality, more than melted mush is unlikely to emerge from flame contact. Unlike combustibleKindling, bath bomb ingredients don’t easily ignite when heated. At most, some smokey spewing occurs...not exactly the stuff of cinema-grade explosions.

But there’s a plot twist – the oils. Now things get interesting...

It's All About The Oils, Baby

Beyond base components, bath bombs know how to set the mood...with mood-altering oils! Lavender, citrus, eucalyptus - those little droplets transcend tub time with skin-loving scents. But liquid oils also boast an incendiary side...

Miniscule or not, heated oils can mobilize some flame. But realistically, think less towers of explosive power and more sad surrendered scent molecules. Instead of enjoyable aromatherapy - ashy annoyance!

Are True Bath Bomb Explosions Even Possible?

After investigating recreational chemistry and combustion potentials, what’s the final verdict on bath bomb explosives? Can they rival Fourth of July fireworks? Short answer - negative. While their fizzy nature constitutes a rapid expansion of sorts, it's an explosion of aroma and showmanship, not shockwaves and destruction.

So fear not! There is no need to duck and cover when deploying your goodies. Just keep fickle flames away, and the only eruptions you’ll encounter are effervescent ecstasy and skin-coddling bliss - the perfect non-explosive ending!

Some Parting Words of Wisdom on Bath Bomb Safety

While our bubbly buddies aren’t classified as explosive threats, respecting their reactive nature prevents less-than-luxurious mishaps. Store in cool, dry spaces away from mischievous flames, children, or candid canines. Employ common sense handling to ensure no accidental activations or untimely melting occurs before they meet water.

Follow simple safety tips, and soon, those vivid visions of volatile bath bombs vanish. In their place - a blissful world of fizzing fun free from hazardous imaginings! So try not to take bath time too seriously and enjoy the cheeky chemistry at work.

How to store bath bombs properly

Keep Them Dry

One of the most critical factors in preserving the quality of your bath bombs is moisture. Bath bombs are activated by water, so it's crucial to protect them from humidity and moisture. Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or a resealable bag, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Bath bombs are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so avoid storing them in the bathroom, where steam and heat can compromise their quality. A linen closet or a bedroom drawer is an excellent choice for storage. 

Separate Fragrances

If you have multiple bath bombs with different scents, consider storing them separately to prevent them from mixing.

Label and Date

To keep track of your bath bomb collection and ensure you use them promptly, consider labeling each with the date of purchase to help you prioritize which ones to use first.

Keep Them Away from Pets and Children

Bath bombs are not meant to be ingested or played with, so they are stored out of reach by pets and children.