What is a bath bomb?
First things first, if you aren’t super familiar with this bathtime staple—we’ve only really seen them blow up over the last few years—we need to cover what a bath bomb is. Sometimes also known as bath balls, a bath bomb is a small, ball-shaped product that is filled with colorants, salts, and skin-softening ingredients such as oils and butters
As the name suggests, once you pop a bath bomb into a tub full of water, the shape breaks apart and releases all of the ingredients. Then you’re left with a myriad of colors and scents to soak your body in. Some bath bombs even break apart to release flowers, fizzers, glitter, and other cool surprises. While most bath bombs are small sphere shapes, you can enjoy bath bombs in various shapes and sizes.
How Does it Work?
The “bomb” aspect of a bath bomb is the fizziness. But what’s going on in those spheres that make them so fizzy? Two of the key ingredients to a bath bomb are citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. You might also know sodium bicarbonate by its more common name, baking soda. These two ingredients are what cause the impressive and delightful fizz when the bath bomb enters the water.
When sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) comes in contact with water, the sodium (Na) molecules break off from the bicarbonate (HCO3). At the same time, the citric acid is dissolving, with a single hydrogen ion (H+) separating from the rest of the molecule. When the released hydrogen ion from the citric acid encounters the bicarbonate from the baking soda another reaction happens! This time, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is released as one of the end products. The carbon dioxide forms bubbles in the soap and bath water, and rushes to the surface with a delightful fizz.
There are certain steps one must take to have an extraordinary bath experience. Before I begin, I must stress that your bathtub MUST be clean! Please do not sit in a dirty tub. Also, you’ll want to set the scene. Light some candles and turn your bath time into a planned out solo date night with yourself!
Step One: Plug the tub and turn on the water to your desired temperature.
Step Two: Let the bathtub fill up halfway.
Step Three: Once the tub is filled halfway, hold your bath bomb under the faucet to dissolve the bomb and properly bubble.
Step Four: Turn off the faucet, and sink into the tub. Be sure to avoid your eyes, and do not drink your bathwater.
Step Five: Once you have relaxed and are ready to exit, unplug the tub, and allow the water to drain.
Step Six: Rinse off the bomb and pat yourself dry.
Step Seven: Rinse the tub and scrub clean to avoid any dyes ruining the bathtub.
Alternative Uses
There are alternative ways to use your bath fizzers other than in a bath. Here are some different ways you can incorporate the bath bombs you do not use:
You can use it in the shower as a scrub to exfoliate your skin.
You can dice up the bomb to get a couple of mini baths for your manicures and pedicures.
Crush and lightly sprinkle an uncolored bath bomb on your carpet before vacuuming to spread with the scent.
To keep your shoes smelling nice, split a bath bomb in half and place each half inside one shoe.
Dissolve a quarter of the bath bomb with water inside a spray bottle to create an air freshener and fabric refresher.
You can create vapor bombs by taking a large pot of water, let it simmer on the stove, then drop the bomb inside. Once dissolved, lower the heat to the point where it is no longer boiling and enjoy the lovely aroma as it fills your entire house!
what are the benefits of bath bombs?
1. bask in fragrant heaven with carefully chosen bath bomb ingredients
Take a few minutes of mindfulness to gage your mood, and then choose your bath bomb ingredients and aromas accordingly. For example, choose bath bomb ingredients that have an aroma of invigorating mimosa flower for a stint in tropical paradise, or an aroma of heirloom French lavender for a relaxing spa session.
2. smooth out dryness for hydrated skin
Once dissolved in water, bath bombs release citric acid which fizzes up and helps loosen damaged layers of skin. The oils in bath bombs also tend to be super moisturizing, and basking in a tub of hydrating oils will leave your skin feeling soft and supple.
3. say goodbye to soreness and relax your body & your mind
With smoothing properties and delicious smells, bath bomb ingredients work to help you relax. Beyond just the bath bomb, lounging in a warm bath itself for between 15-20 minutes can help you decompress after a long day. For centuries, people have been using baths for their beneficial effects on our muscles, and recent studies confirm that a warm bath can help soothe soreness and tension.
4. detox your skin and leave your bath feeling refreshed and renewed
The high alkaline content of sodium bicarbonate, the primary ingredient in bath bombs, makes it super effective in helping to remove toxins. The more common name for sodium bicarbonate is baking soda, which is famous for its many detoxing health benefits and uses. Bath bombs aren’t only therapeutic, but also contain cleansers that remove dirt and oil buildup from your outer skin layer. Renew your skin and let the bath bomb work its detoxifying magic!
