What is a Bath Bomb?
Bath bombs, also known as bath fizzers, are dry ingredients that are designed to effervesce once in contact with warm water. Once it hits the water, it releases essential oils, scents, colors, and bubbles to elevate your bath experience. Bath bombs can help condition the skin and soothe sore muscles. Additionally, they may help detox and relax the body and mind. The great thing about bath bombs is that they contain the precise amount of oils and
bath salts that you would normally have to purchase separately. Not only does using bath fizzers speed up the bath time process, but they make the experience so much better.
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.
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!
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.
Do Bath Bombs Expire?
Bath bombs have a shelf life of about one year. A bath bomb will last only as long as its composite ingredient with the least shelf life. It is true that a bath bomb has a scent as sweet as an air freshener, but if it does expire, it will start to its scents as well as its good looks and effect.
If your bath bomb starts to smell bad, break up or grow mold, it is a sign that it has expired, and you should learn to throw them out at this point.
How to store bath bombs
Always Wrap The Bath Bombs
Wrapping your bath bombs will help protect them from humidity and keep their freshness intact. You can wrap bath bombs in plastic bags and keep them in your bathroom or any other room in your home so they will be ready when you need them.
Keep Bath Bombs Away From UV Light
You should know that UV light can degrade your bath bomb. If you want your bath bomb to be readily available for first use after buying, shield it from ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet light can damage many products, not just bath bombs. That's why many drinks come packaged in green or amber-colored high-quality glass. It prevents excess light from penetrating the product and extends shelf life.
Keep Different Bath Bombs Separated
Putting different types of bath bombs in the same container or plastic bags isn't the best idea. Don't mix them, as you don't want the fragrances mingling.
Make Sure That Bath Bombs Are Fully Dried Before Packaging
Before you package your bath bombs in a plastic bag, plastic wrap, or other airtight containers, ensure they are dry. The bath bombs will give off carbon dioxide as they dry, which could cause pressure in the container and cause it to crack.
Store Them In A Cool Place
Look for a cool and dry place in your home to store your bath bombs, ensuring that there is no way for them to absorb moisture. Also, keep them away from direct sunlight.
