what are bath bombs used for

What is a Bath Bomb?

A bath bomb is made of a dry, compressed, combination of ingredients that fizz and bubble when they touch water. A simple one contains, more often than not, baking soda, corn starch, citric acid, and water as a binder. While this will give you the expected fizz, it won’t provide you with any scents, colors, or added moisturizing benefits which most people enjoy.

Therefore most companies that sell them, such as Lush or Bath and Body Works (and your home DIYer) add additional ingredients. These include essential oils for scents, coconut oil, almond oil, epsom salt to moisturize the skin. Additionally, they will add dyes and other additives such as glitter or dried flowers which get mixed into or float in a bath.

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 is the purpose of a bath bomb?

Bath bombs provide a spa-like bathing experience, adding colors, fragrances, and fun to your bath. They fizz and bubble, while releasing relaxing scents in the air and sometimes color the bath water.

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!