Baths are a great way to wind down and relax at the end of the day and are now part of many people’s self-care rituals. Adding a soothing bath bomb makes a bath an even more luxurious experience, especially if paired with some candles and calming music. Knowing what to look for in a bath bomb can make all the difference when setting the mood — choose the best essential oils to induce a sense of calm.
Table of Contents
Bath bomb market
What are bath bombs, and what do they do?
What to look for in a bath bomb
What to avoid in a bath bomb
How to use bath bombs
Do bath bombs expire?
Looking for a bubble bath?
Bath bomb market
The global market size for bath and shower products is projected to grow from US $44.78 billion in 2021 to US $63.16 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%. Since they are a fundamental element in personal health and hygiene, bath products have evolved to accommodate consumers’ different personal interests and needs. Bath and shower products have grown from simple scrubbing soaps to many other novel products, such as bath salts and gels.
The trend of aromatherapy has supported the adoption of fragranced bathroom products. Several bath products like body washes and bath bombs are now infused with essential oils and floral scents for relaxation and mental wellness. Many essential oils have properties that significantly impact a person’s mood.
Specifically, the global bath bomb market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2021 to 2030. Bath bombs tend to be used for relaxation and stress relief, driving their demand, especially on the heels of the pandemic. Bath bombs appeal to a broad group of consumers; in particular, the self-care market for men is increasing.
Consumers also show an increased preference for products containing essential oils, particularly for relaxation. Additionally, the increasing trend of giving luxurious gifts is projected to boost the bath bomb market in the coming years.
Social media has also influenced the self-care and bath product market. According to data provided by TikTok, bathing content has been trending, racking up more than 2.2 billion views in 2021 in the US alone. Hashtags #bathbomb reached 156 million views in 2021. On Pinterest, WGSN reports searches for “deep soaking bathtub” increased 145% year-over-year, and on search engines more broadly, WGSN found searches for “bath tea recipes” soaring by 60% over the same period.
What are bath bombs, and what do they do?
Bath bombs dissolve in the tub to create a fun multi-sensory experience full of color, fizz, and fragrance. They can also have nourishing ingredients that leave the skin feeling moisturized.
The main ingredients used in bath bombs are a sodium bicarbonate base and a weak acid that are unreactive in a dry state but react when dissolved in water and produce their characteristic fizzing. The other ingredients vary considerably but often include scented ingredients and dye to impart color and a pleasant fragrance to bath water.
While bath bombs are a fun sensory experience since they fizz as they dissolve in colors, they can also provide a mentally nourishing experience. A 2018 study found bathing generally was more beneficial for mental health than routine showering and offered marked improvement in stress, fatigue, and depression. When you add the sensory experience of aromatherapy, there are many other potential benefits.
What to look for in a bath bomb
Of course, not all bath bombs are made equal, so it’s important to check the ingredients before purchasing. Seek out bath bombs with natural, organic ingredients. Also, consider bath bombs with added ingredients that can be soothing and nourishing to the skin, such as oatmeal, Epsom salts, or moisturizing agents like shea butter or cocoa butter.
Fragrances can be a great benefit and provide aromatherapy. Fragrances like lavender, rose, and jasmine can help with relaxation, while bergamot and peppermint provide more energizing effects. That being said, strong fragrances can lead to skin irritation, so use ones that work for you (test them).
Some people with sensitive skin may want to avoid fragrances in the bath altogether; however, use them with caution and don’t soak too long.
What to avoid in a bath bomb
We already mentioned seeking out bath bombs with natural ingredients, which implies avoiding ones with synthetic ingredients such as parabens that can lead to inflammation, irritation, and possible allergic reactions. Additionally, synthetic fragrances and chemicals can have similar impacts and cause undesired effects.
While glitter can look fantastic in a bath bomb, it should be avoided. Glitter can be abrasive to the skin and a person’s sensitive areas, and the micro scratches can lead to a secondary infection.
Talcum powder should also be avoided as it can dry out the skin by impacting the body’s natural oil production. There is also some evidence that it may lead to ovarian cancer.
How to use bath bombs
While the process for using a bath bomb is quite simple, drop them into the bath water and watch them dissolve around you, there are a few things to consider since they can irritate the skin.
- Test them first: Like with many bathroom products, it can be beneficial to test your bath bombs before you use them to determine if they will cause irritation. Simply rub the bath bomb on a sensitive skin area, like the crook of your elbow, and wait 24 to 48 hours to see if it causes a skin reaction.
- Limit your soak: The longer you soak in the bathtub, the more likely the ingredients in your bath bomb will impact your skin. Some experts recommend limiting your bath time to 15 minutes. Also, only enjoy a bath bomb a couple of times a week, not every day.
- Rise well: After your bath, rinse off in the shower to remove any residue that may result in irritation.
Should you shower after using a bath bomb? Yes!
Also, to avoid clogging your drain, ensure that you clean your drain after use by doing a quick vinegar rinse. Pour vinegar down the drain and leave it for a few minutes before running the water to rinse again.
Do bath bombs expire?
Like most other skincare products, bath bombs will eventually expire. While the lifespan of a bath bomb depends on several factors, such as the ingredients, formulation, and packaging, you can expect them to hold up for approximately a year.
That being said, unless it’s moldy or rotten, an expired bath bomb may not cause any harm; however, it might have passed its best before date and not dissolve or create the desired effect anymore.
Looking for a bubble bath?
While typically bath bombs simply fizz and disperse color when dropped into the bath, some bath bombs produce bigger bubbles, similar to bubble bath so consumers can have the best of both worlds.
