Everything you need to know about bath bombs

First invented in 1989 by LUSH co-founder Mo Constantine, bath bombs were originally inspired by the fast-fizzing action of alka seltzer tablets. She eventually combined sodium bicarbonate (or baking soda) and citric acid to achieve peak fizz, which forms the base of most bath bombs today.

Different manufacturers then add different combinations of colourants, salts, essential oils, fragrances and even glitter to achieve the bath bombs we know and love. The other major bath bomb player in the market, Pearl Bath Bombs uses Epsom salts and pure almond oil instead.

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This really depends on the ingredients in your bath bomb. You will want to ensure that any scents are derived from essential oils, and not some dubious ‘fragrance’. This is because where essential oils also have the added benefit of moisturising your skin, chemical and artificial fragrances can potentially irritate your skin, especially if you are more sensitive.

If you fall into the sensitive skin camp, you can actually still use bath bombs daily if you wish, just look out for ingredients that are known to be soothing on the skin, like lavender, chamomile and rose essential oils or shaved cocoa butter. On the other hand, common irritants include limonene, linalool and alpha-isomethyl ionone – so keep an eye out for these. Also, while some brands like LUSH make a point to only use vegetarian food, drug and cosmetic safe colours, glitters and natural dyes to give your bathwater that psychedelic effect, not all brands do. Artificial dyes can seriously mess up your skin, which is why we strongly advise you to always read the label. Google any ingredients you aren’t sure of, and try to stick to as natural as possible always.

Also, remember that all bath run-off eventually ends up in our oceans and seas, so by ensuring that your bath bomb is natural and safe for your skin, you’re ensuring it’s safe for the earth too.

For some women, bath bombs do have the potential to throw off your vagina’s natural pH balance due to the chemicals that make up the various fragrances. These additives could work their way into your body, and coupled with the warm environment of your bath, potentially transform bath time into bacteria breeding time. Warm water also softens your skin and opens up the pores, making sensitive areas like the vulva more prone to redness and itching.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to throw you all your bath bombs just yet. For starters, not everyone is affected by them, and while the only real test is to actually get into your bath and see if any irritation occurs, you could avoid potential damage by doing your homework and ensuring your bath bomb is made of mostly natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any known allergens. If you have particularly sensitive skin or prone to infection, then you might want to avoid them just to be safe.

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Considering that this is the brand that comes to mind when you think of bath bombs, it’s only natural that LUSH makes it to our favourite list! Known for the natural ingredients that go into all their products (even their glitter is derived from vegetables), LUSH is a safe bet if you have sensitive skin. Plus, they have an insane variety of bath bombs in every imaginable shape and colour combination, so there’s definitely a bath bomb for you. Shop here.

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These handmade beauties are crafted with non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients like shea and cocoa butter, sunflower oil, sea salts, essential oils, and clays, making them suitable for those with sensitive and dry skin. Free from artificial colours and dyes, we love that they even come with 6 candles to truly transform your bathing experience. Shop here.

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Hailing from New Zealand, delight in 100% hand-made treats crafted from all-natural ingredients like pure Manuka honey and goat’s milk. All their products are made in small batches, ensuring you are receiving the freshest possible. Bonus: their quirkily designed bath bombs in the shape of things like cupcakes and flower pots make for great gifts too!

Shop here now.

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Made from solely food-grade quality ingredients, Hugo Naturals’ products feature all-natural ingredients that are not only safe for your skin, but for the earth too. Their bath bombs feature ingredients like Vitamin E and pure sweet almond oil to moisturize your skin, and natural essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender and chamomile.

Shop here now.

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