Who doesn’t need a good pampering session to unwind after a long day to tackle the stress! An opportunity to step away from the daily hustle of day-to-day life to prioritize our overall well-being. What better way to accomplish this by creating your own little haven in your very own bathroom, and indulging in a luxurious bubble bath with colour and fragranced Bath Bombs? Read on to learn what are bath bombs and how does making it part of your daily bath helps you to de-stress and relax.

Slipping into a warm bath is as relaxing as it is about maintaining a clean body. So set the scene and create the right ambiance, dim the lights, light a scented candle, grab your favourite bath accessories and voila, the tone is set for a cosy evening of self-care and self-love. Oh yes, don’t forget to the Bath Bombs. Just toss your favourite bath bomb into your bath tub filled with warm water and settle for the most relaxing bath ever. The delicious fragrant and skin smoothing ingredients are meant to create a pampering experience with ultimate fizz and bubble

We have all seen dozens of photos of bathtubs with rainbow waters and candle-lit backdrops. But what exactly are bath bombs and what have made them so appealing to so many of us? Read on to know more about Bath Bombs, how to use them and its benefits.

What are Bath Bombs & all you need to know before using them

Bath bombs are single use spherical blends of oils and fragrance that quickly effervesce into the water as soon as they are immersed. Formerly known as “Aqua Sizzlers” they are unreactive when dry, but when dissolved in water, its main ingredients (baking soda and citric acid) react vigorously to produce their characteristic fizzing over a period of few minutes. Adding other ingredients like SLSA, cream of tartar and polysorbate can enhance fizzing reaction.

What’s in a Bath Bombs – Bath bomb Ingredients

The Bath bombs are essentially made of three ingredients – baking soda, citric acid and corn starch. A weak acid and a bicarbonate base are combined with a mixture of essential oils, fragrance and colourants. In addition, lathering agents like sodium lauryl sulphate are also added to create bubble.

Now a days bath bombs comes in fun shapes with aesthetic elements such as petals, glitters or sparkle, a blend of colours, gorgeous fragrance or with hidden surprises, and more.

Experiment your way through different fragrances and ingredients to find your perfect blend!

Bubble Bath Bombs: What is the difference between a Bath Bomb and a Bubble Bar?

Most of us are aware of Bath Bombs, but many are still unaware of the Bubble bath bombs or Bubble bars. Bubble Bars are solid form of Bubble Bath and generally comes in brick-like shape or discs.

Bubble bar are designed to be hand crumbled under the running bath tap to dispense supper bubbles along with wonderful fragrance.

Although both are similar in ingredients and texture and aim to improve overall bath time experience; the purpose of the product is different. The bubble bar creates mounds of bubbles on top of the water, whereas the bath bomb is designed to fizz under the water along with creating mesmerising patterns with colours. Bubble Bars are most popular with those who enjoy more bubbles in their bath

How to use Bath Bombs – A Step by Step guide

Just follow our step-to-step guide below and you’ll be on your way to luxurious relaxation.

• Set the Scene

Start with building a soothing ambience, declutter the bathroom and organize the bath. Introduce some plants and greenery to your bathroom, Light some candles, dim the lights, put on some relaxing music, maybe even pour yourself a cup of brewed coffee or tea and the mood is set.

• Arrange all your bath equipment:

Create an actual spa-like experience with right tools – fresh clean towels, a clean rug, a velvety rob and slippers ready to go after the bath.

• Draw the bath and add your favourite bath bomb:

Fill your bathtub with warm water that’s comfortable to touch. The water should be comfortable enough to dip your hands into the water and leave it there for upto 10 seconds. Drop in your favourite heavenly scented bath bomb into the tub and watch the magic as the bomb gradually fizzes up. Jump in and let the delightful scents take you away. Make sure you don’t fill your tab up to the top as you might lose some of your favourite bath bomb when you get it.

• Pick your favourite de-stressor

Considering what helps you relax, pick your favourite novel or browse through your favorite magazine, throw on a mask or put on a podcast. Put on some calming music or a podcast you might have missed out on before. Take some time off and pamper yourself. Close your eyes and let the effect of aromatherapy kick in and your senses take over

• Finishing up

It is recommended to soak in for 15-20 mins. Once finished, you might like to rinse it though it is absolutely not necessary. It actually depends on the ingredients of the bath bombs and how clean you feel after you get out of the tub. There is no greater relaxation than fishing the bath feeling smooth and de-stressed.

Benefits of Bath Bombs:

Use of Bath Bombs are many. Bath bomb makes a luxurious bath experience and creates a delightful sensory experience. It helps in relaxing, moisturizing, exfoliating, moisturizing, cleaning, soothes sore muscles etc.

• Calms your mind

Bath Bubbles enriches the bathing experience and soothes our skin and mind. It takes the stress out of the shoulders and calms the nerves. Take some time to gage your mood and choose the bath bombs ingredients and aromas accordingly. Lounging in a warm bath itself for between 15-20 minutes have beneficial effects on our muscles and can help soothe soreness and tension.

• Moisturizes skin

Not only bath bombs can uplift our mood altogether, but basking in a tub of hydrating oils renews the skin, leaves one’s skin feeling super soft and supple. The oils in the bath bombs tend to be moisturize the skin making the skin smooth, supple and healthy. When dropped in the water, the citric acid in the bath bombs fizzes up and helps loosen damaged layers of skin.

• Improves sleep

People struggling with sleep due to a busy schedule can calm their nerves down with a luxurious bath. Along with calming the mind, the natural ingredients of a bath bomb soothe the body and mind and provide a good night’s sleep.

• Detox

Apart from having therapeutic properties, Bath bombs also contain cleansers that remove dirt and oil build up from the outer layer of skin. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, the primary ingredients in the bath bombs, has many detoxifying health benefits and uses.  The high alkaline content of baking soda is super effective in removing toxins and help you detox. It cleanses the body and gets rid of any bad odour. It contains various essential oils that also have cleansing properties. So relax in the tub of warm water and let the bath bomb work its detoxifying magic.

• Soothing ambience

The delicious fragrances and smoothing properties instantly enhance ones mood, helps shake off the tension and create a calming and soothing ambience.

Bath Bombs for Kids – Are Bath Bombs Healthy and Safe for Kids

Bath bombs made for kids are safe and soothing and can be used to spice up your child’s bath time. They are also a great alternative to bubble bath. Bath bombs for kids may also contain a surprise toy, that would enhance your child’s bath time and making a more memorable experience.

Opting for all natural bath bombs designed especially for kids are safe bet, as they are also free of harsh chemicals. You can find a hypoallergenic bath bomb if your child has more sensitive skin.

Pre caution to be taken

1. Avoid direct contact of bath bomb with your child’s skin too frequently, as bath bombs created even with natural ingredients could make your child’s skin prone to irritation.
2. Ensure the bubbles and foams do not get into child’s mouth or eyes. In the event of any exposure, flush the eyes with room-temp water for about 15 minutes.
3. If your child has broken or irritated skin, do not use bath bombs.
4. After use of bath bombs, rinse your child’s body thoroughly.
5. Don’t use bath bombs more than once a week.
6. Don’t use bath bombs with any small object attached, like a small toy, as it could be a choking hazard.
7. Seek medical care at a healthcare centre, if your child ingests a significant amount of the product.

How to make Bath Bombs at home using easy DIY recipe

Making your own bath bomb is pretty simple process, which takes about 20 mins plus a day or two for drying. You can customize them with scents and colours you like best with this easy basic recipe

Here’s everything you will need for the perfect DIY bath bomb:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid (as an alternative, use the same amount of either cream of tartar, lemon juice, buttermilk powder, or 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar and baking powder)
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 tbsp. water
• 2 tsp. essential oil (Eg. lavender, eucalyptus, rose, orange, and lemongrass are popular for the bath)
• 2 tbsp. carrier oil (Eg. jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, olive, or even baby oil)
• A few drops of food colouring
• A round plastic moulds specifically for bath bombs, or any mould of your choice
• Optional: dried flowers or some decorations, like flowers or stars

Bath Bomb Instructions:

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, except the citric acid.

Step 2: Pour all of the liquid ingredients into a jar with a lid. Close the jar and shake it well.

Step 3: Then pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use your hands to combine all the ingredients together. Add the citric acid, at this point. You will probably observe a slight fizzing reaction because of the citric acid. This is normal, so don’t panic.

The mixture should be crumbly (the consistency would be similar to that of wet beach sand). Don’t add water at this stage, or the bath bomb will be ruined as it would fizz up prematurely.

Step 4: Put the mixture into your chosen moulds and clasp it very tightly. You can overfill the moulds slightly and press the mixture in as tightly as possible using a spoon. Loosen the bombs from their moulds immediately and onto wax paper and let them dry overnight.

Step 5: Completely dry the bath bombs for a day or two before using them or wrapping them up as gifts.

Step 6: Pop one in the bathtub, enjoy the burst of colours and fizz and inhale the released aromas.

How do you make non-toxic bath bombs for kids? What to avoid in bath bombs?

Use food grade ingredients which are safe and nontoxic (as long as you are not allergic to any of the ingredients!) makes the bath bombs safe. Some DIY bath bomb recipes include essential oils that aren’t kid safe. If you are comfortable using essential oils on your kids, you can try a soothing kid-safe oil

Follow this super simple DIY bath bomb recipe for your kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• ¼ cup citric acid
• Kid-safe essential oils (optional)
• Soap coloring (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of water
• Bath bomb molds
• Kid safe toys

This recipe makes unscented bath bombs as the child might be sensitive to essential oil. If you would like to add essential oil, use one that is kid safe and promotes relaxation for eg. Lavender essential oil, or chamomile. Add around 10-20 drops before adding water.

Follow the process above to make non-toxic kids friendly bath bomb

For additional DIY Kids Bath bomb recipe – click here

Ideas to Use a Bath Bomb in The Shower and without a Bathtub? Using Shower Streamers in your bath!

We have spoken how to use bath bombs in tub, but how to enjoy it when you don’t have a tub? A bath bomb can be used as a body scrub, deodorizer or air freshener. Read on to discover How to use bath bomb in the shower.

Placing the bath bomb on the floor: Place the bath bomb on the floor of the shower tray. Enjoy the soothing scent of a bath bomb as water falls on it. Use a drain mesh and cover the shower drain to prevent clogging your pipes for solid additives.

• Use the bath bomb with the shower head:

Take an organza bag or a mesh bag and properly secure the bath bomb. Tie it to your shower head, and turn on the shower to enjoy your fizzy bath bomb in the shower. As your bath bomb dissolves, the aroma from it will be released all around you.

• Use it as a body wash:

Use a bowl or even a bucket to dissolve the bath bomb in some warm water. Use it like a body wash and apply with a loofah or a sponge over your body for a perfectly moisturized skin.

• Use it as a spa shower

Place the bath bomb inside a porous bag to create a spa-like experience. Use the drawstring of the bag to make it easy to hang on the shower head. Set the desired shower temperature and that’s all it takes, to enjoy a relaxed bath experience with bath bombs.

What are the alternative ways to use bath bombs instead of a bath!

• Use it for foot bath and relaxing your tired feet.
• Use it as a deodorizer – eg. inside your shoes, cupboard or drawers.
• Crush and use it as a room freshener
• Turn it into a homemade air freshener and spritz into the air with a spray bottle.
• Use it for aromatherapy by dissolve the bath bomb in a cup of water
• Use them to neutralize unwanted carpet odours
• Use it as an air freshener for your car

Bath bombs add colour and fun to the bathing experience. They are eye-catchy and available in myriads of aromas, colours and blends. Each bath bombs are designed to have its own unique scent which provides your bath with benefits of aromatherapy. You can pick a bath bomb based on your preferred aroma and colour.

Apart from a great addition to your skin care routine, it effectively works on both the mind and the skin at the same time.

So, are you excited to try out this magical experience? Tell us in the comments.

You would also like to read our other article on Organic Cotton Fabric – A guide to the ultimate sustainable fabric choice