Are Bath Bombs Safe to Use - Possible Side Effects & Risks

Most people use bath bombs to get a spa-like experience when they go for a soak to relax. The ingredients list of many bath bombs includes citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and essential oils. This very basic combination of ingredients releases carbon dioxide gas, causing the fizzing action of bath bombs.

But not all bath bombs are safe to use for all skin types. Do you have extremely sensitive skin? Then you should avoid bath bombs, as they could cause skin irritation.

Are Bath Bombs Safe To Use?

What Are The Ingredients Used In Bath Bombs?

The main ingredients include sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, essential oils, natural butter, Epsom salt, and occasionally cornflour.

The common characteristics that make bath bombs fun are cool colors and calm flare-ups when added to water. Bath bombs are effective in soothing sore muscles thanks to ingredients like Epsom salts. But you should note that some questionable ingredients might cause some people to experience irritation.

Bath Bombs Ingredients That Can Cause Unwanted Reactions

The ingredient list of most bath bombs has some items that could cause unwanted reactions and increased risk of hormone disruption or irritation.

Fragrances

The fragrance is an important part of bath bombs. They come with various scents, which range from cotton candy or bubble gum for kids to peppermint or exotic flowers for adults.

Many beauty product brands use artificial fragrances. You might be unaware of the chemicals you are soaking in as companies are not required to explain what they utilize to add fragrance to products.

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to dry skin irritation and rashes, it's best to steer clear of bath bombs with added fragrances.

Dyes

A bath bomb gets its color from either natural or artificial dyes. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals present in these dyes. Even if you are not prone to skin issues, dyes could irritate the skin around your genitals.

Talc

Bath bombs with talc could be dangerous to a girl because the talc particles could make their way to the ovaries. This could lead to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. So when preparing your baths, it's best not to use bath bombs that contain talc.

Preservatives

Preservative elements like parabens help keep bath bombs from expiring quickly. But parabens are endocrine system disruptors that could trigger allergies and skin irritation. You don't want exposure to potential allergens, so don't use bath bombs with preservatives.

Other Additives

Some additives could cause an unpleasant reaction. For example, glitter is abrasive to the skin even though it might be beautiful. So think twice before creating bath bomb art with bombs containing mineral-based glitters.

Microbeads might not irritate your skin, but when released into the environment, they may cause problems. You should be careful what you wash down the drain.

What Are The Signs That Bath Bombs Might Have A Bad Effect On Your Body (Side Effects)?

There are some things you should look out for when using bath bombs. If you notice any of the following, it is a sign you should stop using bath bombs.

Allergic Reactions

The ingredients of bath bombs could cause some allergic reactions depending on your skin type. Always do a patch test before you use bath bombs. Just rub a bit on your arm and check if it's irritated by exposure or if the skin turns red.

Skin Irritation

Due to the artificial dye and synthetic fragrances in bath bombs, there is a chance that it could result in rashes, hives, itching, or redness of the skin.

People who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema are at great risk from bath bombs wreaking havoc on their skin.

Vaginal Irritation & Infections

There is a delicate pH balance in the vagina which might be unsettled by some of the active ingredients in bath bombs. Irritating the area could disrupt the vagina's pH level or cause infection. Sitting in a tub with a bath bomb for too long could make the sensitive skin on the vulva itchy and irritated.

Yeast Infections

The chemicals responsible for making bath bombs fragrant and fizzy could also affect the lactobacillus in the vagina. It's not a good idea to sit a long time in a bath full of chemicals, as it could increase the risk of yeast infections.

Disrupted Hormones

Some ingredients in bath bombs could upset the body's hormonal balance. If you are a fan of these fizzy products, fine. But stay away from ones with overwhelming fragrances and excess additives.

Is There Anyone That Should Not Use A Bath Bomb?

Is There Anyone That Should Not Use A Bath Bomb?

Bath bombs are generally safe for everyone, but you should avoid them if your skin is very sensitive or you suffer from other skin conditions. If you notice redness or irritation while using a bath bomb, ensure you stop using it immediately.

Also, contact your doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.

Are There Safer Alternatives To Bath Bombs?

Yes. Some alternatives to bath bombs at bath time include soaking in a bath with Epsom salts or trying oatmeal baths or milk baths. They soothe and calm the mind. There are also many recipes for homemade bath bombs that feature all-natural ingredients.

Things You Should Know For Safer Use Of Bath Bombs

Here are our top tips for using bath bombs in the safest way possible.

• Limit your bath bomb use to a few times per week.

• Get rid of any bath bomb residue by hopping into the shower afterward.

• Don't spend too much time in the bathtub, as this will reduce your exposure to potential allergens.

• Do a patch test to determine whether the bath bomb is safe for you to use. Rub it against your elbow and check whether any irritation or redness develops within 48 hours.

• Thoroughly check the ingredient list for anything that could irritate your skin.

Are bath bombs good for you? Definitely! Check out the Body and Earth website to shop for the best bath bomb sets available. They have been tested by many people without any reports of side effects.

Conclusion

Bath bombs are great for relaxing in your tub with a good book and a fine glass of wine. You just sit there and let the stress melt away.

While you want to rest and relax with this product, it is important to find out if you have any underlying skin conditions that could react with the ingredients in bath bombs.

FAQ

1. Are Bath Bombs Good For Sensitive Skin?

Bath bombs are not the best option for people with sensitive skin as they could trigger some allergic reactions. Natural alternatives include bubble baths and oatmeal baths, as they also have benefits like soothing eczema, irritated skin, and rashes.

2. Are Bath Bombs Good For Vaginal Health?

The vagina is a sensitive area of the body. And since some common bath bomb ingredients cause irritation to some areas of the skin, it could lead to serious damage to this area. Bath bombs with some questionable ingredients could increase the risk of vaginal infection.

You can use fragrant candles to create the same atmosphere as bath bombs. Trying a gentler bubble bath is also a wise idea.

3. Is a Bath Bomb Safe For Babies And Kids?

Bath bombs are generally safe for kids and babies when used as recommended. It is safest to check the product label and ensure no ingredient is likely to cause a reaction.

4. Is a Bath Bomb Safe For Pregnancy?

Most bath bombs are okay to use during pregnancy. Try dropping an all-natural bath bomb into your tub for a relaxing soak.

It's pretty hard to avoid yeast infection if you use bath bombs with preservatives and other artificial ingredients. Not all bath bombs are made the same. Their ingredient lists vary, so you should leave out bath bombs in this category.

5. Are Bath Bombs Bad For Plumbing And Septic Tanks?

Depending on the ingredients, some bath bombs could add unwanted things like salts, fats, oil, and solid particle residue to your plumbing and septic tank. While it might not affect it immediately, the build-up of these particles could damage your septic system.

6. Is A Bath Bomb Safe For Jetted Tubs

Avoid using a bath bomb inside a jetted tub as the ingredients like oil, salt, and butter could clog the jets or damage them. If you end up using bath bombs in your jetted tub, clean it thoroughly afterward to prevent issues.

7. Are Bath Bombs Safe For Pets?

Bath bombs can be used for your pets but be sure you only add a small amount to their bath water. If used in larger quantities, it could be toxic to the pets. Also, ensure that your pet does not ingest any residue from the bath bomb.