Bath Bombs
What are bath bombs? Do they explode? Are they weapons of mass destruction secretly disguised as bath goodies? Well, I assure you they’re not. They’re quite cute and nifty, if you ask me.
Bath bombs are rounded masses or balls which fizzle when placed in water, partly or completely dissolves, and produces bubbles. Bath bombs are one form of bath fizzies, and are so called because they create a fizzing sound or a continuous crackling sound when they react with water.
Bath bombs usually come in the form of balls or tablets and in different sizes, unlike fizzies which usually come in granular form. Depending on the size of a bath bomb, it can either completely dissolve in about a minute, or are reusable for another bath or two.
What Are Bath Bombs For?
Bath bombs can be used for therapeutic purposes because they can contain additives which give various benefits.
Bath bombs usually contain essential oils. Some contain other additives like sea salt for added cleansing effect. Due to the nature of the additives used in creating these fancy little balls, bath bombs are commonly used for therapeutic purposes. The following are some essential oils commonly used in making bath bombs and their effects:
Lavender oil to help bathers relax, calm down or get rid of stress.
Sweet almond oil or sunflower oil to help moisturize the skin.
Avocado oil or wheat germ oil to heal and sooth damaged skin.
Bath fizzies or bath bombs can serve as inexpensive gifts for people who need to be pampered, or who need a calming or invigorating soak. They can also be used to make bath time fun for kids because the bath bombs would swirl, twirl and spin around in the bath tub while releasing that fizzing sound and its skin softening oils.
Yes, bath bombs can be used even by kids because they contain essential oils that can rejuvenate the skin and leave it feeling soft. In fact, it might even be better for them since most bath salts or bubble baths in the market contain synthetic oils and chemicals that do nothing to keep their young skin healthy.
The Chemistry Behind Bath Bombs
Bath bombs or fizzies are usually made of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), citric acid or organic acid, corn starch, epsom salts/magnesium sulfate. For added scent, most bath bombs are made with fragrance oils. While some bath bombs come in different colors and are made with ordinary food coloring, there are those made with skin-safe glitter. There are also some herbal bombs wherein herbs or dried flowers are sprinkled on top or embedded inside to add to the bombs relaxing properties when it is released.
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