There’s no question that bath bombs can bring a fun, fizzy element to the tub. There’s reason to believe that active ingredients, such as magnesium, can actually have skin and health benefits too.
However, there’s more than meets the eye here, as other ingredients can actually cause more harm than good. So are bath bombs bad for your skin? They certainly can be, with synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other inputs all taking a toll.
We’ll cover these issues and some of the other disadvantages of bath bombs below, from staining the tub to putting intimate health at risk, negatively impacting the environment, and more.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There are better alternatives to bath bombs that you can trust to elevate your bathing experience with tangible benefits - like a magnesium bath soak.
These stop stress at the source and can do everything from alleviating anxiety to supporting muscle recovery, improving sleep, and more - all without the adverse effects associated with bath bombs.
Learn more about how they work below, and why it may be time to ditch bath bombs for good.
What are Bath Bombs?
You’re probably already familiar with bath bombs - those fizzy, colorful additions thrown in the tub to enhance the experience. But are you aware of what you’re actually soaking in every time you use one?
These cube or sphere-shaped concoctions feature a combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and citric acid, which react together when dropped into water to create that signature fizz.
They also contain a wide array of other ingredients depending on the product in question. That could include essential oils and moisturizing agents like shea butter to synthetic fragrances and dyes. Each has its place, be it for color, aroma, or skin-softening benefits.
There’s no question that taking a nice warm bath can be a rejuvenating form of self-care. Maybe you’re drawn to them to help calm a racing mind after a long day of work, or perhaps you want to relax tight agitated muscles.
Whatever the case, it’s important that you know about not just the benefits but also the potential disadvantages of bath bombs. So, are bath bombs bad for your skin?
Are Bath Bombs Bad For Your Skin, Though?
There’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer here since there are so many different bath bomb formulations on the market, and there are also healing bath recipes you can make on your own.
But in general, bath bombs do contain ingredients that pose a problem. Here are just a few of the potential dangers of bath bombs.
Skin Irritation from Fragrance and Dyes
Those synthetic fragrances and artificial colorants bath bombs are known for can actually be detrimental to your skin health. These common irritants are especially concerning for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
They can cause mild to intense itching, redness, and even rashes after soaking. Although fragrances definitely make the bath experience more enjoyable, the chemicals can strip away natural oils, leaving skin vulnerable to irritation.
The vibrant colors may look appealing, but they’re usually derived from synthetic dyes that don’t play well with the skin. Ask yourself, is it really worth it? The vast majority of people agree: probably not.
Disruption of Skin’s Natural pH Balance
Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH which supports its protective barrier. But bath bombs can disrupt this delicate balance since baking soda - the most common base ingredient - is alkaline in nature.
This leaves your skin susceptible to dryness, increased sensitivity, and even breakouts. It’s also more prone to damage from bacteria and environmental pollutants, leaving it at risk of irritation and infection.
Drying Out the Skin
One of the simplest reasons you may want to steer clear of traditional bath bombs is because they can suck the moisture out of your skin.
Baking soda and certain alcohol-based fragrances can leave skin feeling parched, especially since you’re likely going to soak them up for as long as 20-30 minutes.
While everyone should be aware of this issue, it’s particularly problematic for those with naturally dry or eczema-prone skin. You may find bath bombs leave you feeling tight and flaky even after rinsing off and moisturizing.
Allergic Reactions
There is always going to be a risk of allergic reaction when you put something on your skin, and these are also dangers of bath bombs.
Some people may be sensitive to preservatives, essential oils, or even specific plant extracts, leading to hives, swelling, or more severe reactions.
Since it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly which ingredient might be causing the reaction, users with known sensitivities are often left guessing or dealing with unwanted side effects. The simple answer is to avoid bath bombs altogether, of course.
Other Disadvantages of Bath Bombs You Need to Know
Skin dangers of bath bombs aside, there are actually a few other disadvantages of bath bombs you need to be aware of if you’re planning on implementing these in your self-care routine.
Harmful Effects on Intimate Health
Women in particular need to be extra careful about how bath bombs can disrupt the natural pH balance in intimate areas.
Those synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals can alter the delicate microbiome of these areas. This leaves you more at risk of dealing with irritation, yeast infections, and even urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Essential oils or other strong fragrances can also cause discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive areas, making bath bombs a non-starter if you have a history of intimate health issues.
Impact on the Environment
While not always the case, some bath bombs contain non-biodegradable elements like glitter, synthetic fragrances, and certain colorants that don’t break down easily.
Think about where these are going when you’re done in the tub: right down the drain into the water source. Glitter is especially problematic since it contributes to microplastic pollution. It can harm marine life and disrupt ecosystems.
The single-use packaging of bath bombs is its own issue, too. Those who consider themselves environmentally conscious may realize bath bombs don’t align with their values.
Staining and Residue in the Bathtub
You love those vibrant colors and glittery effects associated with bath bombs - but do you really want them sticking around permanently? Probably not. Yet, that’s an unfortunately common outcome for those who make bath bombs a regular part of their routine.
Oils, dyes, and other additives often cling to the tub’s surface, making cleanup necessary after each use. Even if you do scrub away color stains or oily film, you may find that the damage is done in some cases.
Some users have reported that frequent use of bath bombs clogs drains, too. These can slowly but surely wreak havoc on your septic system.
Is There a Better Alternative You Can Use to Relax and Unwind?
It sucks learning that something you really enjoyed or were interested in trying has more sinister effects than you originally thought.
But, understanding the dangers of bath bombs is the first step in protecting yourself. The good news is that a safer, healthier alternative is just a few clicks away.
So, what is a bath soak, and what makes it so much better than its bath bomb counterpart? Let us introduce you to the magnesium soak benefits and walk you through how to use bath a soak.
The Benefits of Bath Soaks
While they sound similar to bath bombs, they’re actually dramatically different. The only similarity they share is that they can enhance your bathing experience. This time, though, it’s with real benefits.
Bath soaks help your body and mind unwind simultaneously using minerals and botanicals that nourish your skin and promote relaxation. The star of the show is magnesium, which is responsible for more than 300 bodily processes.
Wait, does magnesium soak into skin? Yep - in fact, it’s far more bioavailable transdermally (through the skin) than when consumed orally! We talk more about this in our magnesium soak vs oral comparison.
So, why is magnesium soak good for you? There are so many different reasons. You can take a hot bath to calm anxiety, or you can use a sore muscle bath soak homemade. There are even formulations for anger, insomnia, and more!
This is because there are tons of different bath soak formulations. Some contain essential oils, while others contain nootropics, vitamins, and other herbal extracts. These each carry their own unique benefits while delivering aromatic appeal to the bath.
Because bath soaks are customizable, you can select formulations that address specific needs - whether it’s easing muscle soreness, reducing anxiety, or moisturizing dry skin. You just need to know what to look for, and where to find it. Your search ends at Flewd Stresscare.
Find Your New Favorite Form of Self-Love at Flewd Stresscare!
We’re your one-stop shop for bath soaks, whether you’re looking for a muscle bath soak, anxiety bath soak, or anything in between. We use high-quality, natural ingredients to craft our soaks so you can rest assured you’re getting the gentle, luxurious products you deserve.
Each soak blend is thoughtfully created with bioavailable minerals, essential vitamins, and soothing botanical scents to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of our most popular soaks:
- Sads Smashing Soak: Mood-lifting B vitamins and nootropic lithium help alleviate emotional stress, boosting serotonin for a brighter mindset.
- Anxiety Destroying Soak: Calming B vitamins and zinc help soothe nerves and balance stress-related hormones.
- Ache Erasing Soak: Anti-inflammatory vitamins C and D work with omega-3s to target muscle tension and help ease soreness from everyday strain.
- Insomnia Ending Soak: Sleep-supportive vitamins A and E with L-carnitine help regulate sleep patterns and calm the body before bed.
- Panic Crushing Soak: Boron and omega-3s reduce stress hormone spikes to help create mental clarity and balance your emotions.
- Rage Squashing Soak: B12 and chromium help temper irritability and create a cooling sense of calm.
We always use the most bioavailable form of magnesium so you get the most bang for your buck. They’re biodegradable, non-toxic, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and ready to help you live a healthier, happier life.
Tips on Using Our Bath Soaks
Part of what makes our bath soaks so popular is how easy they are to use. Draw a warm (not overly hot) bath and dump the soak ingredients in, allowing them to circulate throughout. Then, hop in and enjoy!
As far as how long to soak in magnesium bath, it’s totally up to you - we suggest 15 minutes as the bare minimum, but you can kick back and relax for as long as 30 minutes if you’d like. Create a relaxing atmosphere with candles, calming music, or aromatherapy.
Then, when it’s all said and done you can rinse off if you’d like (though not required since our ingredients are all-natural). You won’t have to stress about tub stains or other disadvantages of bath bombs, either. We do recommend applying a moisturizer, though, to lock in hydration.
Once you feel the effects of one of our stress relief bath soak recipes, we’re confident you’ll be back for more. Try them today and see for yourself!
Final Thoughts on the Disadvantages of Bath Bombs
So, are bath bombs bad for your skin? Unfortunately, they can be - and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve unpacked all the dangers of bath bombs so you can make an informed choice as to whether it’s worth the little added fun they provide.
But the truth is, why bother with a better solution just a click away at Flewd Stresscare? We’ve created solutions that actually support a healthier body and mind without the risks.
Our blog has additional resources like magnesium soak vs epsom salt, are hot baths good for sore muscles, how to make magnesium bath soak, and does magnesium help with stress.
At this point, though, the only thing left to do is take the next step towards elevating your self-care routine. Flewd Stresscare presents the most indulgent bath soaks on the market loaded with skin-loving and stress-busting ingredients.
Trade bath bombs for real relaxation and find your perfect soak today!
