How Bath Bombs May Secretly Be Hurting You

What is the purpose of a bath bomb?

Bath bombs provide a spa-like bathing experience, adding colors, fragrances, and fun to your bath. They fizz and bubble, while releasing relaxing scents in the air and sometimes color the bath water.

How Bath Bombs May Secretly Be Hurting You

Bath bombs can add excitement to bath time, but there are some worrisome truths about these products. Many contain problematic ingredients that may make you reconsider relaxing in the tub.

We've outlined a few ways bath bombs could be hurting you in secret:

1. Talc Powder Could Lead to Ovarian Cancer

Talc, the key mineral in talcum powder and baby powder, is found in numerous everyday items. However, research links talc to higher ovarian cancer risk. Bath bombs with talc may increase this risk as women soak in talc-filled water.

Studies since the 1970s connect talcum powder to ovarian tumor development. Carefully check bath bomb ingredients for this potential cancer-causing substance.

2. Fragrances and Dyes Can Trigger Infections

Good bacteria keeps the vagina at a healthy pH level. But scented and dyed bath bombs may disrupt these bacteria's efforts, upsetting the delicate balance.

When pH goes off, women face greater risk of infections like vaginosis, UTIs, and cystitis. Unscented bath products become more appealing considering the infection potential.

3. Synthetic Scents Could Be Toxic

"Fragrance" on labels can describe thousands of undisclosed toxins. Some immediately affect health, while others cause long-term issues.

When bath bombing, synthetic scents may enter the bloodstream. This puts you at risk for certain conditions and illnesses. Particular toxins are especially hazardous for pregnant women and children. Some artificial perfumes have been tied to autism in kids.

For aromatherapy benefits, choose products with Essential Oils or other organic ingredients instead. These are likely safer than synthetic "fragrances."

4. Bath Bomb Glitter Harms the Environment

If you're eco-conscious, know that some bath bomb glitter contains microplastics. These non-biodegradable particles negatively impact aquatic life that ingest them. In turn, this could someday affect humans higher up the food chain who regularly eat these animals.

Do Bath Bombs Have Any Health Benefits?

Detox your skin: One of the main ingredients of bath bombs is baking soda, and it is known for its numerous health benefits. It has a great effect and is very helpful in removing toxins. The best way to remove dirt and oil residue on your outer skin layer is to use a bath bomb.
Ease soreness and relax your mind and body: Using a fizzy bath bomb and soaking inside a warm bath for about 20 minutes can be both comfortable and uplifting, putting you in a calming state and making you free of worry; thereby boosting your mood. It can also help reduce tension and soreness. Feel free to add soft music and a few candles to get that spa-like experience.
Smooth out dry skin: If you need extra moisture for your dry skin, then a bath bomb is just right for you. It is also great for sensitive skin. As soon as you dissolve the bath bomb in water, it fizzes and helps loosen layers of skin that are damaged. The oils in bath bombs also help moisturize your skin, so taking a long soak in these hydrating oils will surely keep your skin supple and soft.

How to use bath bombs correctly

1. Plug the drain and fill the tub. Draw a bath at a comfortable temperature. Once filled to your desired level, turn off the tap.
2. Drop in the bath bomb. It will immediately start fizzing and bubbling. Over time, it dissolves to release oils, salts and butters into the water.
If you want to enjoy the colors first, add the bomb halfway through filling. Watch the swirls as the tub continues filling.
3. Undress and step in. You can enter while it's fizzing or wait until it's dissolved.
Getting in during fizzing lets your skin absorb more oils and softeners.
4. Relax in the tub. Get comfortable and close your eyes, meditate or read. The bomb dissolves to fill the water with oils, butters and extras like flower petals, glitter and color.
5. Get out once the water cools and dry off. Eventually the water will start cooling naturally. Drain the tub when you're ready to leave.
6. Optional shower rinse. You don't have to shower after, but you may want to rinse off excess glitter and dye. Simply drain and shower to wash oils and butters off your skin.
Bombs moisturize but don't clean. If you bathed to get clean, wash with soap in the shower. Though not bad for hair, bombs don't clean it either. Rinse hair thoroughly when done.

How Often Should You Use Bath Bombs?

As bath bombs don't pose any harm to you, it is safe to use them in every bath if you choose;  it is down to personal preference.
There is no concern with using a bath bomb;  you can purchase as many as you want for the purpose of cleaning yourself.  The last thing you would want to do is to take the experience for granted by overdoing it.  The best results are gotten when you use these products, depending on how much your body craves them.