Some fun facts about bath bombs

What is a Bath Bomb?

A bath bomb or bath fizzie is a consumer product used during bathing. It was invented and patented in 1989 by Mo Constantine, co-founder of Lush Cosmetics. It is a compacted mixture of wet and dry ingredients molded into any of several shapes and then dried. Bath water effervesces at the surface of a bath bomb immersed within it, with attendant dispersion of such ingredients as essential oil, moisturizer, scent, or colorant.

Ingredients:

Baking soda

Citric acid

Epsom salts

Fragrance oils

Colorants

Surfactants

Who Invented The Bath Bomb

Surprisingly the bath bomb was invented in a garden shed by Mo Constantine the co founder of Lush Cosmetics. She patented the bath bomb in 1989 under the brand name of “Cosmetics To Go”. Unfortunately the company eventually went into administration and she lost the patent. At a later date a new patent was issued to Cosmetic Warriors LTD (the proprietor of the Lush Cosmetics trademark).

The chemical reaction in bath bombs

Bath bombs generally work via an acid-base reaction. Creating one involves mixing two reactive chemicals.

As a weak base, sodium bicarbonate will not react with water, while citric acid is a weak acid that produces a fizzy reaction. Since there's a base and an acid, both neutralise each other.

If combined and come in contact with water, it results in new molecules, namely carbon dioxide and sodium citrate salt. The ensuing fizzing and bubbling are due to carbon dioxide as it escapes the water. As the gas breaks free from the bubbles, it helps spread the fragrances and colours.

The reaction ends once all the chemicals are used, and the fizzing declines. Regardless of the bath bomb gift set you'll use, the bath water will have a different colour and a lovely aroma.

What are the benefits of bath bombs?

1. bask in fragrant heaven with carefully chosen bath bomb ingredients
Take a few minutes of mindfulness to gage your mood, and then choose your bath bomb ingredients and aromas accordingly. For example, choose bath bomb ingredients that have an aroma of invigorating mimosa flower for a stint in tropical paradise, or an aroma of heirloom French lavender for a relaxing spa session.
2. smooth out dryness for hydrated skin
Once dissolved in water, bath bombs release citric acid which fizzes up and helps loosen damaged layers of skin. The oils in bath bombs also tend to be super moisturizing, and basking in a tub of hydrating oils will leave your skin feeling soft and supple.
3. say goodbye to soreness and relax your body & your mind
With smoothing properties and delicious smells, bath bomb ingredients work to help you relax. Beyond just the bath bomb, lounging in a warm bath itself for between 15-20 minutes can help you decompress after a long day. For centuries, people have been using baths for their beneficial effects on our muscles, and recent studies confirm that a warm bath can help soothe soreness and tension.
4. detox your skin and leave your bath feeling refreshed and renewed
The high alkaline content of sodium bicarbonate, the primary ingredient in bath bombs, makes it super effective in helping to remove toxins. The more common name for sodium bicarbonate is baking soda, which is famous for its many detoxing health benefits and uses. Bath bombs aren’t only therapeutic, but also contain cleansers that remove dirt and oil buildup from your outer skin layer. Renew your skin and let the bath bomb work its detoxifying magic!

Do Bath Bombs Expire?

Bath bombs have a shelf life of about one year. A bath bomb will last only as long as its composite ingredient with the least shelf life. It is true that a bath bomb has a scent as sweet as an air freshener, but if it does expire, it will start to its scents as well as its good looks and effect.

If your bath bomb starts to smell bad, break up or grow mold, it is a sign that it has expired, and you should learn to throw them out at this point.

How to use a Bath Bomb 

There are certain steps one must take to have an extraordinary bath experience.  Before I begin, I must stress that your bathtub MUST be clean!  Please do not sit in a dirty tub.  Also, you’ll want to set the scene.  Light some candles and turn your bath time into a planned out solo date night with yourself! 
Step One: Plug the tub and turn on the water to your desired temperature. 
Step Two: Let the bathtub fill up halfway. 
Step Three: Once the tub is filled halfway, hold your bath bomb under the faucet to dissolve the bomb and properly bubble. 
Step Four: Turn off the faucet, and sink into the tub.  Be sure to avoid your eyes, and do not drink your bathwater. 
Step Five: Once you have relaxed and are ready to exit, unplug the tub, and allow the water to drain. 
Step Six: Rinse off the bomb and pat yourself dry. 
Step Seven: Rinse the tub and scrub clean to avoid any dyes ruining the bathtub.

5 ways to use bath bombs outside of the tub

• Scent drawers and closets - Place bombs in sachets or small bags to freshen up spaces.
• Shower scent - Set on the tub floor to release aroma when hit by water. Enjoy the fragrance.
• Sugar scrub - Crush into a jar, add sugar and oil for an exfoliating shower scrub.
• Bowl decor - Display in bowls like potpourri to perfume rooms.
• Odor eliminator - Toss in stinky shoes or cars to absorb smells. Can also make DIY Febreze sprays.

With just a little creativity, bath bombs can make homes smell great, scrub and soften skin, and lend decor a colorful touch. Their uses extend far beyond the bathtub alone. A simple way to enjoy aromatherapy and give spaces a fresh feel.