There's nothing better than a good bath, especially as a way to de-stress after a long day. But, to curate the perfect soak session, you have to have the right bath essentials. Yes, a tray and bathtub pillow can make things feel comfortable and easy—but the best bath bombs can help you take bath time to the next level. One might even say they can make your bath *the bomb.*
True, these pretty, fizzy balls can add an IG-worthy pop of color to your bath, but they're functional, too. Many are made with skin- and body-soothing ingredients that can elevate your bath-time routine, so you can double down on the self-care as you sit back and soak. Sounds lovely, right? Read on for the best bath bombs to try next time you crave a spa-like experience.
- 01What are bath bombs?
- 02What to look for
- 03best bath bombs
- 04FAQ
- Hadley King, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Ian Michael Crumm, esthetician
The best bath bombs, at a glance:
- Best moisturizing: Ouai, Chill Pills (Set of 6), $30
- Best exfoliating: Levitural, Bath Bombs (Set of 6), $16
- Best for sensitive skin: Fur, Bath Drops, $38
- Best glittery: Da Bomb, Beauty Bath Bomb, $8
- Best set: Humble Botanics, Bath Bomb Flight (Set of 4), $20
- Best for dry skin: New Miuz, Collagen Bath Bombs (Set of 3), $22
- Best luxury: Patisserie, Bath Ball Set (Set of 4), $37
- Best for a bubble bath: Blissful Oasis, Bath Bombs (Set of 7), $10
- Best organic: Beauty by Earth, Bath Bombs (Set of 6), $32
- Best for a colorful bath: Whim by Ulta Beauty, Diamond Bath Bomb, $8
- Most popular: Lush, Energizers Bath Bomb Duo, $17
- Best energizing: Bath & Body Works, Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Fizzy, $10
- Best budget: Pacha Soap, Jasmine Gardenia Froth Bomb, $5
What are bath bombs?
Bath bombs consist of a combination of carbon dioxide and a concentration of sodium bicarbonate. These two properties break down, create bubbles, and spread enticing colors and delightful scents when dropped into water.
“The best bath bombs are typically made of a combination of dry ingredients that effervesce when wet,” says Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity esthetician and co-host of the BeautyCurious Podcast. “When they fizz and dissolve, they add scent, bubbles, and color to bathwater to make the bath functional and fun.” Beyond that, they can clean, hydrate, soften, repair, and exfoliate the skin thanks to citric acids, sea salts, and essential oils.
What to look for in a bath bomb
Ingredients
As with any beauty item, toxic ingredients can be hidden in your bath bombs, which can potentially cause hormone disruption, skin irritation, and other issues, so make sure you check the ingredients list before dropping it into your tub. “Bath bombs that contain baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salt are common and generally safe,” says Crumm. “Also, bath bombs with citric acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that promotes exfoliation, are okay to use, and they make skin feel smoother.” If your main goal is to moisturize your skin, look for bombs that contain “colloidal oatmeal, honey, milk, coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil as each is soothing and nourishing to all skin types,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD.
When it comes to potentially harmful ingredients, both Crumm and Dr. King note avoiding products with a lot of artificial dyes or fragrances, as they can be harsh on the skin and even trigger allergic reactions like topical dermatitis. The same goes for ingredients like cornstarch, almond oil, and witch hazel, all of which can be super drying.
Fragrances
The main point of a bath is to relax and rejuvenate, so when it comes to bath bombs, choose those that include fragrances you find therapeutic. This will allow you to fully enjoy the experience and calm your anxieties. “Common soothing options include lavender, rose, eucalyptus, and citrus,” notes Crumm. “However, if you have sensitive skin, you might opt for fragrance-free options.”
Your skin type
Considering your skin type is crucial in determining which product is best for you. Crumm recommends those with sensitive or acne-prone skin choose fragrance-free options because they will be gentler and less likely to cause irritation or rashes. “Those with dry skin should look for bath bombs that have moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter,” notes Crumm. These properties will lubricate the skin and create a barrier that locks moisture in. And of course, do a patch test on your skin before dropping your bomb in the bath to avoid a potential allergic reaction.
Size
“The size of the bath bomb can affect how intense the fragrance and oils are in your bath,” says Crumm. So, when buying a new bath bomb, consider your preference in terms of how scented your bath will be and the size of your tub. For example, if you have a small bathtub, a large bath bomb may produce too many bubbles and too strong of a scent that can’t be diluted with the amount of water that a larger bath would have.
Expiration date
“Bath bombs do expire,” notes Crumm. “Over time, they get firm and lose their fizziness and fragrance.” In other words, don’t hoard your bath bombs or save them for a special occasion that may not come as soon as you thought. “Remember to use them within six months to a year of purchase and store them in a cool, dry place to help preserve their quality,” says Crumm.
The 13 best bath bombs for ultimate relaxation
Key ingredients: Hemp, jojoba oil, safflower seed oils
Need a chill pill? Pop one of these relaxing bath bombs from Ouai into your tub and feel your stress float away. These pill-shaped bombs feature skin-friendly ingredients like jojoba, hemp, and safflower seed oils, which soothe and moisturize the skin and have anti-inflammatory properties to manage tight joints. Plus, they’re scented with notes of jasmine and rose to make your bath smell like a luxurious flower garden.
Quantity: 6
Pros:
- Light, elegant scent
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized
- Great gift
Cons:
- Rather tame (if you prefer a more colorful or super fizzy bomb)
Key ingredients: Essential oils, shea and cocoa butters, and dead sea salt
If you’re looking for the most effective way to deep clean and exfoliate your body, try Levitural’s Bath Bombs. These exfoliating bombs feature Dead Sea salt to remove layers of dead skin and build-up from body wash and lotions to help your skin feel and breathe better. Plus, they feature essential oils and natural butters to enhance overall skin health, prevent premature aging, and moisturize your skin. Pro tip: If you want to exfoliate even further, grab a muslin cloth or African washcloth, soak it in the soapy water, and gently rub it on your body.
Quantity: 6
Pros:
- Dead sea salt helps exfoliate dead skin
- Natural butters add moisture
- Organic, cruelty-free & vegan ingredients
- Strongly scented
Cons:
- No fizz or bubbles
- Smaller size
Key ingredients: Grape seed oil, jojoba oil, carrageenan, lemon peel oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tea tree leaf oil
If life has you feeling burnt out, run a warm bath and drop two to three Fur Bath Drops in your tub. These seaweed-encased bath beads feature a soothing mix of signature oils that soak the stress away and leave your skin silky and hydrated. The drops have a light lemon citrus aroma and are free from gluten, phthalates, parabens, silicones, and artificial colors and fragrances that irritate sensitive skin.
Quantity: 10+
Pros:
- Dermatologist and gynecologist tested
- Vegan and environmentally-friendly casing
- Free of artificial fragrances or colors making them great for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Requires 2-3 drops (depending on bath size)
- No fizz or bubbles
- Pricier option overall
Key ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, PEG-8, mica
Da Bomb’s Beauty Bath Bomb is the perfect solution for any bath lover who wants to add a little sparkle to their self-care routine. At $8 a piece, this fizzer gives you supple skin and a surprise inside. Since it has a potent scent, it will fill up your bathtub and bathroom with a beautiful floral aroma that makes you feel like you’re bathing in the middle of a botanical garden. And yes, the glitter can be a bit messy, but customers say it washes down the drain with ease.
Quantity: 1
Pros:
- Phthalate, paraben, SLS, sulfate, and gluten-free
- Glittery effect
- Surprise inside
Cons:
- Messy
- Contains artificial coloring and fragrances
Key ingredients: Citric acid, essential oils, Epsom salt, French green clay
Want a great bang for your buck? The Humble Botanics handmade bath set includes four high-quality bath fizzers designed with different therapeutic benefits in mind. There’s one for re-energizing the body and mind, one for de-stressing, one for soothing dry skin, and one for reducing aches and pains. Each includes a variety of essential oils for additional benefits and is free from synthetic fragrances and dyes.
Quantity: 4
Pros:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Contains citric acid for exfoliation
- No artificial coloring (doesn’t stain the tub or leave a ring)
Cons:
- Power Bomb and Wellness Bomb smell very similar
Key ingredients: Collagen, organic shea butter, citric acid, organic manuka honey, milk, organic colloidal oats, kaolin clay
These bombs from New Miuz are ideal for those with dry skin because they’re infused with collagen (one of the main building blocks of skin), organic shea butter, and organic manuka honey, enhancing the skin’s moisture content and elasticity. Plus, they contain hydrating essences of oatmeal, milk, and honey to soothe sensitive skin. Beyond delivering ultimate moisture to your body, they encourage deep relaxation, preparing you for a restful sleep.
Quantity: 3
Pros:
- Sweet floral scent
- Soothing oatmeal and honey add moisturize
- Contains organic ingredients
Cons:
- On the smaller side
- Sweet scent may be too strong for some
Key ingredients: Citric acid, essential oils, cream of tartar, baking soda, jojoba seed oil
If you’re looking to pamper yourself but don’t want to splurge, this sweet set will treat your skin to a spa-like experience at a fraction of the cost of other bombs. There are four effervescent fizzers in the beautiful box, which means you get four evenings of bliss. Each has its own optimistic scent, like Rose Pomegranate, which is sweet and tangy, reminiscent of a festive holiday cocktail; Peach Blossom, which evokes feelings of softness, grace, and femininity; Water Lily, which is airy and mysterious, and Pomelo Palm, which is great for when you want to feel grounded.
Quantity: 4
Pros:
- Ample foam and fizz
- Four unique scents
- Makes a great gift
Cons:
- Includes artificial coloring
- Some shoppers say the packaging doesn’t travel well
Key ingredients: Plant oils, grape seed oil, citric acid, shea and cocoa butter
Another great value pick, Blissful Oasis’ bombs are great for anyone who loves bubbles. The gift set has seven individually wrapped bath bombs in a pretty, colorful tin container. They come in a variety of scents—including grapefruit, rose, lavender, and eucalyptus—and create a bunch of bubbles. And while they feature vivid hues, you won’t have to worry about your sensitive skin reacting to the dyes because they contain any artificial fragrances or colors. Instead, the bright shades come from the eucalyptus, lavender, grape, and rose oils. So run your bath water, drop in a Blissful Oasis Bath Bomb, sprinkle in some Epsom salt, and simply enjoy.
Quantity: 7
Pros:
- Fizzes and creates bubbles
- Leaves skin silky smooth
Cons:
- Strong scent might not be for everyone
Key ingredients: Kaolin clay, Dead Sea salt, organic cocoa and shea butter, organic olive oil, essential oils
If you’re unsure of what bath bomb you like, a variety pack is a great option—especially when it’s filled with organic ingredients and fragrances. This Amazon-favorite set features six large bath bombs that deliver fragrant explosions to transform bath time into a cozy spa-like experience. The blend of natural essential oils, shea butter, Epsom salt, and cocoa butter nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and rejuvenated. This gift set is a must-have for those seeking a luxurious self-care routine.
Quantity: 6
Pros:
- Dye and artificial fragrance-free
- Includes organic ingredients
- Won’t leave gummy residue in the tub
Cons:
- Pricier option
- Weaker scents
Key ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, fragrance
Who said bath time had to be boring? Grab this diamond-shaped bath fizzer from Ulta Beauty’s Whim line and create a magical soak that’s fun for the senses. The purple, pink, and yellow hues make the water a pretty dark magenta that enhances your mood and makes you feel like you’re living out your childhood dreams. Once settled in the tub, turn on an upbeat playlist to invite in a sense of joy. Trust us: you’ll never underestimate the power of bath time again.
Quantity: 1
Pros:
- Fun shape and berry scent
- Produces a ton of fizz
- Beautiful colors
Cons:
- Artificial colors and fragrances, so not great for those with sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Organic olive oil, lemon, and bergamot oils, popping candy (in Dragon’s Egg), citric acid
Lush has been synonymous with bath bombs for years, but if you’re new to the brand, its Energizers Duo is a great discovery set. It features an Avobath Bath Bomb and Dragon’s Egg Bath Bomb, both of which feature cheerful aromas from natural essential oils that will raise your spirits and prepare you to take on anything thrown your way. Weighing in at seven ounces, they’re also larger than most of the other bombs on this list, which means they’ll pack an extra strong punch in terms of fizz, color, and fragrance.
Quantity: 2
Pros:
- Large bombs with strong scents
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Some organic ingredients
Cons:
- Does include artificial coloring
- More sensory benefits than skincare benefits
Key ingredients: Shea butter and natural essential oils
Awaken the scenes with Bath & Body Works’ Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Fizzy. The notes of eucalyptus will clear the senses and your mind and the spearmint will uplift and improve your mood. The two scents work together to create a spa-like environment in your own tub. The best part is that it’s dermatologist-tested, meaning it’s safe for you and your skin.
Quantity: 1
Pros:
- Dermatologist tested
- Won’t stain your tub
- Energizing
Cons:
- Doesn’t create bubbles
- Pricier for a single bomb
Key ingredients: Rose clay, Epsom salt, mineral pigments, cocoa butter
Indulge in the soothing aroma of jasmine gardenia with Pacha’s Soap Bath Bomb. In tandem with mandarin and orange essential oils, the jasmine helps calm your mood and stress levels. The rose clay and Epsom salt work to rid the skin of dead skin cells, while the cocoa butter forms a protective layer over the skin to nourish and lock in moisture. The intoxicating and relaxing fragrances fill the entire tub and bathroom, making you feel like royalty in a five-star spa, but at a super affordable price. Fun fact: You can likely find this frothy bomb at a Whole Foods near you.
Quantity: 1
Pros:
- Natural fragrances, including mandarin, jasmine, and orange essential oils
- Budget-friendly price (can be found at Whole Foods)
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Not as scented as other options (may be a pro for some)
FAQs
Is it OK to use bath bombs every day?
“It's generally not recommended to use bath bombs daily,” Crumm advises. “While they are safe for occasional use, frequent use can lead to skin irritation due to certain ingredients and additives like dye and glitter.” Instead, Crumm recommends using them once a week or less, depending on your skin sensitivity.
A note for folks with vaginas: "Bath bombs can potentially affect the pH of the body's surfaces,” notes Dr. King. For those with vulvas, changing the pH of the vaginal area can lead to irritation or a yeast infection. Keep this in mind when you soak.
Are bath bombs good for your skin?
They can be! It depends on the specific bath bomb and your skin type. "If you don't have eczema or known sensitivity to the ingredients, an occasional bath bomb can be safe,” says Dr. King.
Do you wash your body after using a bath bomb?
“It's not strictly necessary to wash your body after using a bath bomb, as they are generally designed to be skin-friendly,” notes Crumm. “However, I recommend rinsing off to decrease the chance of redness or irritation as some bombs contain glitter and other fragrances.” Dr. King agrees, noting, “It's important to rinse the skin afterward to remove any chemical residue.” And, if you do pick a glittery bomb, you'll also want to consider the consequences of getting on your shower curtain or bath mat.
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