Are Natural Herbal Baths Better than Bath Bombs?

What is in a Bath Bomb. Are you 'BOMBING' your skin?

It's true, everyone loves the way bath bombs fizz when you drop them in the water. Unfortunately, most commercially available bath bombs contain harmful dyes, artificial fragrances, unnatural pigments, binders, fillers, preservatives, and highly processed essential oils that are completely stripped of their most beneficial natural compounds.

Lets dive into the details. What is really wrong with modern commercial bath bombs?

What's in a Bath Bomb?

The main concern with bath bombs is... their ingredients. Most bath bombs contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives which will irritate sensitive skin. Even worse, some also contain glitters or artificial colors that are made from plastics or other non-biodegradable materials, which can be harmful to both the skin and the environment.

This is a real ingredient list from a popular bath bomb company:

• Sodium Bicarbonate  
• Citric Acid
• Water
• Rapeseed Oil 
• Coconut Oil 
• Propylene Glycol
• Popping Candy
• Peppermint Oil
• Grapefruit Oil
• Vetivert Oil
• Cedarwood Oil
• Glycerine
• Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
• Corn Starch
• Titanium Dioxide
• Sodium Chloride
• Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
• Dipropylene Glycol
• Sodium Coco Sulfate
• Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Silica
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Tin Oxide
• EDTA
• Tetrasodium Etidronate
• Benzyl Benzoate
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Fragrance
• Iron Oxide
• Color 42090
• Color 47005:1
• Color 45410
• Color 47005:1
• Colour 45350
• Color 42090:2
• Colour 77820
• Color 77499

 Wow. That was a long way to scroll...

Compare that list to a recipe for homemade bath bombs that we found at Savvy Homemade*:

• 2 cups Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)
• 1 cup Corn Starch
• 1 cup Citric Acid
• 1 cup Epsom Salts
• 4 tsp Sweet Almond Oil (or Apricot Kernal)
• 4 tsp Fragrance Oil (or Essential Oil)
• 2 tsp Distilled Water
• A few drops of Liquid Soap Dye (or food coloring)

What a difference! Unfortunately, most companies these days are just looking for ways to make their jobs easier by streamlining the manufacturing process, optimizing their profit margins, and relying on expensive marketing campaigns to push their products.

By focusing on profits and global sales over health and safety, you end up with a subpar product that can inflame your skin, clog your plumbing, and leave your tub covered in synthetic oils, dyes, and fragrances. 

Skin Sensitivity

For those with sensitive skin, eczema, or other skin conditions, the chemicals and fragrances in bath bombs can cause irritations, rashes, or allergic reactions. Natural ingredients generally pose fewer risks for skin sensitivity.

(Now obviously, "Natural" does not always equal "Good." Poison Ivy is natural, but anyone who's had a brush with that three-leaf monster knows what happens next...)

"All Natural" for us means that, other than being harvested and dried, the plant has not been processed or adulterated in any way. That's why we do not add any essential oils or fragrances to our herbal bath soaks. Some companies will use the term "All Natural" in the sense that the source of the material is natural, when in reality it has been highly processed with solvents and chemicals.

Here are some of the ways big companies extract essential oils from plant material:

• Solvent extraction: This involves using a solvent, such as water, ethanol, or hexane, to extract the compounds from the herb. The solvent is mixed with the herb and then separated from the solid material, leaving behind a liquid extract that contains the desired compounds.

• Soxhlet extraction (Steam Distillation): This is a type of solvent extraction that uses a Soxhlet apparatus to extract the compounds from the herb. The apparatus consists of a flask, a condenser, and a thimble, which is filled with the herb. The solvent is added to the flask and heated, causing the compounds to dissolve and then be collected in a separate container.

• Maceration (Steeping): This involves soaking the herb in a solvent, such as water or ethanol, for a period of time to allow the compounds to dissolve. The mixture is then filtered and the solvent is evaporated to leave behind a concentrated extract.

• Decoction (Boiling): This is a type of solvent extraction that involves boiling the herb in water or another solvent to extract the compounds. The resulting liquid is then filtered and the solvent is evaporated to leave behind a concentrated extract.

• Supercritical fluid extraction: This involves using a solvent, such as carbon dioxide, at high pressure and temperature to extract the compounds from the herb. This method is often used to extract lipophilic compounds, such as terpenes and steroids.

• Enzyme-assisted extraction: This involves using enzymes to break down the cell walls of the herb and release the compounds. This method is often used to extract proteins and other biomolecules.

• Microwave-assisted extraction: This involves using microwave energy to heat the herb and extract the compounds. This method is often used to extract lipophilic compounds, such as terpenes and steroids.

• Ultrasonic extraction: This involves using high-frequency sound waves to extract the compounds from the herb. This method is often used to extract lipophilic compounds, such as terpenes and steroids.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of certain bath bombs can also be a concern. Those containing elements like glitter or microplastics can contribute to environmental pollution, as these particles can pass through water treatment systems and end up in water bodies, potentially harming aquatic life.

The oils in bath bombs will not dissolve on their own. Not only will they congeal in your pipes, they will flow into your local water system or septic tank, causing long-term water quality problems in your community. If you wouldn't pour bacon grease down the drain, why would you put oil in your bath tub drain?

Vaginal Health

For women, there's an additional consideration regarding vaginal health. The pH of the vagina is delicately balanced, and perfumed products like some bath bombs can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

OB/GYN Christine C. Greves, MD, writes in Orlando Health: 

"If [your] tub is scented by a so-called bath bomb, you may want to change your routine. Bath bombs — bundles of scent and color meant to enhance bath water — are made with ingredients that irritate some women’s vulva or vagina. The same can be true for bubble bath products and scented Epsom salts. You may be better off without them.

Some experts claim that bath bombs can cause urinary tract infections, or UTIs. That has not been proven. However, the products can cause irritation that can be mistaken for a UTI or a yeast infection. Why use something that might make your genital region uncomfortable? Our vaginas and vulvas are sensitive, unlike our hands, which have an epidermis that can withstand harsh substances. With a bath bomb, you’re exposing your tender skin to parabens and talc, maybe even glitter. These substances are foreign and oftentimes unfriendly."

Conclusion

Are bath bombs really worth it? We all take baths for two reasons, to relax and to pamper our skin. It just doesn't make sense to use a bath bomb once you know that it's not really good for your skin, and that all of these added ingredients can cause a slew of long term problems. No thank you! We will stick to the all-natural herbal baths, which will provide a milder experience without adding stress. 

*Not an affiliate link, we just like her blogs :)