Advertisement
Weighing the delight (or havoc) for your skin
Bath bombs — those fizzy, scented “party in a bath” additives — are a huge hit, especially with kids. You can buy them everywhere, from dollar stores to high-end department stores. And kids are scouring YouTube for videos on how to make bath bombs. (Because DIY slime is sooo last month.)
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Bath bombs may be fun for kids and adults alike. But is soaking in a tub that’s been “bombed” safe for your skin?
According to dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, bath bombs are made using a combination of baking soda and citric acid. When mixed with water, those ingredients generally neutralize each other. But bath bombs may contain other substances that can potentially harm your skin, including:
There aren’t any bath bombs that are totally safe, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Sadly, the size of the bath bomb doesn’t really matter — smaller bombs can have concentrated amounts of potential allergens.
Not all skin is created equal. For some people, a bath bomb is a sensual delight. For others, it’s a recipe for discomfort. The most common signs that your bath bomb is wreaking havoc on your skin include:
Advertisement
These telltale signs often first show up in skin creases (think behind the knees, or in the groin area) where the harmful substances linger because of the skin-on-skin contact. But for people with known skin sensitivity, these signs may declare themselves on any part of the skin that was submerged in bath water.
“Don’t be fooled by ‘natural ingredients.’ They can also play mischief with your skin,” says Dr. Vij. “For example, common bath bomb ingredients include witch hazel, an astringent that can cause dryness, or cocoa butter, which can fuel the growth of yeast.”
Sometimes, bath additives such as bath bombs and even bubble bath can affect the body’s pH balance. For women and girls, changing the pH of the vagina and surrounding areas can alter bacterial flora and possibly lead to irritation or, worse, a yeast infection. (A not-fun price to pay for a few minutes of fizzy bath glory.)
Dr. Vij suggests those who are allergic to ingredients in bath bombs avoid them altogether. “However, if people don’t have a history of atopic dermatitis (commonly called eczema) or a known history of sensitivity to fragrances or dyes — the occasional bath bomb is fine. But I recommend staying in the water just until fingers and toes start to prune up,” says Dr. Vij. “That’s different for everyone, but usually 10 to 15 minutes is enough time.”
And rinse off after the bath to remove the residual chemical layer.
“The longer you’re exposed to chemicals and known allergens, the more likely you are to develop an allergy,” says Dr. Vij. “My daughters love bath bombs, but I remind them to take a nice rinse to clean off their skin and keep it healthy after they’ve soaked.”
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
The results aren’t great, and the risks — like vision problems — aren’t worth it
During an annual exam, your provider will check for any moles or spots that have changed in size, color or shape
Dry air, harsh soaps and even some medications can bring on an itch, but in some cases, itchiness can be a sign of an underlying condition
Moisturize often, take oatmeal baths, use Epsom salts and follow a healthy diet to help reduce your symptoms
Adding a little milk to your bath can leave your skin smooth, silky and refreshed
Wear properly fitted shoes, break them in ahead of time and wear moisture-wicking socks
Topical treatments — and even some cosmetic procedures — may help reduce the appearance of this crinkled-paper look
Ferulic acid can help make other antioxidant products more powerful
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims