Why are bath bombs toxic?

The bright colors and food shapes of many bath bombs can be attractive to young children, so involuntary ingestions should be expected. The most toxic ingredient in these products is sodium.

Why are bath bombs toxic?

The bright colors and food shapes of many bath bombs can be attractive to young children, so involuntary ingestions should be expected. The most toxic ingredient in these products is sodium. Aldehydes are at increased risk for respiratory allergies, liver disease, and embryonic toxicity. However, bath bombs may not be completely safe.

Bath bomb ingredients can irritate sensitive skin and cause redness, itching, or rash, and irritation can persist long after the tub is drained. In addition, bath bombs can affect a woman's vaginal pH balance. The resulting changes in normal levels of bacteria can cause irritation or even infection. According to dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, bath bombs are made with a combination of baking soda and citric acid.

Made in a variety of shapes, from spinning balls to adorable animals, bath bombs are tough blends of fragrances, dyes, and other substances that fizz when dropped into water. From hormone-altering chemicals to potential disease-triggering dyes that infiltrate mucous membranes, the standard bath bomb isn't something you'd ever use. While you may not feel the chemical side effects of a bath bomb through a rash or skin irritation, you may be exposing your body in other ways. Bath bombs are full of very simple ingredients such as salts, dyes, oils and maybe some add-ons, such as glitter.

Bath bombs have been gaining popularity in recent years, promising everything from aromatherapy benefits to skin-soothing properties in an explosion of effervescence and color. Thanks to the bath bombs available in all shades and scents, your child (well, you too) wants to spend every moment awake in the bathtub. Unless your skin is extremely sensitive, you probably don't have to give up bath bombs altogether, but use them carefully. For people with sensitive skin, bath bombs may not be the answer, as it is more of an experience (or a social media post) than a real way of smoothing the skin.

In fact, we have heard from many of our own customers who have also said that painful rashes appeared after using a bath bomb. Some of those bath bombs you've grown to love may be releasing much more than colored bubbles into that soothing water. Common dyes used in bath bombs have been shown to cause allergic reactions and symptoms of ADHD in children. I've also included a list of my 5 favorite bath bombs that don't have ANY of these harmful ingredients.

Stephanie Weiker
Stephanie Weiker

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