What are the benefits of bath bombs?

"The main benefits of bath bombs are additional hydration and softening of the skin," Ross tells Byrdie. "Depending on which ingredients are included, [they] could also have additional benefits for treating specific skin concerns." For instance, some bombs may include moisturizing agents for extra-dry skin or natural anti-inflammatory ingredients for eczema.

How often should you use a bath bomb?

Most bath bombs can be used at least a few times a week, and if you're a daily bath-taker , you might be able to use one every time you soak. However, if you experience irritation, unusually dry skin, or another skin concern, you may want to use them less frequently or discontinue use altogether.

Do bath bombs expire?

Like most other skincare products, bath bombs will eventually expire. While the lifespan depends on the ingredients, formulation, and packaging, you can expect them to hold up for a year, give or take. Unless it's moldy or rancid, an expired bath bomb may not cause any harm. However, it might not dissolve or create the desired effervescent effect anymore.

What do bath bombs do?

Bath bombs disintegrate when released into warm water, leaving behind emollient oils and other skincare ingredients that help to exfoliate skin. They also typically contain fragrance to leave behind a pleasant aroma both in the bathtub and on skin, and colors in the bath water. Most bath bombs contain agents like sodium bicarbonate—baking soda—or citric acid that allow them to dissolve.

Do you need to rinse off after using a bath bomb?

No. Since bath bombs contain nourishing ingredients meant to address various skincare needs, you'll want to allow them to soak into your skin. However, if your skin is particularly sensitive or you're using the bath bomb purely to relax, you might want to rinse off any residue.

Do you put a bath bomb in before or after a bath?

Add a bath bomb after you've filled your bathtub , says Erica Vega, Lush's brand and product expert. This allows it to fully dissolve.

The 16 Best Bath Bombs of 2023

The 14 Best Bath Bombs of 2022 — Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang

While baths might be a self-care stereotype—right up there with face masks and steeped tea—there's no denying the relaxing luxury of a good soak. It can even help lower your stress levels. To take the experience up a notch, consider tossing in a bath bomb or two.

"Bath bombs are a concentrated form of bubble bath, which combine wet and dry ingredients including essential oils and cleansing agents," explains celebrity esthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab. Additionally, he says they often include skin-softening agents and moisturizers.

Aromatherapy, effervescent cleansing, and soft, supple skin? Sign us up! When browsing options, you'll see that bath bombs come in various sizes, quantities, colors, shapes, and scents. And like all other beauty categories, there's a wide spectrum of price points and tiers, ranging from everyday bombs to giftable sets to premium soaks.

Scroll down for the best bath bombs available today.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Ouai Chill Pills is our top choice for a bath bomb. It both cleanses and leaves skin feeling super soft for a pampering experience. For a more affordable pick, consider Dr. Teal's Bath Bombs, which contains moisturizing ingredients like almond, jojoba, and sunflower oil.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

OUAI Bath Bombs at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Dr. Teal's Ultra Moisturizing Lavender Bath Bombs at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Bodycology Cherry Blossom Bath Fizzies at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Prima Bath Gem Effervescent Mineral Soak at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Color-Changing:

Lush Cosmetics Intergalactic Bath Bomb at Lushusa.com

Jump to Review

Best Skin-Softening:

Fur Bath Drops

Jump to Review

Best Moisturizing:

Capri Blue Volcano Bath Bomb at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Natural:

Pardo Naturals Bath Bombs at Pardonaturals.com

Jump to Review

Best for Stress Relief:

Happy Dance Stress Away Bath Bomb + CBD at Doahappydance.com

Jump to Review

Best Novelty:

Da Bomb Candy Bath Bomb

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Target

What We Like

Hydrating and moisturizing
Nice scent
Unique design

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Contains synthetic fragrance

Ross is partial to Ouai Chill Pills, and we're here for it. From the beloved haircare brand, these luxury bath bombs come in 1.5-inch tabs chock full of skin-loving ingredients. While they're more expensive than other options, they deliver a slew of benefits that make them well worth it. We're talking jojoba, safflower seed, and hemp oils that moisturize, nourish, and leave your body with a silky-smooth, glistening sheen.

"This line is great because they have a ton of hydrating oils, which are vegan and natural as opposed to all essential oils, which could be overly fragrant and lead to irritation in the skin," Ross tells Byrdie.

We're also big fans of the scent. Featuring a jasmine base with notes of rose, it's refreshingly floral but not overpowering. Gift a set of Chill Pills or pop a couple next time you take a bath.

Price at time of publish: $30

Size: 6 bombs (1.5 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dr. Teal's Lavender Ultra Moisturizing Bath Bombs

Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Fragrancex.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Hydrating and moisturizing
Lavender aromatherapy

What We Don't Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

For something more budget-friendly, go with Dr. Teal's. These bath bombs combine jojoba, almond, and sunflower oil with the scent of lavender to deliver hydrated skin and a dose of calming aromatherapy.

Price at time of publish: $7

Size: 5 bombs (1.6 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Generous size
Nice scent

What We Don’t Like

Contains dye
Contains synthetic fragrance

Bodycology Bath Fizzies are over 2 ounces each and come at a very reasonable price point. They hydrate and soften with glycerin and vitamin E, then grace your senses with a divine aroma of vanilla, sandalwood, and cherry blossom.

Price at time of publish: $6

Size: 8 bombs (2.1 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Prima Bath Gems Effervescent Mineral Soak

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Prima.co View On Revolve

What We Like

Generous size
Hydrating and moisturizing
Nice scent

What We Don’t Like

Some reviewers note fragrance is too strong

If you like the top-shelf stuff, Prima Bath Gems have your name on them. Each 6-ounce cube contains mineral-rich Epsom salt and meadowfoam oil, plus essential oils for aromatherapy and hemp extract for a teensy dose of CBD.

Price at time of publish: $15

Size: 1 bomb (6 ounces) | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of Lush

View On Lushusa.com

What We Like

Generous size
Fun colors
Popping candy effect

What We Don't Like

Contains synthetic dye

Let's be honest: Swirling colors are often part of the fun with bath bombs. That's why we love the Intergalactic bath bomb from Lush, which begins as a condensed tie-dye patterned ball and slowly disperses dreamy hues reminiscent of a deep-blue galaxy—extra points for the candy-popper fizzing effect.

Price at time of publish: $8

Size: 1 bomb (7 ounces) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of Fur

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore

What We Like

Softens skin
Hydrating and moisturizing
Nice scent

What We Don't Like

Some reviewers note the bombs don't melt easily

If it's softer skin you're after, go with Fur. Toss two or three drops into your bath, then sit back and relax as a blend of plant oils and the humectant glycerin envelop your body and leave you with oh-so-silky skin.

Size: 18 bombs | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Generous size
Hydrating and moisturizing
Nice scent

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

This sizable bath bomb combines shea butter and coconut oil to moisturize your skin while you soak in the tub. What's more, it features Capri Blue's signature sugared citrus scent, a seriously invigorating aroma you may have smelled in a luxury candle or two.

Price at time of publish: $38

Size: 1 bomb (4 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pardo Naturals

View On Pardonaturals.com

What We Like

Plant-based formula
Hydrating and moisturizing
Nice scent

What We Don’t Like

Not as fun to use as other options
Expensive

For those who prefer natural formulas, we recommend Pardo Naturals. This bath bomb comes in over 10 scents, ranging from lavender to eucalyptus to sandalwood, each fragranced with essential oils—there's an unscented option, too. Although this option is a bit more expensive than others on this list, we think the natural formula with essential oils justifies the spend.

Price at time of publish: $9

Size: 1 bomb | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ulta

View On Doahappydance.com

What We Like

Stress-relief aromatherapy
Hydrating and moisturizing
Nice scent

What We Don’t Like

Can be difficult to break apart

Feeling overwhelmed? Take a load off with Stress Away. Infused with CBD and earth-sourced moisturizers like cocoa butter and coconut oil, these bath bombs help you relax while uplifting your senses and hydrating your skin.

Size: 4 bombs (1 oz. each) | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Walmart View On Macy's

What We Like

Generous size
Good for gifting
Prize inside

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

Da Bomb novelty fizzers make excellent gifts. While there are many variations, we're all about this candy-colored bomb, which dissolves into a pink-sprinkled swirl to reveal a playful prize at the center.

Price at time of publish: $15

Size: 1 bomb (7 ounces) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Miss Patisserie Great Ball of Fizz Gift Set

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

What We Like

Generous size
Hydrating and moisturizing
Softens skin
Comes in giftable box

What We Don’t Like

Contains dye
Contains synthetic fragrance

If you're shopping for a bath enthusiast, you can't go wrong with Miss Patisserie. Reminiscent of a jawbreaker with a rock-candy center, these hydrate with cocoa butter, soften with sea salt and come in a cute giftable box.

Price at time of publish: $35

Size: 4 bombs (7 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie View On Museebath.com

What We Like

Aromatherapy
Nice scent
Can be used in shower or bath

What We Don’t Like

Some reviewers note these bombs don't melt easily

To enjoy the spa-like aromatherapy of a bath bomb while shampooing your hair, reach for a shower steamer. We're loving these effervescent tabs from Musee, which call on essential oils to infuse your shower steam with invigorating scents. You can also toss them in the bath for a similar effect.

Price at time of publish: $24

Size: 4 bombs (4 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Laguna Moon

View On Amazon View On Lagunamoon.com

What We Like

Nice scent
Naturally pigmented
Toy inside

What We Don’t Like

Small toy inside poses a choking hazard

Laguna Moon makes the best option for kids. These sizable bath fizzers are naturally scented with essential oils and contain plant-based pigments instead of synthetic dyes. Not only that, but a prize at the center makes bathtime all the more exciting.

Price at time of publish: $17

Size: 6 bombs (4 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Honey Pot Balancing Fragrance-Free Bath Bomb

Courtesy of Target

View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

pH-balanced formula
Hydrates skin
Rinses clean without leaving a residue

What We Don't Like

Not as fun to use as other options

If your skin is on the sensitive side, you might want to skip heavily fragranced bath bombs. This unscented pick from The Honey Pot Company is designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin. The pH-balanced formula contains honey, apple cider vinegar, and cocoa butter to soften skin without leaving any kind of scent or irritation. Reviewers love that it makes skin feel refreshed and squeaky clean and doesn't result in burning or stinging in the vaginal area after use.

Price at time of publish: $13

Size: 3 bombs (10.4 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of KylieSkin

View On Kyliecosmetics.com

What We Like

Luxe presentation
Fresh, pleasant scent
Hydrates skin

What We Don't Like

Value could be better

For an extra-special touch, this bath bomb leaves behind fresh lavender flowers and sea salt when released into the bath. With coconut and canola oils, it leaves skin feeling slick and hydrated with a fresh scent. Reviewers love that the scent is just right and not too overpowering. And the formula is cruelty-free and vegan.

Price at time of publish: $9

Size: 1 bomb (4.6 ounces) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

View On Anthropologie View On Macy's

What We Like

Generous size
Hydrating and moisturizing
Nice scent

What We Don't Like

Smaller than other options
Expensive

Think outside the sphere with Yuzu Bath Cubes. These naturally scented effervescent bombs cleanse, purify, and hydrate the skin with a plant-based blend of coconut oil, clay, matcha powder, and witch hazel. They're handmade in small batches and more expensive than other bath bombs, but we think the high-quality ingredients and balanced formula make them well worth it.

Size: 2 bombs (3 ounces each) | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Ouai Chill Pills is by far the best bath bomb on the market. These esthetician-approved fizzies not only smell amazing, but they also moisturize with plant oils and leave you with supremely soft skin. If you're on a budget, go with Dr. Teal's Bath Bombs, which boasts an ultra-moisturizing blend of almond, jojoba, and sunflower oil.

Meet the Expert

Joshua Ross is an esthetician and celebrity facialist with over 15 years of industry experience. He is also the founder of SkinLab, a Los Angeles beauty boutique specializing in non-surgical cosmetic rejuvenation.

What to Look for When Buying Bath Bombs

Ingredients

When browsing bath bombs, be sure to look carefully at the ingredients list. As Ross explains, they combine wet and dry components to cleanse the skin. "In addition, they could include softening agents, which will make your skin feel extra soft after a bath," he notes.

Cleansing and softening ingredients often include sea salt, Epsom salt, baking soda, clay, matcha powder, oat flour, glycerin, and coconut oil. Prima Bath Gems contain Epsom salt with the addition of oils. Many bath bombs also moisturize with shea butter, cocoa butter, and plant oils, such as jojoba, safflower, sweet almond, sunflower, hemp, and meadowfoam.

Scent

One of the most important considerations of a bath bomb is the scent, as they're often formulated with aromatherapy in mind. Some invoke a calming, peaceful ambiance, while others are more refreshing, rejuvenating, or invigorating.

Many options contain synthetic fragrances, which may not be an issue, though they could irritate sensitive skin. On the other hand, lots of bath soaks are naturally scented with various essential oils, and there are some unscented options as well, like The Honey Pot Fragrance-Free Bath Bomb.

Size/Quantity

Bath bombs come in various sizes, ranging from about 1.5 ounces to roughly 7 ounces. With smaller fizzies, you may need to use two or three per bath, whereas larger options offer a hefty dose of cleansers, skin softeners, and aromatherapy.

Additionally, pay attention to the quantity. While lots of bath bombs have affordable price tags, many include only one fizzer, which could mean you're paying a higher price per soak.

FAQ

What are the benefits of bath bombs?

"The main benefits of bath bombs are additional hydration and softening of the skin," Ross tells Byrdie. "Depending on which ingredients are included, [they] could also have additional benefits for treating specific skin concerns." For instance, some bombs may include moisturizing agents for extra-dry skin or natural anti-inflammatory ingredients for eczema.
How often should you use a bath bomb?

Most bath bombs can be used at least a few times a week, and if you're a daily bath-taker, you might be able to use one every time you soak. However, if you experience irritation, unusually dry skin, or another skin concern, you may want to use them less frequently or discontinue use altogether.
Do bath bombs expire?

Like most other skincare products, bath bombs will eventually expire. While the lifespan depends on the ingredients, formulation, and packaging, you can expect them to hold up for a year, give or take. Unless it's moldy or rancid, an expired bath bomb may not cause any harm. However, it might not dissolve or create the desired effervescent effect anymore.
What do bath bombs do?

Bath bombs disintegrate when released into warm water, leaving behind emollient oils and other skincare ingredients that help to exfoliate skin. They also typically contain fragrance to leave behind a pleasant aroma both in the bathtub and on skin, and colors in the bath water. Most bath bombs contain agents like sodium bicarbonate—baking soda—or citric acid that allow them to dissolve.
Do you need to rinse off after using a bath bomb?

No. Since bath bombs contain nourishing ingredients meant to address various skincare needs, you'll want to allow them to soak into your skin. However, if your skin is particularly sensitive or you're using the bath bomb purely to relax, you might want to rinse off any residue.
Do you put a bath bomb in before or after a bath?

Add a bath bomb after you've filled your bathtub, says Erica Vega, Lush's brand and product expert. This allows it to fully dissolve.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Theresa Holland is a commerce copyeditor and content creator specializing in self-care, wellness, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a licensed esthetician for product suggestions and insight into formulations, then combed through the ingredient lists of dozens of bath bombs before landing on her final selections. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers skincare and fitness gear. You can find more of her bylines on The Spruce.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough bath bombs from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Toda M, Morimoto K, Nagasawa S, Kitamura K. Change in salivary physiological stress markers by spa bathing. Biomed Res. 2006 Feb;27(1):11-4. doi: 10.2220/biomedres.27.11. PMID: 16543660.
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180
Freeman M, Ayers C, Peterson C, Kansagara D. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: A Map of the Evidence. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US).
Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942. doi:10.2147/CCID.S286411

Best Overall

OUAI Chill Pills Bath Bombs

Best Budget

Dr. Teal's 5-Count Ultra Moisturizing Lavender Bath Bombs

Best Drugstore

Bodycology Cherry Blossom Bath Fizzies

Best Splurge

Prima Bath Gem Effervescent Mineral Soak

Best Color-Changing

Lush Cosmetics Intergalactic Bath Bomb

Best Skin-Softening

Fur Bath Drops

Best Moisturizing

Capri Blue Volcano Bath Bomb

Best Natural

Pardo Naturals Bath Bombs

Best for Stress Relief

Happy Dance Stress Away Bath Bomb + CBD

Best Novelty

Da Bomb Candy Bath Bomb

Best Gift Set

Miss Patisserie Great Ball of Fizz Gift Set

Best Shower Steamer

Musee Shower Steamer Set

Best for Kids

Laguna Moon Bath Bombs for Kids

Best Unscented

The Honey Pot Balancing Fragrance-Free Bath Bomb

Best Lavender

KylieSkin Lavender Bath Bomb

Best Cubes

Yuzu Soap Bath Bomb Cube Set

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