Oh, This Is How You're Actually Supposed To Use A Bath Bomb

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How to Use Bath Bombs Correctly, According to a Lush Exec By Rebecca Norris Rebecca Norris Rebecca is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she specializes in all things nails. She has worked in beauty editorial for over a decade. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 16, 2025 07:01PM Reviewed by Rhea Souhleris Grous Reviewed by Rhea Souhleris Grous Rhea Souhleris Grous is the founder of La Suite Skincare and an aesthetics specialist with more than two decades of skincare experience. About Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Board Esthetician

Warm baths offer numerous benefits on their own, but there's something about adding a bath bomb that creates a perfect, luxurious bath. "Bath bombs often contain hydrating oils that can help moisturize your skin. They can also heighten the experience of your bath by causing water to fizz and release a stream of colors," explains dermatologist, Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist. "They often contain dyes, fragrances, and essential oils, which can act as sensitizing agents."

There's no denying that a fizzy bath bomb, packed with all the best ingredients, can be a cure-all for a low vibe mood. But is there anything we need to know about maximizing their benefits? We chatted with a Lush expert and dermatologists to learn how to use a bath bomb properly.

Meet the Experts

• Erica Vega is Lush's brand and product expert, specializing in Lush product use and education. She's been with the brand for over 15 years, previously holding roles as product trainer and experiential content designer.
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist based out of MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
• Alexandra Bowles, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology.

01 of 12

Water First

End of story. While it's often debated which comes first, Lush brand and product expert, Erica Vega, says that dropping your bomb into a full tub is what lets it dissolve properly, unleashing all its lovely ingredients in the process. Wait for your tub to fill up, then add your favorite bath bomb or oil.

Byrdie Tip

If you choose to add a bubble bar, however, be sure to hold it under the faucet (as opposed to directly tossing it into a full tub) to create lots of bubbles.

02 of 12

The Warmer the Water, the Better

While there isn't a set temperature for dissolving bath bombs, Vega points out that the water has to be warm for ingredients like cocoa butter to melt. "A comfortable bath temperature is going to vary from person to person; it's a matter of personal preference," she says. "For some, lukewarm is comfortable. For others, they like to let it get steamy. Depending on how long you like to linger in the tub, you will probably find yourself topping up with more warm water or cooling off with cool water during your bath."

Just keep in mind that, as cozy as a hot bath might feel, you don't want to overheat the tub, as Vega says that you'll likely come out feeling faint and weak, which could be a potential hazard. Hot water is also a no-no according to derms, as it can strip the skin of natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. Around 100 degrees Fahrenheit is a good place to be for supporting a healthy skin barrier.

03 of 12

Add Bath Oil for a More Insta-Worthy Experience

As relaxing (and colorful) as a bath bomb already is, adding a bath oil or bubble bar to the mix can make it feel (and appear) even more magical.

"Your bath is your conduit to get creative and experiment, whether that means adding a little extra bubble to your bath art or dropping in a bath oil for extra silkiness on the skin," Vega says. "Just remember that if you're looking for a specific effect from your bath, for example, you want to relax, then it's best to opt for the same, similar, or complementary ingredients to produce that effect, so go for products that contain lavender, chamomile, or tonka."

Key Ingredients

Chamomile is an herb. It contains high levels of an antioxidant known as apigenin, which helps calm, heal, and soothe skin.

"If you have particularly dry skin, you could consider adding bath oils to the bath water," adds Dr. Camp. "However, it should be noted that adding too many ingredients to a bath could potentially do more harm than good if the skin becomes irritated from the combination of products."

04 of 12

Create a Purpose For Your Bath

"As the inventors of the bath bomb, we've created sphere upon sphere of new inventions to help you reimagine what a bath can be," Vega says. "Consider what you're looking for from your bath—are you going to sink into the tub just before bed to help you drift off to sleep? Are you hopping in for a quick wash in the morning to set yourself up for the day? Do you want to be surrounded by beautiful colors and patterns, or do you like a dark, candlelit bath? Do you need some extra moisture to soften the skin?" Whatever your answer, there's a Lush bath bomb for that mood or intended effect.

05 of 12

Add Essential Oils to Customize Your Bath

Depending on how you want to walk away from your bath determines which type of bath bomb you should use in your bath. "Any warm soak will relax you, so use your nose and choose what stands out to you," Vega says. "If you're looking for essential oils to relax, lavender and chamomile are always sure to make an excellent relaxing bath. If you're looking for something that's more rejuvenating and spa-like, you can choose essential oils like mint, lemongrass, or ginger."

However, those with sensitive skin may want to consider steering clear of essential oils. "Essential oils are typically diluted in a carrier oil when applied to the skin. The carrier oil helps to dilute them so they are less likely to cause skin irritation. When added to a bath, essential oils are not diluted because they do not mix with water. Instead, they stay on top of the water," explains Dr. Camp.

06 of 12

Add Oat Milk, Rose, or Lavender to Calm Sensitive Skin

Like all skincare, you need to be cognizant of the ingredients in your bath bombs so as not to irritate your skin. "Lush bath bombs were invented by Mo Constantine, who wanted something simple for her sensitive skin, so Lush products are already a wise choice," Vega says. "For especially sensitive skin, a warm soak in a bath infused with calming ingredients like oat milk, rose, or lavender can work wonders to soothe troubled skin." If you have specific allergies, however, it's always a good idea to check the ingredient list before purchasing a bath bomb.

07 of 12

Set the Mood Before You Climb In

More than just the things you buy, creating your most relaxing bath comes down to the intention you put into the entire experience. "Before you begin, lay out your steps and any items you might need so you're not rummaging around in your medicine cabinet, breaking the mood," Vega suggests. "Use your cushiest towels and have your clean PJs or your favorite robe at the ready. Create a beginning and an end to your routine, whether that's with lighting and blowing out your candles, playing some soft music, or burning your favorite incense." Vega reminds us that when you're mindful of the steps you're taking, you can elevate your everyday actions to create a spa-like environment without ever leaving home.

08 of 12

Use a Shower Bomb to Self-Care More Sustainably

"Using a bath bomb should be a luxury and used only occasionally," says Dr. Camp, who lists the risk of potential skin irritation and wasting water (since showers are more water-efficient), to the negative aspects of drawing a bath regularly.

For those who want to relax with a bath bomb but are concerned about time or water waste, you can use one of Lush's shower bombs to conserve water. "Just like their bath-foaming counterparts, shower bombs awaken in a fizzy explosion of scent and sound," Vega says, noting that the difference is in their usage: bath bombs plop into the tub with you, while shower bombs dissolve in your hand (or on the floor of your shower) and can be used like a cleansing shower foam. "While both fizzers share a base ingredient of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid—the ingredients that make them fizz—shower bombs have seaweed and potato starch to create a puffy mousse you sweep over your body, leaving skin silky-soft."

09 of 12

Mind Your Soak Time

Staying in the tub too long can strip away your skin's natural oils and leave your barrier feeling dry. Instead, dermatologist, Alexandra Bowles, DO, recommends limiting your bath to about 10–15 minutes, just enough time to enjoy the fizz and fragrance without over-drying your skin. "If you want more soak time, simply top up with a bit of cooler water halfway through to keep things gentle," she adds. "This little tweak helps your skin stay soft and hydrated long after you towel off."

10 of 12

Buffer Your Bath Water's pH

Tap water isn't always perfectly balanced for our skin's delicate pH, which can affect how well your skin barrier holds up. To counteract this, Dr. Bowles suggests stirring a teaspoon of baking soda into your bath to gently neutralize the water and help your skin retain its natural acidity. "A balanced soak not only maximizes the moisturizing benefits of your bath bomb's oils and butters but also reduces the chance of post-bath tightness or sensitivity," she explains.

11 of 12

Follow with a Gentle Rinse

You'll want to end your bath with a quick rinse of lukewarm water to help wash away any lingering dyes, fragrances, or shimmer that may otherwise sit on the skin and cause irritation. "This is a step I always recommend, especially if you're prone to breakouts or clogged pores on your chest, back, or arms. Think of it as your post-soak reset, refreshing and kind to your skin," Dr. Bowles says.

12 of 12

Moisturize After

With proper aftercare, the benefits of bath bombs and any other skin-loving ingredients you added to the bath can extend well after the water has drained. "After a bath, use an unscented, dye-free moisturizer after patting your skin dry," advises Dr. Camp. "When a moisturizer is applied on skin while it is still slightly damp, it helps skin retain moisture more effectively."

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.

1. Sah A, Naseef PP, Kuruniyan MS, Jain GK, Zakir F, Aggarwal G. A comprehensive study of therapeutic applications of chamomile. Pharmaceuticals. 2022;15(10):1284.

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