Bath bombs and bath gift sets: labels, safety and cost per bath

Bath bombs, bath salts and gift sets

• Bath bombs: solid shapes that fizz when they hit water, usually made from baking soda and citric acid with oils, fragrance and color. One bomb is meant for one bath.
• Bath salts and soaks: crystals or powders that dissolve in the water. Common types are Epsom salt, sea salt and mixes with added oils or scents. The label gives the amount to use per bath.
• Gift sets: a few bombs, salts or soaks in a box, sometimes with extras such as a candle, a soap or a sponge. A set is convenient, and its value depends on whether you want the extras.
• Bubble bath and bath oils are sold alongside them. They are used differently, so compare them separately.

Reading the label for skin

• Ingredients: cosmetics sold in the United States list their ingredients on the label. Read the list, not just the front of the box.
• Fragrance-free and lightly scented: fragrance-free means no fragrance ingredients were added. Essential oils are fragrance ingredients too. Unscented can mean a masking ingredient was used.
• Colorants: colors may appear in the list under names such as FD&C dyes, colorant numbers or mica. Dye-free products are usually white or pale. Check the list if you are sensitive to dyes, and note that some colors can stain a tub.
• Natural: has no single legal definition for bath products. Read the ingredients and what the maker states.
• Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested are claims you can note but not rely on.
• If you or the person you are buying for is sensitive to fragrance or dyes, start with a small amount or a single bomb, not a big set.
• If skin becomes painful, very red or irritated, rinse, stop using the product and ask a dermatologist or doctor. We do not say that any bath product helps skin, sleep or mood.

Reading the label for the planet

• Glitter: cosmetic glitter is often made from plastic, which ends up in drains as tiny particles. A glitter-free label is a specific claim. Be careful with biodegradable glitter claims, since the FTC's Green Guides ask that they be clear about where and how the glitter breaks down.
• Packaging: bombs are often shrink-wrapped in plastic. Look for paper or cardboard boxes and plastic-free wrapping, which are specific, checkable claims.
• Palm oil and sourcing: some products state where oils come from. Read what the maker says, and we do not say that any specific product meets a standard.
• Eco-friendly: a general word. Look for specific claims.
• Reusable containers: a glass jar of bath salts can be refilled or reused.

Safety in and around the tub

• Oils and bubbles can make a tub very slippery. Take care getting in and out, and consider a bath mat. Rinse the tub after use.
• Children should use bath products only with an adult close by, and the label should say it is suitable for children. Many bath bombs look like candy, cupcakes or ice cream. Keep them away from children who may mistake them for food, and do not let anyone eat them.
• Keep bath products out of the reach of pets. If a pet licks or eats one, call your vet.
• Check your tub's instructions. Some makers advise against bath bombs in jetted tubs and whirlpools.
• Check the water temperature before getting in, especially for children.

Our angle: cost per bath, and the gift-set value test

One bath bomb is one bath, so divide the price by the number of bombs to get a cost per bath. For bath salts, use the amount per bath in the directions, divide the container size by it, then divide the price by the number of baths. For a gift set, add up the items you would actually give or use, and compare that with the set price. A set that includes a candle you would not choose is not a bargain if you pay for it. Large sets look generous, but a small set of items you know the person will like can be the better gift.

1. Divide the price by the number of bombs, or by the baths in a container of salts.
2. For a set, add up the items you would actually use, then compare with the set price.
3. Compare sets on cost per bath, not on the number of pieces in the box.

Gift ideas by budget and by person

These are ideas, not price quotes. Check today's price before you decide.

• Under $25: a single bath bomb or small set of bombs, or a small jar of bath salts.
• Under $50: a gift set of bombs or soaks in a paper box, or a bath set with a soap and a sponge.
• For a mom: a fragrance-free or lightly scented set, in a nice box.
• For a child: a kids' bath bomb that is labeled for children, with an adult present. Pay attention to food-like designs.
• For a coworker: one bath bomb with a card is a small, easy gift.
• Stocking stuffer: a single bath bomb, a small packet of bath salts, or a mini soap.