How Do Bath Bombs Work?

Bath bombs work through a simple chemical reaction. The primary ingredients in a bath bomb are usually baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and citric acid. When dry, these two substances don't react with each other. However, when you drop a bath bomb into water, the water acts as a catalyst, setting off a chemical reaction between the baking soda and citric acid.

In this reaction, the citric acid and baking soda react to form sodium citrate and carbon dioxide gas. The fizzing you see when a bath bomb dissolves in water is due to the release of carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is similar to the one you see with vinegar and baking soda, but the citric acid is a bit weaker than vinegar, so the reaction occurs more slowly, allowing you to enjoy the fizz for a few minutes.

Additionally, bath bombs often contain other ingredients like essential oils, fragrances, and colorants, which add to the sensory experience by providing pleasant aromas and colorful displays in the water. Some bath bombs also contain skin moisturizers, such as almond oil or shea butter, to enhance the bathing experience by leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.