The Ultimate FAQ Guide to Bath Bombs

You have questions, we have answers! Here’s our ultimate FAQ guide to the one and only Lush bath bomb.

What is a bath bomb?

A bath bomb is a simple and gentle blend of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid and a selection of other beautiful ingredients to help turn your bath into a fun, soothing oasis.

Who invented the bath bomb?

Lush Co-Founder Mo Constantine invented the first ever bath bomb in her garden shed in 1989. Since that day, we’ve created over 500 different designs and sold over 350 million of our brilliant bath bombs globally.

What was the first bath bomb called?

Mo Constantine was inspired to create the first bath bomb by watching fizzy seltzer tablets, originally calling her creations “Aqua Sizzlers”.

When it comes to the OG bomb you can still bathe with today, silky-smooth Butterball is our longest-running bath bomb and was first created in 1992 under the banner of the Lush founders’ previous company, Cosmetics to Go.

What is the purpose of bath bombs?

There can be many benefits to bathing with a bath bomb. Depending on the ingredients, they can help soothe your skin, uplift your senses or calm your mind. A bath bomb is meant to elevate your bathing experience — whatever that means to you.

Are bath bombs safe for sensitive skin?

Mo Constantine created them for her own sensitive skin over 30 years ago. The simplistic ingredients of baking soda and fruit sugar (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) create a simple fizz in the water. Our bubble bars are a little different, in that they contain a lathering agent to create some fun foam. Some of our bath bombs also contain a bit of this bountiful bubbling action, so we'd always recommend checking the ingredients on the product sign or the website, or just ask a friendly staff member to help you find a product to build the bathing experience you want.

If you have experienced sensitivities in the past, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. And if you experience any irritation, we'd advise you to discontinue use.

Do bath bombs expire?

We make all our products fresh with little to no preservatives, so we recommend using your bath bomb as soon as possible after purchasing.

Did you stick your bath bomb in a drawer and forget about it? Never fear! While your bath bomb may lose potency as it ages, if it was stored in a clean, dry place it can last up to six months.

Can you use your bath bomb more than once?

If you split your bath bomb into multiple sections while it’s dry, you can absolutely use the pieces across multiple baths. However, once you’ve dropped your bath bomb in your tub, enjoy it immediately. As moisture can speed up expiry, it’s not recommended that you attempt to keep storing your bath bomb after it’s gotten wet.

How do we make bath bombs?

We start with natural, fresh ingredients from ethical sources. Then our compounders lovingly press each bath bomb by hand into custom molds. We let them set, then pop them out and ship them off to your doorstep or to a store near you!

Got a bath bomb question we didn’t answer? Reach out to our Customer Care team here or by visiting your local Lush and we’ll be happy to chat with you about all things bath bomb.