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The lowdown on CBD bath bombs and which ones you should try

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The lowdown on CBD bath bombs and which ones you should try

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With our busy work schedules, family life, workout regimens, and Netflix shows to catch up on, there’s less and less time to just kick back and focus on ourselves. This is a shame because in a world of constant distractions and screens, it’s essential to find ways to simply disconnect, detach, and do….nothing. 

This type of self care is arguably best done snuggled up in a warm bath without a smartphone in sight. But what if you could combine it with CBD? That’s the thinking behind CBD bath bombs, a growing niche within the wider CBD market.

The CBD bath bomb craze actually makes perfect sense – it combines the self-care and wellness trend with a sort of in-home DIY spa treatment that feels good no matter what the science may or may not say about its actual effectiveness. 

But should you be wary before purchasing a CBD bath bomb?

The safety concerns of bath bombs 

Bath bombs are effervescent, typically spherical concoctions made of a mixture of wet and dry ingredients. They are meant to be dropped in a bath where they quickly fizz up and disperse their ingredients throughout the water. 

They typically include an acid along with a bicarbonate base which combine when the bath bomb becomes wet. In addition, all types of active ingredients are added to the bath bomb, such as essential oils or CBD, which then bubble out into the water to create a soaking solution. 

A CBD bath bomb is simply a bath bomb which includes CBD, which can be in the form of CBD isolate or full or broad spectrum CBD oil.

The additives is where you should exercise some caution. A researcher who examined bath bombs for ConsumerSafety.org recently stated that “people are using these toxic products on a daily basis, unknowingly exposing themselves and loved ones to harmful ingredients.” 

According to ConsumerSafety.org, many bath bombs “contain harmful ingredients that may discourage you from the tub altogether.” 

The organization lists a number of specific concerns, including:

  • talcum powder, which has been linked to a heightened risk of Ovarian cancer
  • perfumes and dyes, which can cause vaginal infections
  • synthetic scents listed merely as “fragrance,” which could potentially include as many as 3,000 unlisted toxins

The ingredients in some bath bombs can also cause a variety of skin problems, including redness, itching, and scaling. This can also be true for the “natural ingredients.” One doctor interviewed by the Cleveland Clinic recommends staying in bath bomb water no longer than 10-15 minutes, and rinsing off in the shower afterwards to remove any residual chemicals. 

In addition, bath bombs that contain fragrances, essential oils, and dyes may also cause irritation if they enter the eyes.

Many doctors recommend choosing bath bombs that don’t contain fragrances or colors, and avoiding any that have glitter in them. 

Here are some CBD bath bombs that we believe fit the safety requirements:

1
  • Price: $14 per 4 ounce bag
  • Aroma: A mix of lavender, moroccan rose, and jasmine
  • Size/ weight: 4 ounces per bag
2
  • Price: $16 per bath gem
  • Aroma: A mix of lavender, eucalyptus, and camphor
  • Size/ weight: 6 ounces
3
  • Price: $18 per bath gem
  • Aroma: A mix of lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus, clove, and cinnamon
  • Size/ weight: 8 ounces

Here’s an in-depth look at 3 of best CBD bath bombs around:

STEEP – CBD Bath Tea

  • Price: $14 per 4 ounce bag 
  • Aroma: A mix of lavender, moroccan rose, and jasmine
  • Size/ weight: 4 ounces per bag 
  • Total CBD: 30mg CBD per bag 

Reviews:

That was the most tranquil bath I think i’ve ever taken! 

Sam C

My first experience using the STEEP bath product was absolutely relaxing. I went ahead and kept everything in the bag and had one of the best baths ever! I look forward to trying this again.

Paul G

What about a bath bomb that technically isn’t a bath bomb at all? The STEEP bath tea made by Leef Organics contains four ounces of natural ingredients in a steeping bag that you plop right down into your warm bath and let it (and you) soak. 

The bag includes 30mg of whole plant CBD, as well as lavender, moroccan rose, and jasmine, for a truly aromatic experience. 

The bag can be either steeped in the bath as is, or you can dump out the contents and enjoy a truly immersive loose leaf bath experience. 

The tea bag does not include any artificial coloring or other additives that are highly common in bath bombs. Just natural ingredients and whole plant CBD. You bring the hot bath. 


Bath Gem 25mg CBD Bath Soak

  • Price: $16 per bath gem
  • Aroma: A mix of lavender, eucalyptus, and camphor 
  • Size/ weight: 6 ounces 
  • Total CBD: 25mg CBD per bath bomb

Reviews:

Great smell and my skin was super soft afterwards! Very relaxing.

Sarah W

These are Amazing!! Slept so well after my bath- have to have these on hand to enjoy weekly!!!

Colleen V

Bath Gem by Prima, which provides 25mg of whole plant hemp extract CBD, is all about good vibes.

The bath gem includes functional minerals and aromatherapeutics to “ease tension and melt away stress,” according to Prima, while also soothing and softening your skin.

The bath gems include a mix of botanicals including eucalyptus, lavender, camphor, meadowfoam, and epsom salt, which should be every bit as relaxing as it sounds. 

Prima refers to the bath gem as “the ultimate respite for body and mind” free of worrisome ideas such as synthetic fragrances, dyes, parabens, and other “chemicals of concern.” The gems are also cruelty free and Environmental Working Group certified.


Bloom Protect Your Energy Bath Bomb

  • Price: $18 per bath gem
  • Aroma: A mix of lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus, clove, and cinnamon
  • Size/ weight: 8 ounces 
  • Total CBD: 100mg CBD per bath bomb

Reviews:

These are the BEST bath bombs ever – I do not say this lightly. There is no comparison, thanks to the higher dose, I can actually feel them working!

Meri W

Seriously the hugest fan of these products. The bath bombs are incredible…

Lindsey L 

Find out what all the fizz is about with these bath bombs from Bloom which are loaded with 100mg of organic hemp-derived CBD isolate each. 

In addition to some of the highest levels of CBD among bath bombs, they also include an assortment of 5 different essential oils – lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus, cloves, and cinnamon. Holding it together is a natural mix of organic coconut oil and avocado oil, in addition to a variety of natural ingredients. 

When soaking with these bath bombs, the company suggests repeating the mantra “I am well” to protect your energy, though we would also just recommend saying “hold my calls” and then just….enjoying the silence. 

The efficacy (absorption of) CBD bath bombs

There is almost no scientific knowledge on how CBD behaves when applied topically or when mixed in a bath full of water. All we have to go on is anecdotal evidence from users. 

Regardless, it is true that the simple act of soaking in a warm bath can be a relaxing, therapeutic experience. And mixed with some scented candles for aromatherapy and perhaps some sudsy bubbles can really take things to the next level for anyone of any gender.

But does CBD actually work if it’s simply in your bath water while you lie there and stare at the ceiling? What are the benefits of CBD bath bombs other than as a romantic gift? 

There are a variety of intake methods for cannabis products, from tinctures to capsules to gummies to the classic “joint.” All of them have various levels of bioavailability, which refers to how much of a substance or drug is available at its final destination in your body. 

Because many cannabinoids are lipophilic in nature (fat absorbed) they have a very low tendency to penetrate the skin and reach the bloodstream when administered topically. Nonetheless, there are cannabinoid receptors on the epidermis, which can be activated by cannabis topical solutions.

CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory properties which could potentially mean bath bombs could have some efficacy in treating skin disorders that have an inflammatory component. Also, research has found that it could have the potential as a therapeutic agent for acne.  

Why you should consider CBD bath bombs 

Because of the limited evidence of their effectiveness, you shouldn’t count on CBD bath bombs as a cure-all for skin conditions or any internal health conditions you may have. At the same time, there is limited scientific evidence about a variety of natural and plant-based remedies which many users report have benefited from. 

Rather, it’s better to view them as one ingredient in an overall wellness regime that includes just taking care of yourself and making sure to take time off to relax and soak your troubles away. 

How to use a CBD bath bomb properly

  • Take a closer look at the packaging

When considering a CBD bath bomb, take the time to look closely at the ingredients. Make sure all of the ingredients are listed by name, and don’t merely say “fragrances.” If you have any known allergies make sure the bath bomb in question does not contain them, and consider also taking the time to look up any of the ingredients that you don’t know by name. 

Make sure to choose products with well-defined ingredients that are commonly used in food, cosmetics or other consumer packaged products to avoid any safety issues.

  • Avoid specific ingredients 

According to Healthline, some popular fragrance additives have actually made the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hazardous waste list, including benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, parabens, and artificial dyes. Make sure to look out for these ingredients, and also any that you know you don’t respond to well.  

How to make your own DIY CBD bath bombs 

If you’re the crafty type, or you’re living through a dystopian future in which we don’t have access to CBD bath bombs but warm running water and indoor plumbing are still working, then consider making your own DIY CBD bath bombs. 

You’ll need some basic ingredients:

  • an acid (citric acid works great) 
  • a base (baking soda)
  • corn starch
  • epsom salt
  • water
  • CBD-infused oil or a CBD tincture. 
  • You can also add in a few drops of the essential oil of your choosing. 

Simply mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring constantly. Then add them to a bath bomb mold and let them sit for at least an hour. 

Remove from the mold and let sit for a few hours or overnight. 

In time you can experiment some with the oils and amounts of CBD you use. 

Thanks for your feedback!

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