Best Bath Bombs for Sensitive Skin: Top Picks for Kids and Adults

Bath bombs have become increasingly popular in recent years. People like to use them because they provide various benefits that can enhance their bathing experience. Bath bombs can make your skin feel softer, help you relax, and even improve your mood. 

Does this get you excited for a long soak in a bath already?

Well, don’t get too thrilled: if you have sensitive skin, it can be difficult to find bath bombs that will not cause you any irritation. There are a number of products on the market that do just that, which can worsen your skin’s condition.

However, don’t fret just yet - there are some great options out there if you know where to look. In this blog post, we will share some of the affordable best bath bombs for sensitive skin on the market. These bombs are amazing for both kids and adults, and they will leave your skin feeling soft and silky. You will no longer experience itching and redness, and your skin will thank you for it.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What are Bath Bombs?

Bath bombs are a popular beauty item that can be found in stores and online. These are balls or cubes of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid that fizz when wet. When the ball or cube is placed in water, it dissolves and releases the ingredients.

If you’ve never seen a bath bomb in the making, here’s a cool video from LUSH explaining the process:

Bath bomb ingredients can include essential oils, herbs, and other additives. These additives fragrance your bath, help you relax, and provide other benefits depending on the active component.

Benefits of bath bombs

In general, doctors aren’t very fond of using these little balls of soda.

For example, dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, believes there aren’t any bath bombs that can be considered safe. For example, if the product contains preservatives, which make its shelf life longer, it can lead to scaly patches and major irritation. The situation is similar with the fragrances - most of them are synthetic and won’t do anything good for your skin.

Also, Vivian Tran, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Mission Valley, said, “Even ‘natural’ ingredients can cause problems if you’re sensitive to them.” For instance, some people have allergies to essential oils, and sea salt can cause dryness.

By avoiding the overuse of additives such as fragrance, dyes/coloring, and glitter, you can lower the irritation risk. “Before purchasing the product, it’s crucial to consider the ingredients of the bomb according to your skin type,” suggested Susan Massick, MD. If you had skin sensitivity in the past, it’s also a smart idea to speak with your physician.

A bit later, I will share my list of the best bath bombs for sensitive skin, but I still strongly encourage you to be mindful of how your skin reacts to new self-care products to avoid allergic reactions.

How to Know if You Have Sensitive Skin?

Reactive epidermis doesn’t always mean that a person gets a rash. Sometimes, other symptoms can occur, such as overbearing dryness or itching. Dermatologist Peter Katz singles out the following common signs of sensitive skin - I’ve combined them all in this graph for you:

Let’s break down each of these symptoms one by one:

• Your skin is reactive. The chemicals found in many products can make your skin flare up. Even soap, detergent, or fragrances can irritate sensitive skin, causing itching/dryness (sometimes both!) or reddening from excessive cleansing. You also notice that your skin gets inflamed after waxing.

• You notice some redness. If you have sensitive skin, then redness will inevitably come up. It could take the form of a rash or even blushing and flushing when embarrassed.

• You have dry patches. A lack of moisture in the skin can lead to eczema, characterized by a leaky barrier that doesn’t effectively trap oil and sweat. If this condition is not treated properly, scaling will occur over time. It’s a sign of skin sensitivity.

• You sunburn easily. The sun can be harmful to our skin, which is why we need sunscreen with high SPF. Some ingredients found in common brands of lotions and creams might irritate your face if you have an allergy to them. So look out for zinc oxide-based products that provide broad-spectrum protection against UV rays without any potential side effects.

• Your skin is itchy. The most common issue is an itchy and tight feeling that can be relieved by using softer soaps or detergents when you have sensitive skin. But if your symptoms get worse after washing with harsh products, I recommend talking to a doctor about what other options might work for you.

Reactive skin, in general, is very demanding, and it can be a real challenge to pick the right self-care products for it. When it comes to bath bombs, it is generally advised to avoid them, but how can you resist the opportunity to soak your body in the water infused with good-smelling oils?

How to Use a Bath Bomb for Sensitive Skin?

There are a few key points to keep in mind when looking for the best bath bombs for sensitive skin.

I strongly recommend going for those options that don’t have harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. Bombs with natural ingredients are often better tolerated by those with sensitive skin. Shea butter and oatmeal are two great ingredients to look for in hypoallergenic bath bombs because they are both soothing and moisturizing.

4 Bath bomb ingredients to avoid

There are a few ingredients to steer clear of when buying bath bombs. You can see them all on this handy graph below:

Now, let’s discuss why these components can cause problems.

• Sulfates. Doctors say SLS and SLES can cause major irritation because they basically suck out the moisture out of your skin. Apart from that, they can also clog pores and lead to acne.
• Synthetic fragrances. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that these ingredients can cause irritation even in normal skin. So, if you haven’t been allergic to anything before, you may develop allergies if you keep using products with fragrances on a continuous basis.
• Dyes. Reactive, vat, and disperse are particularly harmful for people with sensitive skin.
• Parabens. Even when applied in small amounts, parabens can cause allergies. However, if you use products stuffed with this component, it can even lead to increased estrogen, which is linked to cancer formation and infertility.

As you can see, the ingredients in bath bombs can be quite toxic without you even knowing it. Additionally, these chemicals have been linked to asthma, headaches, neurological damage, migraines, and many other health problems.

Best Bath Bombs for Sensitive Skin (2022 Edition)

I know you might feel a bit hesitant right now, doubting whether you need to buy bath bombs at all. Indeed, if you have sensitive skin, it might take a while to find the right product with no dyes, parabens, or synthetic fragrances that could harm you even more.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of five bath bombs for adults that are sensitive skin-friendly. And, if you want to add more fun to your kid’s bath time, you will also find five child-friendly options.

5 Best picks for adults

While adult skin can be less reactive than children’s, it is still important to avoid certain ingredients. The following list will help you narrow down your choices!

1. Soothing Waters Spa

If you’re looking for a luxurious, relaxing bath experience, this brand has exactly what you need. Bath bombs from Soothing Waters Spa come in an XL size and fizz for almost ten minutes, releasing rich essential oils and soothing Epsom salts into your bath.

These bath bombs are formulated for the most sensitive skin and contain vegan, non-GMO ingredients. Epsom salts help your muscles relax, witch hazel gives your skin a thorough cleanse, and cocoa butter and almond oil hydrate and nourish your body.

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Those who have sensitive skin say these bath bombs do not leave unpleasant residue after drying, which is very important. Most people also love the feelings of softness and cleanliness after taking a bath with this product.

2. Bubbly Belle

If you need a way to escape the daily routine at an affordable price and relax in a luxurious bath, consider Bubbly Belle. Its all-natural bath bombs are handcrafted with the finest ingredients, including essential oils, for a relaxing aromatherapy experience.

What are these bath bombs made of?

The first ingredient you will find is kaolin clay - it moisturizes your skin, leaving it silky soft. Epsom salts pull dirt from the skin, making it feel clean. However, these products contain SLS, which can be irritating for some people. So, if you previously had a reaction to sulfates, this product is sadly not for you.

In general, website reviews on Bubble Belle bath bombs are very positive. In particular, people with dry skin love the cocoa butter and other moisturizing ingredients these products are rich in.

3. LotFancy

These unique and colorful bombs are formulated with essential oils, providing a fresh and fragrant experience. They’re also leaving your tub and skin mark-free after use. Plus, they’re organic and amazing for those with sensitive skin.

The best part about these bath bombs is that they contain chamomile, which is great for sensitive skin, reduces redness, and evens your skin tone. It’s also a nice Valentine’s Day gift for your beloved one.

People, who have reactive skin, say these products did not irritate it. On the contrary, they loved the soft feeling they leave and the natural scents that do not overwhelm you.

4. Dr. Hempster

If you’re having a stressful day and want a relaxing bath time in the evening, these calming bath bombs by Dr. Hempster are exactly what you need. They contain lavender and hemp oil, which release soothing scents. Eucalyptus calms your skin and body, preventing irritation and drawing dirt out of your pores. And, for a moisturizing effect, coconut oil will leave you feeling refreshed.

Surprisingly, these bath bombs worked perfectly for people with severe skin conditions. For example, one reviewer on the Dr. Hempster website shared that this product helped them relieve the rash from shingles. So, you don’t have to worry about the safety of these bath bombs.

5. Two Sisters Spa

This is the ultimate product for sensitive skin. The bath bombs by Two Sisters Spa contain oat milk and honey - two ingredients that are super soothing and calming. Magnesium sulfate also helps reduce irritation and dryness and also works as an antiseptic for your skin. The colorants in these bath bombs are natural and won’t stain your bathtub.

You are safe using these products if you have reactive skin - some people who left a review on the Two Sisters Spa website shared they have psoriasis, and taking a bath with these bombs helped them moisturize their skin.

5 Bath bomb products for kids

Now, on to some picks for your little ones! Children love bath time, and bath bombs will make the whole process even more fun.

Surely, you want your children to be safe, that’s why I’ve put together a list of five products that contain safe ingredients and won’t irritate your child’s sensitive skin.

1. Laguna Moon

Lagunamoon’s line of Bath Bombs is a way to get your kids excited about bathtime with these safe bath bombs. Each bomb is packed with color, scent, and bubbles, as well as a surprise toy hidden inside. It uses all-natural ingredients that are free from preservatives, irritants, and anything toxic, making them a great choice for bath products for sensitive skin.

If your child has sensitive skin, you shouldn’t worry about using these bath bombs. Reviewers on the Lagoona Moon website confirm the moisturizing effect of shea butter and coconut oil. Besides, these ingredients also greatly reduce skin inflammation.

2. Fooaot

This is a set of twelve bath bombs that will have your kids excited about taking a bath. Each product comes with a different smell - shea and coconut, rose, green tea, lavender, blueberry, and many more. You won’t find any synthetic preservatives, sulfates, and parabens in the ingredients. The brand also uses all-natural dyes that won’t stain your kid’s skin or bathtub.

If you’re worried about getting an irritation, don’t be. All the bath bombs in this collection contain components that are supposed to reduce inflammation and help your kid’s skin feel calm and refreshed.

3. Two Sisters Spa

Yes, we’re back with this brand again - Two Sisters Spa has some cool bath bombs for children. The one above comes with twelve awesome picks, and your child will find the figurines of their favorite comic characters inside each product. Bath time turns into a real adventure, huh?

What about the ingredients?

Nothing to worry about - each bath bomb only contains sodium bicarbonate, citric acid (a natural preservative), Epsom salts, natural fragrance oils, witch hazel, and natural colorants. All these ingredients are safe for your child’s sensitive and reactive skin, calm down any irritation, and prevent inflammation.

4. Comfso

If your kid is a dinosaur superfan, they will find these bath bombs so much fun! Just as with the previous product, these bombs release a toy when dissolving, so your child will have an entire collection of dinosaurs they can play with.

Worried these bath bombs look too synthetic? Don’t be - they are FDA approved. The ingredients include shea butter, essential oils, oat milk, and Epsom salts. The set of nine bath bombs comes with the following scents - blueberry, grapefruit, cocoa, sweet orange, berry, mint, grape, freesia, and English pear.

5. Eczema Honey

If your child has a severe skin condition, and a bath alone with no additives already irritates and dries out their skin, you need to be particularly careful about the ingredients a bath bomb contains. However, you can feel safe with this product by Eczema Honey - it was developed specifically for people with very sensitive skin.

This bath bomb contains pure food-grade sodium bicarbonate along with citric acid, which creates a protective barrier and works as a skin exfoliant. Cocoa butter and oat milk moisturize and reduce itching, and witch hazel cleans your pores. So, if you want to create a special bath time experience for your kid, this bath bomb is the best choice.

How to DIY a Bath Bomb at Home?

If you want to make your bath bombs at home, a few recipes use natural ingredients that can be gentle on sensitive skin. One recipe calls for baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, witch hazel extract, water, essential oils (optional). I’ve put together all these bath bomb components on a handy shopping list for you:

Using the recipe below, you can make 4 half-balls in 30 minutes plus 2 to 4 hours of setting time. Prepare your mixing bowl, whisk, and plastic molds!

1. Combine soda bicarbonate, citric acid, cornflour, and Epsom salt, and whisk until everything is fully incorporated.

2. Next, mix together the essential oil of your choice with the base oil.

3. Slowly pour the oils into your dry ingredients little by little. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly. Once every last bit of oil is in, add a few drops of water and whisk everything again. Don’t freak out if the mixture fizzes - it’s supposed to be that way. In the end, you want the mixture to form into little clumps when pressed - this is how you know your bath bomb keeps its shape.

4. Next, take your mold, a teaspoon, and start pressing the mixture together so that it fills the mold evenly.

5. Finally, wait for two to four hours until your bath bomb solidifies. After that, it’s ready to be used.

As you can see, it’s not that hard to craft a DIY bath bomb at home. Just make sure all the ingredients you’re using are safe for your sensitive skin.

Over to You

If you’re looking for a bath bomb that will not only make your skin feel soft and silky but also won’t cause any irritation, you’ll want to try lush bath bombs for sensitive skin. With ingredients like oatmeal and chamomile, these bombs are sure to leave your skin feeling happy and healthy.

So why wait? Check out some of the best bath bombs for sensitive skin that we’ve listed above. With so many different options to choose from, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs!