Are you looking for a CBD bath bomb to add to your self-care routine? Formulated with nourishing essential oils and minerals, they are the perfect way to pamper yourself after a long day. Or just because! And with the added benefit of CBD, you may never want to leave the tub again.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about CBD bath bombs.
What Are CBD Bath Bombs?
Exactly what they sound like, CBD bath bombs are a perfect way to blend CBD into your self-care routine.
A bath bomb infused with CBD contains all of the other pampering ingredients you might expect in a bath bomb, plus the therapeutic benefits of added CBD.
Why Bath Bombs?
Bath bombs are a beloved way to wash away a long day or celebrate a sensational one.
The ritual of shedding a day’s dirty clothes, listening to the tub fill up with steaming water, and sinking in to your nose with a luxurious bath bomb seems to renew the soul. Plus, they are specially formulated with ingredients that have therapeutic potential.
The main ingredients in standard bath bombs are usually baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch. These are blended with certain essential oils and minerals that can help the body recover and relax after a long day. And in the case of CBD bath bombs, around 200mg of CBD.
This powerful combo helps to create a supreme soothing experience, as baths are already one great way to destress and lower anxiety.
A 2018 randomized intervention study found that people who take a full-body immersive bath may have a better subjective health status than those who just shower. According to this study, taking a bath can create hyperthermic action that increases blood flow and metabolic waste elimination. It suggests that immersion bathing may improve physical and emotional aspects of quality of life. Participants self-reported better general health and mental health with lower reports of stress and tension-anxiety.
These findings are impressive on their own. And, perhaps a bath with a CBD bath bomb may be especially effective in helping people find support and comfort.
How Do CBD Bath Bombs Work?
A bath bomb dissolves into water to release its therapeutic properties. Then, as you soak in the tub, the vitamins and minerals soak into your skin.
Because of this, a CBD bath bomb is considered a topica productl.
Topicals are great for localized support and relief. They are generally fast-acting, however, the effects wear off quicker than other types of delivery methods (such as edibles).
Our bodies have a system that is comprised of neurotransmitters (messengers) and receptors. Together, they make up the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for maintaining a variety of important bodily functions. It regulates hunger, mood, sleep, pain perception, and more.
There are lots of receptors in the epidermal and dermal skin. Because of this, when cannabinoids like CBD are applied to the skin, they are able to activate the endocannabinoid system and offer support for different issues.
By their nature, topicals only work where they are applied. A CBD bath bomb allows your entire body to benefit from the supportive properties of CBD as you soak all of your skin in the tub. This is much more effective than trying to rub a topical CBD cream over every inch of your skin.
Studies around CBD topicals are still limited, but there is encouraging data to consider.
A 2016 animal study found that CBD topical applications may help manage pain and inflammation linked to arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation agrees that more research needs to be done, and they cite strong anecdotal evidence that seems to support these findings. According to them, some people with arthritis who take CBD report noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, or reduced anxiety.
Also, the American Academy of Dermatology noted that CBD may be promising for managing acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Its thanks to the skin’s intricate endocannabinoid system that topicals may be a viable way to help address these conditions. As this system responds to cannabinoids like CBD, and it is responsible for helping to regulate various hormones, proteins, and cell growth.
There is also building evidence that CBD can help moisturize and protect the skin. These studies are leading to CBD being used as an ingredient in many types of skincare products.
A 2014 study found evidence that CBD can impact the production of sebocytes, which are the cells that create the oily substance on the skin that causes pimples. And a 2016 review of cannabis plants found that there is strong evidence of antibacterial and antifungal effects. These may be helpful in reducing skin infections.
Plus, recent research suggests that CBD may be able to help people lower anxiety and relax.
A review in 2015 concluded that CBD had considerable potential as a treatment for multiple types of anxiety disorders. Also, synthesis of pre-clinical and clinical data conducted in 2020 agreed that CBD showed promise in helping to reduce anxiety. Pre-clinical research in animals found that CBD had anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), antistress, anticonvulsive, and panicolytic effects. And, preliminary data from human trials also suggest that CBD may have anxiolytic effects.
As exciting as these findings are, more research needs to be done to fully determine the necessary dosages and long-term efficacy.
What Is Important When Choosing A CBD Bath Bomb?
When choosing a CBD bath bomb, quality is the highest point of concern, as it should be with any CBD product. Unfortunately, since the industry is largely unregulated there are a lot of low-quality options finding their way into the homes of consumers.
It is important to vet any company before buying CBD products to check where the ingredients were sourced and that they were third-party tested.
High-quality CBD bath bombs will be crafted with natural herbs and essential oils. They will be free of dyes and chemicals that may irritate and harm the skin. Or, ones that might stain your bathtub.
If products are third-party tested you will know because of the lab reports that verify the information. These lab reports, called Certificates of Analysis, should be available directly on a product page or easily accessible somewhere on the company website.
It is a good idea to read this information before you purchase the product. And check it again once your products arrive. Most product labels have a QR code that will take you to the corresponding CoA. Scan the code on your products to make sure that the CoA for your product batch matches the one on the website.
Common Key Ingredients
Bath bombs are made differently between companies, but there are some ingredients that are used across the industry. They are the ingredients known to help relax, unwind, and calm such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. And other ingredients that help cleanse and detoxify the skin, such as arnica and Hawaiian black salt.
Lavender
Lavender has been included in many products thanks to its soothing properties. It is considered to help improve circulation potentially leading to smoother skin and more restful sleep. Lavender oil has soothing properties that include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It may help ease inflammation in turn helping with things like acne, eczema, and other skin blemishes. It also helps in increasing slow wave sleep. This is an important sleep process that slows the heartbeat and relaxes the muscles.
Hawaiian Black Salt
Hawaiian Black Salt is a combination of salt, magnesium sulfate, and activated black charcoal. It is known for its ability to soften and detoxify skin. Activated charcoal is special thanks to its cleansing properties and it helps to make Hawaiian Black Salt especially great for removing impurities from the body by removing skin oils, acne, and blemishes.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a powerful aroma that has been used for the reduction of cold and flu symptoms for centuries. As a topical, eucalyptus may be able to help with sore muscles as it has been found to increase the spread of antioxidants in the body and relieve inflammation. Also, it has major antimicrobial effects against many types of bacteria, including MRSA, a common bacteria that cause serious skin infections.
Spearmint
Studies show the use of spearmint essential oil (Mentha spicata) can help with reducing pain severity thanks to its analgesic activity.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is known to relieve muscle tension headaches and migraines. It has been used to help increase blood flow, improve energy levels, and reduce overall fatigue. It is commonly used in cosmetics, hygiene products, foods, and pharmaceutical products. It is a mainstay in aromatherapy, bath preparations, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and topicals. Topical peppermint is used to relieve skin irritation and inflammation. However, be aware that allergic reactions can be common among people with sensitive skin.
Arnica
Arnica is an herb known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Participants of one study who used topical arnica on sore muscles reported that they felt less pain after its application. It has also been long used to promote better focus during the day.
What Bath Bomb Should I Try?
With some manyh options, we suggest tyring different types of CBD bath bombs! You may find you love them all or find your have some favorites. Each one will have a unique formulation of ingredients so they will also have unique effects.
Days that you feel stressed may call for one with lavender and eucalyptus for maximum relaxation and comfort. But, if you’re feeling more of a red wine and music type of bath, then you might want to try a CBD bomb that has Hawaiian Black Salt for a satisfying deep cleanse that can leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
Instructions For a CBD Bath
You simply drop an unwrapped CBD bath bomb in the tub and let it fizzle away. You can mix it with your hand or foot if you want to help speed the process up.
One bath bomb should be enough to infuse your whole tub with CBD and other supportive ingredients. However, there are no known adverse effects from using more than one CBD bath bomb at a time.
Try to relax in your bath for at least 20 minutes. This will give your body ample time to soak up all the beneficial properties of the natural ingredients and oils in the water.
Are There Side Effects to CBD Baths?
According to the World Health Organization, CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. But it may come with some side effects for some people. They may include: Fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and weight gain/weight loss.
It is always a good idea to talk with your doctor before trying any CBD products. Especially if you are already taking other medications. CBD is known to interact with certain medications like blood thinners.
It is also a good idea to make sure there are no ingredients in the CBD products that you may be allergic to like essential oils, which can irritate sensitive skin. Also, be aware that taking frequent baths can cause an increased risk of yeast infections or UTIs. So, it is recommend that a person doesn’t stay in the bath water for an extended amount of time and that they rinse their body after getting out. Try to find products that are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, if you have any issues with these types of interactions.
Of course, if any skin sensitivity, irritation, or rash occurs you should stop using them immediately and consult with a doctor.
CBD Bath Bomb Takeaways
A CBD bath bomb can be a perfect way to refresh and relax your body and mind.
There are many reasons to elevate your bathing experience with CBD. From extra support with relaxing sore muscles, to moisturizing and protecting skin. While CBD baths are considered safe its important to buy from a brand you trust.
Read our CBD buyers guide to get some help with finding the right CBD bath bomb for you to try.