Do Bath Bombs Expire? [ How Long Do They Last?]

Finally, it's bathtime! You have your essential oil, salts, candles, and favorite playlist queued. Now, all you need is a bath bomb. As you dig through your bathroom cabinet, searching for that bath bomb you know is back there, you may be wondering it's expired. Luckily, we have researched this topic so you can learn all about how long bath bombs last.

In general, bath bombs expire six months after the date of purchase. Make sure to use your bath bomb within this 6-month time frame for it to work correctly. An expired bath bomb is not harmful, but it may not fizz when dropped in water. 

You probably still have questions about how long bath bombs last. Keep reading to find out more helpful bath bomb information!

What Are Bath Bombs?

If you have never tried a bath bomb, we want to make sure you know what they are. Most bath bombs are a mixture of wet and dry natural ingredients mixed and sold in a dry form. The compact mix of ingredients is usually formed into the shape of a ball but can come in various shapes. Bath bombs make a fun addition to a relaxing soak in the tub.

Since most bath bombs are comprised of natural ingredients,  you can even make your own. Here is a list of common bath bomb ingredients:

• Citric acid
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Coconut oil
• Almond oil
• Essential oils
• Epsom salts
• Witch hazel
• And more natural ingredients

Types Of Bath Bombs

If you have recently visited skincare or cosmetic stores recently, you probably saw an entire section dedicated to bath bombs. They are very popular these days. Here are some of the most common types of bath bombs to help you find the best one for your bath time:

Citrus Bath Bombs

Most people find citrus smells appealing. They create a sense of freshness when they hit the nose. That is why you are sure to find a wide variety of citrus-forward bath bombs. From blood orange to key lime, you can't go wrong with a citrus-infused bath bomb. Not to mention, the vitamin C found in many citrus extracts is excellent for your skin!

Belamour All Natural Citrus Bath Bomb 

Here is a citrus-scented bath bomb. It is free of artificial fragrance and color, so you know your skin is only getting the good stuff.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Stress Release Bath Bombs 

We all know how a warm soak in the tub can be the best way to end a long day. A stress-relieving bath bomb makes these long baths even better. They are usually filled with soothing essential oils like lavender, peach, rose, and more.

Huinsh Natural Relaxation Bath Bomb Set 

This pack of bombs is filled with 12 special bombs to choose from. All have their unique stress-relieving properties. They also moisturize your skin while putting your mind at ease.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Glitter Bath Bombs

You can add sparkle to your tub with a glitter bath bomb. These are filled with golden or silver mica powder to create a sense of magic when you drop them in the water. You will find many versions of glitter bath bombs in a wide range of scents and features.

The Bath Bomb Co. Black Bath Bomb

This high-quality bomb is filled with anti-aging ingredients as well as silver sparkles. It makes an excellent gift or special treat to buy for yourself.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Hidden Treasure Bath Bombs 

Now, you can find a whole range of bath bombs with different trinkets hidden in the center of the ball. Uncover what is under the surface once the bomb has completely dissolved. It is common to find jewelry, small animal figurines, keychains, and more. These hidden treasure bombs are very popular with kids.

Copia Jewelry Suprise Bath Bomb

This lovely lavender-scented bath bomb comes with a surprise piece of jewelry inside. Just drop it in your hot water and wait for the jewelry to appear.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Novelty Bath Bombs

Bath bombs have quickly become a common party gift. From bridal parties to holiday gifts, you can find a bath bomb for every occasion. They are a small way to have fun and bring a smile to a friend's or family member's face.

Aofmee Bath Bomb Gift Set 

This dessert-themed gift set is perfect for every sweet tooth out there. Each one is vegan, cruelty-free, and filled with nourishing ingredients.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

How Long Do Bath Bombs Stay Good?

As you can see, bath bombs are typically made from all-natural ingredients. The lack of synthetic chemicals and harsh preservatives is great for your skin, but it does mean they have an expiration date. Bath bombs last for about six months from the purchase date.

Proper storage can sometimes extend the shelf life of bath bombs, but don't expect much from a bath bomb older than half a year. It is important to note that the sooner you use it, the better it will work. A brand new bomb will have much more fizzing power than a bomb close to its expiration date.

If you are wondering about shower gel expiration dates, check out this blog post: Does Shower Gel Expire? (Even When Unopened).

How Long Can You Store Lush Bath Bombs?

Lush bath bombs are some of the highest quality bath bombs available. They pride themselves on creating products from natural ingredients. Lush bath bombs will break down around six months, just like most natural bath bombs. However, you may be able to slow down the degradation process with proper storage.

In an airtight container, you may be able to store Lush Bath Bombs beyond the 6-month mark. It is important to note that you should keep this container out of direct sunlight and open it as little as possible. Also, don't anticipate a year old, properly stored Lush bath bomb to work as well as a fresh one.

Are Old Bath Bombs Safe?

Old bath bombs are not harmful. Just because one is expired doesn't mean it is toxic. Feel free to try and use old bath bombs. Just don't be too disappointed if you drop it in the tub and nothing happens. As stated above, the older a bath bomb is, the less power it has. After six months, bath bombs usually do not fizz anymore. However, they may still release pleasant smells. There is no harm in trying an old bath bomb instead of immediately throwing it away when you see it is expired.

What Happens If A Bath Bomb Expires?

If a bath bomb expires, it will not fizz when dropped in a hot bathtub. When a bath bomb is unpackaged and exposed to the air, it goes through a process called oxidation. This means specific chemical components found in the bath bomb's ingredients interact with oxygen molecules in the air. As specific compounds in the bath bomb gain oxygen, they lose their ability to create bubbles when exposed to water molecules. This is what signifies the bomb is expired.

If you are curious about the shelf life of dry shampoo, check out this blog post: How Long Does Dry Shampoo Last? [Does It Ever Expire]

Can Mold Grow On Bath Bombs?

Mold can grow on bath bombs. If your bath bomb contains products like oatmeal, flower petals, or certain essential oil, then mold can develop after a year. Most people use their bath bombs sooner than that, so mold is not a common problem. If you want to make sure your bombs stay fresh, store them in an airtight container located in a dry area. This will decrease the chance that any mold grows on your bath bombs.

If you are worried about moldy loofas and want to know how to clean them, check out this blog post: How To Clean A Mesh Loofah - A Look At Various Methods.

Time For A Bath!

Now that you know all about bath bombs, it's time to use one. Turn that faucet on, and choose a relaxing bath bomb to accompany you in the tub. Just make sure it's not older than six months, so you get its full effects.