Bath Bombs

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water and soap.
4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Bath products, such as bath bombs, have become increasingly popular. They typically contain a combination of ingredients, including baking soda, citric acid, and various fragrances. When dropped into water, these ingredients react to produce a fun display of fizz and bubbles. However, it is important to ensure bath bombs are safe for use on the body, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Do not assume that bath bombs are safe to ingest. They contain ingredients that can be poisonous if consumed. While some ingredients, like citric acid and baking soda, are technically edible, the overall product is not safe to ingest.

Bath bombs are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and fragrances. When they are put in the bathtub they help soften the skin and make a more relaxing experience. They are usually made up of a mix of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with a weak acid and various fragrances, oils, dyes, or moisturizers. The dry ingredients are stable until they’re placed into water, where they immediately start to break apart and release fizzy bubbles.

Bath bombs are commonly molded into various shapes and intended to be fun. They sometimes resemble treats such as candy or cupcakes. This attracts young children to taste them, which turns into an unpleasant experience. If swallowed, the fizzing can take place in the mouth, which can irritate the tongue and mouth.

If someone swallows enough of the bath bomb, there can be stomach upset, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and possible diarrhea. The toxicity of the ingredients can pose minor symptoms, so it is important to avoid ingestion.

Sometimes bath bombs can cause minor skin irritation if a person is sensitive to the ingredients. Rinsing the skin thoroughly with soap and water after exposure is a good idea, especially for those with delicate skin.

What happens if you eat a bath bomb?

When someone ingests a bath bomb, the primary ingredients—such as sodium bicarbonate and citric acid—react in the stomach, which can cause gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. The fragrances, dyes, and other additives may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, mouth irritation, or minor effects. In some cases, the colorful dyes can cause staining or mild irritation of the mouth and throat.

Although most bath bombs are not highly toxic, ingestion of large amounts or certain ingredients—especially in children—can pose more serious risks, such as chemical burns or allergic reactions. The severity of these effects can vary based on the age, weight, and amount of the substance involved.

What happens if you drink bath water?

Due to these chemicals and potential contaminants from the skin, ingesting bath water can lead to stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although the concentration of ingredients in the bath water may be diluted, it still poses a risk, especially for young children or individuals with sensitive digestive tracts.

Crayola Bath Bomb Rash: A Concern with Bath Bombs

Some children have experienced skin irritation or rashes after using Crayola bath bombs or bathcolor tablets. These reactions can appear as redness, itching, or raised bumps, often developing shortly after exposure. The dyes, fragrances, and preservatives used to create vibrant colors and scents in these products are common culprits, especially for children with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema.

If your child develops a rash after using a Crayola bath bomb, rinse the skin thoroughly with clean water and discontinue use. Most rashes are mild and resolve on their own, but if irritation persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider for further advice. Always consider performing a skin allergy test before full use to help prevent adverse skin reactions.

Safety Precautions

While bath bombs can be a fun addition to a tub, certain safety precautions must be taken to avoid potential risks. Children should be supervised when using bath bombs, as they may be tempted to taste or swallow the ingredients. Additionally, individuals with sensitive skin should be cautious when using bath bombs.

If you find your child has taken a bite of a bath bomb, do not panic. Take the bath bomb away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth, and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.

Quick access to accurate information can save a life, so save the contact information for Poison Control on your devices.