Not all skin is created equal!
Some people have sensitivities to certain skincare products, and while this might affect only a few, for those impacted, skin reactions can be quite distressing.
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What I would like to do by writing this blog, is give you enough information to make an informed choice when buying bath bombs, regardless of whether you buy from Pomme d’Or or any other company. I’ll do this initially by describing what a bath bomb is, what causes an allergic reaction, followed by a little myth-busting before explaining our reasoning for saying our bath bombs are kinder to sensitive skin. And why I am I such an expert? Well, by many people’s standards, I’m not. I’m not a chemist nor do I have a medical background. What I do claim to be is an enthusiastic skincare formulator with many skincare qualifications. However, it’s my history of allergies, some of which have been severe at times, which fuels my ongoing thirst for knowledge and answers.
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What is a bath bomb?
A bath bomb is made of Citric Acid (a weak acid) and Sodium Bicarbonate (a weak alkaline) which generally neutralise each other. They’re usually scented and could also contain foaming agents, milk powders, corn starch, hard and soft oils, butters, salts, oats, clays, cream of tartar, tapioca starch, water-based dye, pigments, polysorbate, mica and sugar decorations. Whilst there may be particularly good reasons for including these, the more complex the ingredient list, the more difficult it is to identify and isolate potential irritants. This becomes more important when making choices for children’s bath time. Keep it fun but keep it simple!
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What causes an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance known as an allergen. Certain components of ingredients, whether natural or synthetic, could cause an allergic reaction.
An allergic skin reaction could present itself as hives, red bumps, welts, redness, itching or scaling.
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Misleading statements and claims can cause confusion. You only need to type ‘allergen-free bath bombs’ into your search engine and you’ll be guided to some products which state that because their bath bombs are organic, or vegan, or natural, then you’ll have no allergic reaction but, on closer inspection on some of these links, the ingredients either state, or indicate allergens are indeed present. Even the gentlest essential oils such as lavender and chamomile have allergens, namely geraniol, linalool, citronellol and limonene. Harmless to most, soothing to many but an irritant to some, hence why these allergens are included in the Cosmetic Regulations list of 26 most known allergenic substances.
It’s frustrating to see the same misconceptions repeated in some allergy lifestyle blogs, especially when these are places people turn to for help and information. It’s worth me mentioning at this stage that I love essential oils and using natural ingredients where I can. I am in no way anti-essential oil use, and I wouldn’t wish for a barrage of comments to follow this blog from those who love using only natural ingredients telling me I’ve got it all wrong. My answer to them in advance would be I’m simply envious of them. As an acute allergy sufferer, I have had to simply go down a different route. Indeed, the advanced skincare diploma I hold is in the manufacture and design of organic skincare! Essential oils in particular have many therapeutic benefits and I’ve studied a good deal of these in great detail. However, along with my formal studying, I have also gained valuable knowledge from my own personal experience where food allergy reactions can lead to having hypersensitive skin.
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Myth-busting
So, let’s hear some facts:
The manufacture of toiletries such as bath bombs, comes under the pharmaceutical industry rules and regulations.
There are 26 allergenic substances currently listed in Annex III of EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009.
Allergens can be found in both synthetic and natural ingredients. Natural does not mean free from irritants, they can still play mischief with your skin. In addition, you can be sensitive to an ingredient even if it not formally classed as an allergen.
All allergens must be clearly listed on product labelling if they’re present over a specified amount. (If sold loose, then they must be visible at the time of purchase).
Even for products labelled as ‘allergen-free,’ caution is necessary, as they may still cause sensitivities. Despite not containing any of the 26 most well-known allergenic substances, you might react to another ingredient typically safe for most people—reinforcing our earlier point that not all skin is created equal.
All UK toiletry products, including any variations, must have an official assessment approval from a qualified chemist.
You do not need any formal qualifications to make and sell bath products, but it does help to understand the science, implications, and potential consequences behind the process.
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Pomme d’Or (the golden apple)
– kinder to sensitive skin
We value transparency. While we can’t guarantee our bath bombs are suitable for everyone with skin sensitivities, we carefully examine common ingredients that might cause irritation and replace them with safer alternatives, avoiding the most well-known allergens. Additionally, we exclude unnecessary fillers, keeping our vegan and cruelty-free ingredient list as simple and effective as possible.
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Here are a few key points summarising transparency with Pomme d’Or:
- Since our launch in 2014, we have exclusively used UK-approved fragrance oils in our bath bombs which are free from the 26 most common allergenic substances. Finding oils that meet our strict criteria while maintaining a beautiful, long-lasting scent is challenging, but it’s a commitment we gladly uphold. If you want a complete breakdown of any fragrance components, all our listings provide the option to message us for a detailed list.
- Our Core Range of small bath bomb products, including our tub range, refill station, party bags and sample bags, are especially popular with children. These do not contain any foaming agents. Besides allergen-free fragrance, our bath bombs primarily consist of citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and water-based dyes for colour. Some of our products also feature a touch of shimmering mica. We do not include milk powders, corn starch, hard and soft oils, butters, salts, oats, clays, cream of tartar, tapioca starch, pigments, polysorbate, or sugar decorations.
- In our larger bath bombs, as well as our bath rocks and bath dust, we include a commonly used mild foaming agent, the components of which are naturally derived from plant-based sources. As well as a little foam, this helps create a bit of colourful ‘bath art’.
- We understand that water-based dyes, though not listed as allergens, can still cause skin sensitivity. For those affected, we offer colour-free bath bombs as an alternative.
- We regularly revisit and challenge our ingredient choices. If there are industry changes with new allergenic substances identified, we act swiftly to make appropriate substitutions.
Please note that all our bath bombs are suitable for children aged 3 and above. Products intended for children under three are classified as baby products, requiring an additional chemist-approved assessment to ensure they are safe for delicate baby skin.
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Informed choices
Remember, the purpose of this blog is to help you make informed choices about your bath bomb purchases. For those who can use products without scrutinizing the ingredients, enjoy it – I’m envious. For those of us with sensitivities, let’s keep questioning our purchases so we can also enjoy bath time fun and relaxation. And if you choose to purchase your bath products from Pomme d’Or, you’ll be joining a community of satisfied customers. With over 10 years of placing products on the market, and 3 years of preparation prior to that, we have built a loyal customer base, received glowing feedback, and accumulated numerous 5-star reviews. We take pride in our achievements and are committed to maintaining our high standards in the future.
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Further Reading:
Anne-Marie has studied and completed the following to ensure quality product manufacturing and safety.
Examinations/certification from Formula Botanica (formerly, The School of Holistic Cosmetology):
Advanced Diploma in Organic Skincare Design & Manufacture
Cosmetic Business Practice & Compliance
Diploma in Natural Skincare Design
Certificate in Organic Anti-ageing Skincare
Certificate in Natural Cosmetic Preservation
Certificate in Facial Masque Therapy
Certificate in Chocolate Spa Products
Traditional Cold Process Soap Making
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List of 26 allergenic substances:
https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/14119/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native
Regulation on Cosmetic Products:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:342:0059:0209:EN:PDF
The Halloween bath bombs were throughly loved by my boys. Loads of choice with vampire snot, eye balls, snot drops, swamp fizz and various shapes and colours. Gorgeous smells, plenty of fizz and absolutely no irritations. Highly recommend.