Will a bubble bath help my stress?

Taking a bubble bath may help reduce stress and improve your mental health. This is especially true if it includes essential oils, which may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some bubble baths include Epsom salt, which is also proven to improve mental health. Studies show that it is an effective method for alleviating depression symptoms.

How long can I stay in a bubble bath?

The length of time you stay in a bubble bath is up to you. If you use Epsom salt while you’re in the bath, most manufacturers recommend bathing for about 20 minutes. If you want to stay in longer, that’s fine. However, you should keep in mind that your fingers and toes may get wrinkly and the water will get cold. Neither of these is dangerous, and whether those things bother you is a matter of personal preference.

The 14 Best Bubble Baths of 2022

Few things in life are as pleasurable as unwinding in a warm bubble bath and melting away the stress of a long day. Bubbles make everything more fun, no matter your age. In fact, restorative baths have been used for centuries for their healing and therapeutic purposes for both the mind and body.

A 2018 study comparing the health benefits of warm baths and showers found that participants who took 10-minute baths at 104 degrees Fahrenheit reported better overall health and skin conditions, along with decreased stress, pain, and fatigue. Baths also help promote blood flow, soothe sore muscles and joints, and improve mental well-being by reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger. Taking warm baths has even been linked to deeper, more restful sleep.

Here are the best bubble baths on the market, all featuring dermatologist-approved ingredients.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

The Honest Company Sweet Almond Bubble Bath at Kohls.com

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Best Overall for Men:

Alaffia Shea Bubble Bath Vanilla Citrus Mint at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Burt's Bees Baby Original Bubble Bath at Amazon

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Best Bath Bomb:

OUAI Bath Bombs at Amazon

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Best for Dry Skin:

Fur Bath Drops

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Best for Sore Muscles:

Sky Organics Epsom Salt at Amazon

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Best for Eczema:

Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment at Amazon

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Best for Stress Relief:

Neom Real Luxury Bath Foam at Amazon

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Best Fragrance Free:

Dapple Baby Bubble Bath Fragrance-Free at Bed Bath & Beyond

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Best Sweet:

LaLicious Sugar Coconut Shower Oil at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for in a Bubble Bath
Why Trust Verywell Mind?

4.9

For a tub full of bubbly bliss that leaves your skin feeling quenched and nourished, opt for all-natural, dermatologist-tested Honest Bubble Bath. Made without parabens, phthalates, SLS and SLES, dyes, formaldehyde donors, or synthetic fragrances, this hypoallergenic formula is safe for the entire family. It's even tear-free for the little ones.

Naturally derived from botanicals and essential oils like aloe, jojoba, and sweet almond oil, this gentle bubble bath leaves skin smooth and hydrated. Plus, The Honest Company's light fragrance is irritant-free, making for a skin-safe bathtime ritual.

Expert Advice

When choosing a bubble bath, Inderjit Gill, MD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine, suggests considering your skin type first. “In those individuals without a history of sensitive skin, many times bubble baths can be well tolerated," she says. On the other hand, Dr. Gill notes that "many patients with sensitive skin will find the ingredients in traditional bubble baths irritating to the skin.” She suggests avoiding products with fragrance, dyes, and preservatives like methylisothiazolinone, formaldehyde, and parabens.

Dr. Gill also advises against using formulas that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and witch hazel, as these agents can be dehydrating. Glittery formulas should also be avoided at all costs, as glitter is highly abrasive to the skin.

Amazon

Relax in a clean, toxin-free bath of raw, organic shea butter, soothing African yam, and a sweet and subtle blend of revitalizing spearmint and citrus oils paired with creamy vanilla extract. Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, mineral oil, artificial color, and synthetic fragrance, this vegan formula is safe for skin types ranging from very dry to normal.

Alaffia EveryDay Shea Bubble Bath is crafted using fair trade, sustainably-sourced ingredients from West Africa. Simply pour a 1-ounce cap into a warm, running tub and enjoy.

Indulge in this all natural, toxin-free bubble bath that won't leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. The ultra-gentle formula is crafted without phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS. Meanwhile, soy proteins enriched with vitamin B and essential minerals make for soft and silky skin.

While it's marketed as gentle enough for delicate baby skin, this bubble bath is ideal for all ages, and especially for people with sensitive skin. Burt’s Bees’ hypoallergenic, tear-free bubble bath has a light, natural fragrance.

4.8

Amazon

These large bath bombs turn your tub into a fizzy sanctuary filled with notes of jasmine and rose. Formulated with a hydrating blend of hemp, jojoba, and safflower seed oils, these luxe bath bombs moisturize and cleanse the skin without clogging pores.

For a much-needed decompression session, drop a half tablet (or a whole one for double the fizz and fragrance) into a warm tub. Wait about five minutes for it to dissolve and release its fragrance. OUAI Chill Pills are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and silicones. They’re also gluten-free and vegan. Each jar comes with six 1.5-ounce bath bombs.

Courtesy of Fur

Fur Bath Drops are a luxurious way to upgrade your self-care routine. The red seaweed casing is both vegan and an environmentally friendly alternative to gelatin. The insides of the beads are then filled with clean, facial-grade, non-toxic ingredients—all dermatologist- and gynecologist-tested. Formulated for the most sensitive areas, these bath drops are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, mineral oil, cortisones, and artificial dyes and fragrances.

Each jar contains 18 bath drops filled with Fur's signature blend of clary sage oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil, which softens the skin and clears pores to prevent ingrown hairs. For a skin-renewing soak, add two to three bath drops to running water.

Did you know?

Oil-infused bubble baths are a natural alternative to artificially fragranced bubble bath solutions. Skin-safe essential oils provide a lush scent, and they’re filled with skin-nourishing benefits.

Unwind after a strenuous workout with a Sky Organics Epsom Salt bath. Simply add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm, running tub and soak for 20 minutes. This soothing, medium-grain bath soak is made from pure, USP-grade magnesium sulfate. Sky Organics Epsom Salt is also GMO-free, kosher, vegan, and cruelty-free.

This fragrance-free formula is ideal for people with sensitive skin. It also serves as a blank canvas for those who tire of soaking in the same scent over and over. To spice things up, drop in your favorite essential oils and customize your muscle-soothing, salty soak.

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Nothing soothes itchy, irritated skin quite like colloidal oatmeal. Whether you're suffering from dry winter skin, eczema, sunburn, or poison ivy, or just looking for a natural soak for a little extra skin TLC, an oatmeal bath can provide your skin with some much-needed relief.

Aveeno's dermatologist-recommended skin treatment forms a protective barrier over the skin, helping to seal in moisture and calm irritation and inflammation. This gentle, fragrance-free formula consists of 100% pure colloidal oatmeal.

For best results, draw a lukewarm bath and slowly sprinkle the oatmeal packet directly under the faucet. This step is critical for a clump-free, milky tub. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes and pat dry in order to keep a thin, soothing film on the skin.

Lock in a good night's sleep with this sweet and soothing pre-sleep ritual. NEOM Real Luxury Bath Foam provides a calming, therapeutic blend of 24 essential oils, including marshmallow, soothing aloe, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil. The fragrance combines gentle notes of lavender, jasmine, and Brazilian rosewood to help the mind and body relax and unwind.

NEOM Real Luxury Bath Foam is an SLS-free bubble bath made from all-natural, ethically sourced ingredients, with no harsh chemicals, artificial colors, paraffin, or mineral wax. For a dreamy, sudsy soak, pour one capful of foam into a running tub and enjoy a relaxing bubble bath.

People with sensitive skin typically fare better with dye- and fragrance-free skincare products. While marketed for babies, Dapple Baby Bubble Bath is a superior option for anyone who has ultra-sensitive skin. Made from plant-based ingredients, this fragrance-free, non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula leaves the skin feeling both squeaky clean and nourished.

Infused with a prebiotic botanical blend that helps restore the skin's natural barrier, this bubble bath leaves you with smooth, baby-soft skin. Pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested, Dapple's fragrance-free bubble bath is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, SLS, and SLES.

This formula is also tear-free for the littlest bathers in the house.

Bring summertime to your bathtub with the sweet, tropical scent of creamy coconut. This unique formula from LALICIOUS pours as a moisturizing oil and then transforms into a decadent, bubbly lather once in the water.

Enriched with grapeseed oil, cleansing sugar molecules, and topical probiotics, this shower oil-bubble bath duo cleanses and hydrates the skin for a soft, moisturized feel. (It can also be used on wet skin as a shaving oil.)

This bubble bath is free of parabens and sulfates.

Bring the spa to your home with Deep Steep's pH-balanced bubble bath. Infused with moisturizing plant oils, soothing aloe vera, and calming essential oils, this super foamy solution creates mountains of playful bubbles rich in skin-nourishing ingredients like organic coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil.

Deep Steep's Classic Bubble Bath is hard water-safe and free of irritants like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, triethanolamine, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol, MEA, DEA, EDTA, SLS, alcohol, dyes, and formaldehyde donors. It also comes in a variety of relaxing scents.

Word of Warning

Word of warning to those with sensitive skin: Certain bubble bath ingredients can cause vaginal irritation or a urinary tract infection. To minimize the potential for issues "down there," take precautionary measures by avoiding overly hot or long baths—approximately 10-15 minutes at most—rinsing off any soap, and thoroughly drying all your parts.

Amazon

Take a dip into a calming, creamy paradise of coconut and vanilla goodness. This all natural, vegan formula consists of only four ingredients—sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), dehydrated coconut milk, coconut pulp, and vanilla essential oil. The result? Silky, soft, and smooth skin.

Herbivore's Coconut Milk Bath Soak is free of SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial ingredients, fillers, alcohol, animal products, fragrances, dyes, and unnatural preservatives.

The oils in the soak are cold-pressed or steam distilled and will vaporize when the fine powder comes in contact with water. For best results, dispense the milk bath once you are in the tub.

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Uniquely crafted using food-grade, plant-based ingredients, Puracy delivers a natural, irritant-free alternative to mainstream bubble baths. Made with a coconut-based cleanser, essential oils, and a blend of nine fruit extracts, Puracy's rich, foamy bubble bath leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated. This family-friendly pick is naturally tear-free and hypoallergenic, and it features a pleasant lavender and vanilla aroma.

This bubble bath is free of toxins and chemicals, including sulfates—SLS, SLES, and SCS—parabens, phosphates, eye-numbing agents, triclosan, formaldehyde, salicylates, MEA, DEA, TEA, BPA, gluten, petrochemicals, animal byproducts, perfumes, dyes, and caustics.

TruKid Bubble Podz are a kid- and parent-friendly solution for mess-free and waste-free portable bubble baths. It's easy for busy families to bring the pre-measured pods with them while on the go, and they dissolve almost instantly, delivering a wonderland of frothy, berry-scented bubbles.

Bubble Podz use a gentle, chemical-free, and tear-free formula that leaves the skin feeling soft and clean. This natural, non-toxic bubble bath is pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested, and it's free of both parabens and phthalates.

Final Verdict

For fans of fragrance, Deep Steep Classic Bubble Bath is a pH-balanced formula infused with skin-soothing organic coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil. As one of the bubbliest formulas on our list, this floral pick is sure to please.

For a natural, sensitive skin-friendly option, try The Honest Company’s Gently Nourishing Sweet Almond Bubble Bath. Made with plant-based ingredients and hydrating essential oils, this hypoallergenic bubble bath is safe for all.

What to Look for in a Bubble Bath

Ingredients

Choose formulas with minimal, plant-based ingredients with names you can pronounce. While many brands claim to be "all-natural," be sure to check the fine print for any hidden man-made chemicals. For kids, ensure that the formula is tear-free. And before diving in, it’s always advisable to patch test any new skincare product.

Scent

For the safest scent, look for essential oil-infused formulas. For individuals with sensitive skin, avoid bubble baths with any fragrance, dyes, or additives, as they can cause irritation and be abrasive to the skin’s barrier.

Moisturizing

Soaps and bubble bath solutions can contain harsh detergents that can strip the skin of moisture. Avoid feeling dry and irritated by choosing an oil-based or moisture-rich formula. And it’s important to apply a heavy moisturizer immediately after leaving the tub. In fact, The National Eczema Association suggests doing so within three minutes to combat dryness.

Bubble Quality

Ingredients to avoid are usually the ones responsible for extra bubbly blends. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent used in many personal care products and bubble bath solutions. Chemical-free varieties may not produce the same amount of bubbles, but with an extra pump or two, you can get pretty close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a bubble bath help my stress?

Taking a bubble bath may help reduce stress and improve your mental health. This is especially true if it includes essential oils, which may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Some bubble baths include Epsom salt, which is also proven to improve mental health. Studies show that it is an effective method for alleviating depression symptoms.
How long can I stay in a bubble bath?

The length of time you stay in a bubble bath is up to you. If you use Epsom salt while you’re in the bath, most manufacturers recommend bathing for about 20 minutes.
If you want to stay in longer, that’s fine. However, you should keep in mind that your fingers and toes may get wrinkly and the water will get cold. Neither of these is dangerous, and whether those things bother you is a matter of personal preference.

Why Trust Verywell Mind?

As a health and wellness writer, Emily Stone is all about clean, green skincare. She favors Aveeno’s Soothing Bath Treatment as a mild, calming bath without any harmful toxins or irritants.

Best Overall for Women

The Honest Company Gently Nourishing Sweet Almond Bubble Bath

Expert Advice

Best Overall for Men

Alaffia Everyday Shea Bubble Bath Vanilla Citrus Mint

Best Budget

Burt's Bees Baby Original Bubble Bath

Best Bath Bomb

OUAI Chill Pills Bath Bombs

Best for Dry Skin

Fur Bath Drops

Did you know?

Best for Sore Muscles

Sky Organics Epsom Salt

Best for Eczema

Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment

Best for Stress Relief

Neom Real Luxury Bath Foam

Best Fragrance Free

Dapple Baby Bubble Bath Fragrance-Free

Best Sweet

LaLicious Sugar Coconut Shower Oil & Bubble Bath

Best Floral

Deep Steep Classic Bubble Bath, Lilac Blossom

Word of Warning

Best Soak

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Soak

Best Natural

Puracy Natural Baby Bubble Bath

Best for Kids

TruKid Yumberry Scented Bubble Pods