Bath bombs were invented in 1989 by the Lush co-founder, Mo Constantine, who was

inspired by Alka-Seltzer. They were created with sensitive skin in mind which is why most are
made of all natural ingredients. Color is often added to bath bombs as well to create a visually
exciting experience. She created this with a combination of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
and citric acid as the base with other natural and unique ingredients added to make them each
unique and glamorous.

A base is a substance that receives a hydrogen proton when it reacts with an acid while
an acid is a chemical substance that donates a hydrogen proton when it reacts with a base. A
salt is a solid that is made from a combination of negative and positive ions but has no net
charge itself. This, overall, is a neutralization reaction that is then triggered by contact with
water. Essentially, it follows the formula of:

Base + Acid = Gas + Salt + Water

Baking Soda + Citric Acid Carbon Dioxide + Sodium Citrate + Water
3NaHCO3(s) + C6H807(s) 3CO2(g) + C5H5Na307(aq) + 3H2O

The neutralization reaction is when a base and an acid react together to neutralize the
pH level of the solution, which produces water and a salt. The baking soda (the base) is added
to the Citric Acid (acid) to neutralize it, when the water is added it speeds up the reaction. This
causes carbon dioxide gas to release in bubbles and leaves water and sodium citrate left in the
water. These bubbles are what give the “bath bomb” the fizzing experience for users.

Some companies, like LUSH will add Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate to make the experience
more foamy as opposed to just quick bubbles. They also add essential oils, glitter, flowers,
Epsom salts, nut oils, coloring, and/or cocoa butter for different experiences.

Neutralization is a reaction that makes many other things possible on this earth. One is
example is with soil. Sometimes, like when decaying pine needles drop and lower the pH there
will be bare patches of soil which plants do not tolerate. By adding a neutralizing substance, the
pH will raise and that will allow plants to grow in the soil again. Another example is disposing of
hazardous waste since the salts produced are usually not hazardous and more easily stored as
solids. We also take advantage of neutralization when it comes to medications, such as anti-
acids which neutralize the excess acid in the stomach that help with digestion and heart burn.
Also, the food particles left in our mouth produce acid and toothpaste will neutralize the acid
and prevent tooth decay since toothpaste is alkaline.

A bath bomb is a simple example of how chemistry effects our daily life. They use
natural ingredients that many of us keep in our home and turn them into an every day item for
many. Next time you drop a colorful, fizzing ball into your evening bath, be grateful for the
chemical reactions that made this spa oasis experience possible.
 Works Cited

(12/13/2018) Retrieved from http://www.fp.utm.my/projek/psm/webtlr/Neutralisation /learning

2b.html

Johnson, J., & Afia. Neutralization - Uses Of Neutralization. Retrieved from http://science.jrank.
org/pages/4627/Neutralization-Uses-neutralization.html

Why is neutralization reaction important? Example. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://socratic.org/

questions/why-is-neutralization-reaction-important

Khan, K. (n.d.). Chemical Reactions. Retrieved from https://kashifkhansbathbomb.weebly.com

/chemical-reactions.html