Summary of points:
  • Commercially available bath additives may contain fragrances, synthetic colorants, liquid paraffin, boric acid, etc.
  • These may cause irritation, allergies, and endocrine disruption for sensitive skin, children, and pregnant women.
  • It is safe to check the ingredient list, choose fragrance-free, color-free, and naturally-derived products, and check the results with a patch test or a short bath.
  • You can enjoy bathing with herbs, salt, baking soda, Epsom salt, etc. without bath additives.

The current state of baths and bath salts — do you know what's behind the comfort?

It has been reported that slowly warming up in a bath has a positive effect on relaxing the mind and body and improving sleep. We also feel relieved when we soak in the hot tub at the end of a long day. However, many bath salts with pleasant scents and colors often contain chemicals that come into contact with your skin and body without your knowledge. This time, we will tell you about the risks of commonly used ingredients and practical measures you can take to enjoy your bath with peace of mind.

Ingredients to watch out for in bath salts and their risks

When you look at the ingredient list of bath additives, you may see other items such as ``fragrance'', ``coloring agent'', ``BG'', ``PEG'', and ``liquid paraffin'' in addition to the active ingredients. Here, we will explain the typical ones in an easy-to-understand manner.

Fragrance (synthetic fragrance)

When the word "fragrance" is written, the details of the contents are often omitted, and plasticizers such as phthalate esters and synthetic fragrance compounds may be mixed in. These substances have been shown to have the potential for endocrine disruption (affecting hormones), and may cause irritation and itchiness on sensitive skin. Particular care must be taken in households with pregnant women and infants.

Synthetic coloring agents (red ○○, yellow ○○, blue ○○, etc.)

There are reports that synthetic colorants that make children look brighter may be absorbed through the skin, cause allergic reactions, and may have an impact on development. Regarding transdermal absorption, some research has verified the permeation of dyes through the skin, so it is best to avoid using them frequently in products that are used on the whole body.

Liquid paraffin (mineral oil)

Liquid paraffin is used to moisturize and adjust texture, but it creates an oil film on the surface of the skin, which can cause stuffiness and some people may experience an effect on barrier function. Highly purified products are highly safe, but low-purified products may contain impurities (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and there are concerns about long-term effects.

Boric acid (borate)

Boric acid is sometimes used in bath additives for disinfection and pH adjustment purposes. In some countries and applications, their use in cosmetics is restricted or prohibited, and concerns about endocrine and reproductive toxicity have been raised. Considering the effects on children and pregnant women, it is safer to avoid products containing boric acid.

Others: PEG, BG, succinic acid, etc.

PEG and BG (butylene glycol, etc.) are used as solvents and humectants, but they also have the effect of increasing skin permeability and may aid in the transdermal absorption of other ingredients. Sensitive individuals should use caution as succinic acid is used to adjust pH and has limited safety data.

Points to note from actual product ingredient examples

If you look at the ingredient list of typical commercially available bath additives, you may see things like fragrance, liquid paraffin, synthetic colorants (Yellow 202, Yellow 4, Blue 1, etc.), boric acid, and PEG. Ingredients are divided into ``active ingredients'' and ``other ingredients,'' but ``other ingredients'' often contain substances that come in contact with the skin for a long time, so be sure to check carefully. We have also experienced an improvement in the itching of our skin after reviewing the bath salts we had chosen based on scent.

Checkpoints and alternative ideas for safe fun

Since this is something you use on a daily basis, please try putting the following points into practice. - Check the ingredients list: Check for fragrances, colorants, liquid paraffin, boric acid, PEG, etc. - Prioritize fragrance-free and color-free products: For scents, we recommend using a small amount of essential oil or switching to fragrance-free products. Please note that some essential oils are not suitable for pregnant women or infants. - Perform a patch test: If you are using the product for the first time, check it on the inside of your arm for 24 hours to feel safe. - Be careful about bathing time and temperature: Too hot water (over 41℃) or long bathing can damage the skin barrier, so we recommend bathing in lukewarm water for about 10 to 20 minutes. - Alternative ideas: Add Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), sea salt, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), dried herbs or chamomile tea bags to your bathtub, and moisturize after bathing to keep yourself comfortable. - Be especially careful with children and pets: Small children have thin skin and are more susceptible to the effects of ingredients, so we recommend using products that are almost additive-free or refraining from using them. When we tested it, we found that just using unscented bath salts and natural salts was enough to have a relaxing effect and reduce skin problems. If you want to enjoy the scent, it is a good idea to add a small amount of essential oil to hot water, or use an aroma diffuser to add scent to unscented bath salts.

summary

Bath salts can easily enrich your bath time, but it is also true that some ingredients may cause skin irritation or long-term health risks. Make it a habit to read ingredient labels, and try using natural alternatives if necessary, with no fragrance or coloring. We recommend that you choose carefully, especially for children, pregnant women, and people with sensitive skin. We, the geefee team, also value the ability to enjoy bath time with peace of mind by making small improvements every day.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.