Do Shower Steamers and Bath Bombs Expire?

Here’s the sitch: you’re gifted a lovely bath bomb or shower steamer from someone you love, store it away in your bathroom cabinet, and rediscover it months later. You might be wondering: is it still safe to use? Will it still work as promised? Do shower steamers and bath bombs ever expire? 

Don’t worry, we got you. Say goodbye to any racing thoughts and hello to true facts. In this article, we’ll definitively answer all your questions around shower steamer and bath bomb expiration dates. 

Do Shower Steamers Expire? 

In short, it depends on the ingredients in the steamer. Shower steamers don’t typically have an expiration date stamped on their packaging; however, they will become less potent over time. Shower steamers retain their peak smell and effectiveness for about six months after being made. After six months, they may have a fainter scent and not fizz up as well as they would’ve beforehand. 

If you’ve had a shower steamer for over a year and a half, though, we would caution against using it — unless it’s a Cait + Co Aromatherapy Shower Steamer. Depending on its ingredients and if it was properly stored, it may now contain harmful bacteria. Check the ingredient label to see if there are any ingredients that may be harmful to use after a certain time period, including but not limited to: oatmeal, flower petals, or oils. 

Cait + Co shower steamers come shrink wrapped in their own boxes and don’t contain any harmful ingredients for your protection, so they’re less likely to be damaged or contaminated over time. 

Do Bath Bombs Expire? 

Bath bombs don’t expire in the sense that a carton of milk does, but they will definitely lose their fizz and scent over time. After six months to a year, they’ll be less effective, so it’s best to use them within six months. 

If your bath bomb wasn’t stored properly, though, you may want to skip out on using it. Bath bombs that aren’t stored safely can attract debris and bacteria.

How to Store Shower Steamers and Bath Bombs

Shower steamers and bath bombs can last longer if kept safely away from other bath products. 

Bath bombs that are stored out in the open — such as on a tray or countertop — run the risk of absorbing the moisture in the air around them. This will make them less active. For that reason, it’s best to store them in containers, jars, or bags

Our Best Shower Steamers

Shower steamers let you enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of a bath bomb — without needing to take a bath. Simply wet the steamer to activate it, hang it in your shower, and enjoy! 

Our steamers are crafted with essential oils, for a truly relaxing experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and reset. Here are a few of our all-time favorites: 

Lavender + Oat Aromatherapy Shower Steamer

Peppermint + Lemon Aromatherapy Shower Steamer

Aromatherapy Shower Steamer Starter Pack 

Our Best Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are fun for all ages and a great way to treat yourself. At Cait + Co, we pride ourselves on crafting homemade, high-quality, yet affordable bath bombs in a variety of colors and scents. 

If you need a pick-me-up, try any (or all ;)) of our favorite bath bombs: 

Amethyst Coconut Milk Bath Bomb

Ice Cream Bath Bomb Clamshell 

Jellyfish Bath Bomb Clamshell

Maximize Your Relaxation Time

Even though shower steamers and bath bombs don’t technically expire, it’s best to use them sooner rather than later. For the best R&R, we recommend using your steamers and bath bombs ASAP, or storing them safely for later use. 

You only get so many hours to unwind, so it’s important to make them count! 

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