A History of the Bath Bomb

Let’s talk bath bombs!

Go back to the invention of the bath bomb and it’s clear that these balls of fun have come a long way from their humble beginnings.

The bath bomb was a simple creation that aimed to improve the bathing experience. No one could have guessed in their wildest dreams the heights this unassuming ball would reach. On average over 25 million bath bombs are sold a year—that’s one per second. From Poole to Vancouver, and Tokyo, these beloved fizzers have been embraced by the world over and found a home in both tubs and hearts.

Turn back time with this 1996 cover of the Lush Times.

A 1996 cover of the Lush Times announces new bath bombs for sale.

From 1989 to today.

Over three decades of innovation.

1989: Lush Co-founder and Product Inventor Mo Constantine creates the first-ever bath bomb in her garden shed. Her goal was “to introduce things to the bath which you wouldn’t normally be able to, such as peels, petals, butters and essential oils; lovely ingredients which would be beneficial to the skin.”
1990: On April 27th, Lush trademarks the term “bath bomb”—the day now marks the official date of World Bath Bomb Day.

1992: Butterball, our longest-standing bath bomb is created.

1999: A bath bomb is exhibited in the Tate Art Gallery Shop in London.

2003: Sex Bomb is created by the winners of our “Design a Bath Ballistic” competition. Today it’s still a fan favorite and one of our bestselling bath bombs.

2010: Limited-edition Wild Rose Bath Bomb is created to raise funds and bring awareness to the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction. Raising $42,000 for two grassroots organizations combatting climate change: Indigenous Environmental Network and Rainforest Action Network.

2012: Dual-layered bath bombs are invented and patented. “Every time we formulate new products there has to be a benefit to them, but we also want to make bathtime a bit more interesting. Aside from treating the skin to an abundance of rich butters and oils, bath bombs are now creating a unique ambience in your bathroom with a burst of fragrance and color,” says Jack Constantine, product inventor and chief digital officer.

2015: #BathArt launches its wildly successful campaign turning bathing into an art form.

2018: Lush opens a bath bomb concept store in Harajuku, Japan.

2018: Lush creates the world’s biggest bath bomb, weighing over 3 tonnes!

2022: Over 400 different designs created and over 300 million bath bombs sold globally. Lush celebrates World Bath Bomb Day with a 100,000 random acts of kindness—gifting Lushies around the world bath bombs.

2023: Lush introduces the world to Bath Bot, an immersive experience revolutionizing the way we take a bath. Bath Bot takes bathing to new heights with sound, color and light.

More fun facts

Every year, we use around 10,000 lbs. of peppermint oil, 30,000 lbs. of bergamot oil, and 40,000 lbs. of lavender oil making fan favorites like Intergalactic (the bestselling bath bomb in the world), Deep Sleep (North America’s number one bestseller) as well as other beloved classics like Avobath.

Rapid-fire questions

Which country invented the first bath bomb?

England, of course!

What was the first bath bomb called?

Well, technically they were tablets and they were called Aqua Sizzlers. It was only after Mo started experimenting with shapes and sizes that the first spherical bath bomb was born.

When was the bath bomb invented?

1989, baby.

What’s the main ingredient in bath bombs?

Baking soda and love, of course! All our bath bombs are mixed, pressed and made by hand using fresh ingredients and the finest essential oils. If you really want to get into the nitty-gritty, check out this How It’s Made video featuring fan favorite Deep Sleep Bath Bomb.

Sink into Sex Bomb’s floral jasmine and relaxing ylang ylang.

Sex Bomb floats in bubbly, pink waters.” height=

The legacy continues

Every year on April 27th, we celebrate World Bath Bomb Day to joyfully commemorate the day we created the first-ever bath bomb. For over three decades we’ve helped people around the world make the bath their official happy place—but don’t take our word for it. Discover for yourself what decades of passion and innovation feel like here.

See what have in store this World Bath Bomb Day or check out other stellar events here.