When you’re feeling tense, need a moment of clarity, or just want to relax, you can count on shower steamers and shower bombs to help transform your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary. They’re relatively affordable and smell amazing — and some even have added benefits, like clearing your sinuses and helping you de-stress before bed.
Shower steamers fizz up and release amazing scents while you shower, and they require far less water than bath bombs. Another bonus? Shower steamers last longer than bath bombs, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D. “Shower steamers can last over multiple showers, making them a nice value. You can break off parts to split them among different showers, depending on average shower size and length,” she says.
Shower steamers and shower bombs are the same product — just marketing lingo from brands. You pretty much can't go wrong with either product, but we recommend checking out the label in order to get a better idea of the ingredients.
It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin or are dealing with skin conditioners like eczema. Instead, opt for a shower steamer that's infused with essential oils that'll help enhance your mood and smell phenomenal. Here’s a quick look at four common scent profiles you’ll find in shower steamers and shower bombs, and what they can do for you:
Lavender has a powdery floral scent that will help calm you down before bed or when you’re stressed.
Chamomile is a sweet-yet-relaxing floral scent that boasts a soothing effect — it’s another great option for when you need to decompress.
Citrus smells like orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, or a combination of all four fruits. They’re great for when you need a burst of energy in the morning before you start work or run a bunch of errands.
Eucalyptus has a slight minty smell and is handy for when the dreary weather has you feeling glum or your nose is stuffy.
Another bonus? Shower steamers are mess-free, meaning they won't leave grittiness or slippery residue on your shower floor, adds Chacon.
Ready to level up your next shower? Here are seven beauty editor-approved shower steamers and shower bombs worth incorporating into your daily shower routine.
Anihana's shower steamers earned the top spot on our list because of their price, short ingredient list, and fragrant scents. Anihana is also a women-owned small business.
When I feel groggy in the morning, I'll toss this orange- and grapefruit-scented shower steamer into the corner of my shower. Designed for just one single use, it fully dissolves in four minutes, but I find that the energizing scent lingers throughout the morning.
Costing just under $3 a pop, you can stock up on the other scents — Peppermint and Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Lemongrass — without breaking the bank.
With an impressive 4.4-star average rating from nearly 20,000 (!!) Amazon reviews, it's no surprise that Chacon is a fan of Cleverfy's shower steamers.
Made with vegan-friendly, cruelty-free ingredients, these shower steamers work best with light steam, rather than being fully submerged in water or in a heavily steamed area.
Each shower steamer is shaped like a tablet, and it comes in six scents — ranging from Lavender and Watermelon to Grapefruit and Peppermint. There's also Menthol and Eucalyptus, along with Vanilla and Orange.
For more information, the steamers come with an e-book about all things essential oils and aromatherapy.
Remember that episode of Friends when Monica is so sick, Chandler avoids her? Perhaps if my favorite Geller sibling (sorry, Ross!) had these non-medicated shower steamers, she might have cleared up her sinus sooner.
They combine eucalyptus with menthol and camphor, three ingredients that help relieve a stuffy nose. This is similar to Vick's signature chest cream, minus the tingling sensation.
Chacon is also a fan of Body Restore's shower steamers, and it's easy to see why. Beyond their relatively cheap price — each bag contains 12 tablets, or $2.50 a shower steamer — they smell like fresh citrus groves.
Made with natural essential oils, these paraben-free and long-lasting shower steamers are a great addition to your shower time routine.
Sure, you might be familiar with star signs and birthstones, but did you know that each birth month is represented by a flower? Husband and wife duo Mazzi and Erez Peled did, and they designed pretty handmade shower steamers to celebrate your big day.
Each box contains four shower steamers featuring an essential oil blend inspired by each month. For example, July smells like orange and geranium, while September shower steamers boast a lavender and sage scent profile.
These shower bombs are so great, you'll want to keep them for yourself! But of course, you know deep down that you should share the beauty wealth with your bestie and loved ones. Each gift set contains six shower bombs made from pure essential oils, and they're labeled for various moods — including Calm, Breath Easy, and Serenity.
According to the brand, this set includes a diverse group of scents, including two eucalyptus-scented bath bombs, plus one each of a lavender, orange ginger, bergamot, and Moroccan rose shower steamer.
OK, I love fortune cookies just as much as the next person, so these kitsch shower bombs immediately caught my eye. In addition to the beautiful tie-dye prints and attention-grabbing colors like orange, green, and yellow, these one-of-a-kind shower steamers each contain a fortune.
One case contains 24 shower steamers, each with a different scent. This set offers you an amazing variety, ensuring that each shower is a memorable, sensory experience.
Nicole SaundersBeauty EditorNicole Saunders is the Beauty Editor at BestProducts.com, where she oversees coverage on all things beauty.
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