To make bath bombs last longer, there is one extra thing you can do. Aside from packaging them in an airtight container and storing them away from light and moisture, you might consider using a silica gel packet or oxygen absorber the package.
You’ve probably come across these little packets numerous times in your life without even thinking about it. They’re the little white packages clearly stamped with text that reads “DO NOT EAT.”
Silica gel packets are used to absorb moisture. Silica gel can hold 40 percent of its weight in moisture. By absorbing moisture that may accumulate in a package, these packets prevent any excess wetness from damaging the item. The result is a package that stays dry and fresh inside.
Oxygen absorbers work differently, but can be used to achieve a similar end result. In most packaged products, it’s simply not possible to remove every last bit of air from the package. Given that oxygen can destroy flavor, freshness and scent, this can be a problem for packaged goods. Oxygen absorbers are often the solution.
As you might have guessed from the name, oxygen absorbers are designed to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. Our atmosphere contains about 21 percent oxygen and 78 percent nitrogen, with a small amount of other gasses. In an airtight package, oxygen absorbers soak up that 21 percent of the air that is composed of oxygen, leaving only nitrogen behind.
Not only does this keep items fresh, it also has the added benefit of preventing moisture in a round-about way. If you consider that water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen, a package that is devoid of oxygen simply cannot accumulate moisture because the elements that create water are no longer present.
You’ve probably already guessed how all of this relates to packaging bath bombs and bath salts. By including a packet that absorbs moisture or oxygen, it’s much easier to keep your bath bombs fresh.
It’s easy to find both oxygen absorbers and silica gel packets in bulk. Even if you don’t make a lot of bath products, the extra packets can be used to keep other things fresh around the house. For example, tossing an oxygen absorber into a jar with snacks or nuts can keep them fresh for much longer.
