If you've heard of bath bombs but don't have a bathtub — or simply prefer showers — then shower steamers might just change your daily routine. They've become one of our most popular products at Aquinas Soap Company, and for good reason. But we get asked all the time: what exactly is a shower steamer? Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Shower Steamer?
A shower steamer (sometimes called a shower bomb or shower tablet) is a small, fizzing tablet made with baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. When placed on the floor of your shower and activated by water and steam, it releases a burst of aromatherapy fragrance that fills your shower space.
Think of it as aromatherapy for your shower — no bathtub required.
How Are They Different from Bath Bombs?
Great question! Bath bombs are designed to dissolve fully in a tub of water, releasing colour, fragrance, and moisturizing ingredients into the water that surrounds your skin. Shower steamers are formulated differently — they're not meant to touch your skin directly. Their purpose is purely aromatic: to create a spa-like steam experience in your shower.
Because of this, shower steamers are typically made with much higher concentrations of essential oils than bath bombs, which is what gives them their powerful scent throw.
How Do You Use a Shower Steamer?
Using a shower steamer is simple:
- Place the steamer on the floor of your shower, away from the direct stream of water. You want it to get splashed and steamed, not fully submerged — if it dissolves too fast, you lose the aromatherapy effect.
- Turn on your shower and let it heat up. The steam is what activates the essential oils.
- Step in, breathe deeply, and enjoy the experience.
- One steamer typically lasts one shower session, though larger ones can be broken in half to extend use.
What Are the Benefits?
The benefits of shower steamers come primarily from the essential oils used in them. Different scents offer different effects:
- Eucalyptus & menthol — opens airways, great for congestion and colds
- Lavender — calming and relaxing, perfect for an evening wind-down shower
- Peppermint — energizing and refreshing, ideal for a morning wake-up
- Citrus blends — uplifting and mood-boosting
- Eucalyptus & rosemary — clarifying and focusing, great for a midday reset
Are They Safe?
Yes — as long as you use them as directed. The key rules are:
- Don't use them in the bath. The high concentration of essential oils isn't formulated for full skin immersion.
- Keep them away from children's reach when not in use, as essential oils can be irritating if handled directly.
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from humidity — otherwise they can start to activate prematurely.
Our Shower Steamers at Aquinas Soap Company
All of our shower steamers are handcrafted in small batches in our studio in New Lowell, Ontario, using natural ingredients and pure essential oils — no synthetic fragrances. Whether you need help waking up, winding down, clearing your head, or simply treating yourself, we have a steamer for that.
Ready to upgrade your shower? Shop our full shower steamer collection and find your perfect scent.