Shower steamers vs bath bombs: what's the difference?
By the Esteam team · 19 October 2026 · 3 min read
Quick answer
A bath bomb dissolves in bath water to colour and scent the bath. A shower steamer stays on the shower floor, outside the spray, and releases essential oils into the steam. Bath bombs suit long soaks; shower steamers bring the same aromatherapy feel to an ordinary ten-minute shower.
Side-by-side comparison
| Shower steamer | Bath bomb | |
|---|---|---|
| Used in | The shower | The bath |
| How it works | Releases essential oils into the steam | Dissolves in the water to scent and soften it |
| Time needed | A normal shower | A full soak, often 20–40 minutes |
| Water used | Shower water only | A full bath |
| Best for | Busy mornings, quick resets, homes without a bath | Long, slow evenings |
Can you use a bath bomb in the shower?
Not really. Bath bombs are designed to dissolve in a full bath, so in a shower they wash away quickly and much of the scent goes down the drain. Shower steamers are made to release their essential oils into the steam rather than the water, which is why the scent reaches you in a shower.
Can you use a shower steamer in the bath?
No. Esteam shower steamers are made for the shower and aren't designed to be used as bath bombs.
Which one should you choose?
If you shower most days and rarely have time for a bath, a shower steamer gives you the spa feeling without changing your routine. If you have a bath and love a long soak, a bath bomb makes sense. Plenty of people have both, but the shower steamer is the one you'll actually use on a Tuesday morning.
Frequently asked questions
Do shower steamers leave a residue?
A shower steamer sits outside the spray and gradually dissolves; anything left simply rinses down the drain at the end of your shower.
How many scents do Esteam shower steamers come in?
Nine: Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Lavender, Rosemary, Rose, Tea Tree, Camomile, Peppermint and Coconut.
Shop shower steamers · From £15Nine essential-oil scents in six gift-box designs.Shop now