RUB-a-dub . . . DON’T.
We are turning the taps off on bathtubs as the cost of lathering up with bubbles continues to rise, new consumer research has revealed.
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The figures come from PZ Cussons, maker of leading wash brands such as Imperial Leather.
And they are backed up by supermarket receipts from this summer, which also show sales of bubble bath are down by 35 per cent.
So can you still enjoy a relaxing soak without spending a fortune?
Laura Stott tried a selection of bargain bathers and rated them out of five.
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Tesco Essentials Bath Foam
750ml, 75p, Tesco
PRICED at well under a quid for a large 750ml bottle, this turquoise-blue smelly is a real bargain.
Despite the low price, it has a lovely fragrance.
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Mild and gentle, it’s described as a bath foam and didn’t disappoint on that front, frothing up fast and producing plenty of bubbles.
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It’s not the longest lasting once in the tub but unless you are planning to soak for an hour it does a good job for a great price, and it’s mild enough to share with the kids.
The only snag is the packaging design, which makes it hard to dispense any less than a big glug into the water.
Score: 4/5
Cussons Creations Vanilla & Shea Butter
500ml, £1, Boots
YOU don’t get as much liquid for your money in this 500ml bottle but it’s still well priced and tries to offer a touch of luxury without hurting your wallet or purse too badly.
With a creamier consistency that doesn’t fluff up as frothily under running water as some of the others, it’s clearly designed more as a soak.
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The suds it does generate have a fairly strong vanilla scent that will divide the crowd.
For me, the fragrance was a bit too overpowering, but if you like sweet aromas you’ll love it.
It left my skin nice and soft. The pretty packaging looks lovely on the shelf, too.
Score: 2/5
Lacura Relax & Unwind Bath Soak
750ml, 99p, Aldi
THIS posh-looking bottle definitely doesn’t look like it comes from a discounter supermarket.
In fact, it is remarkably similar to a leading bathtime brand whose muscle-relaxing soaks retail at twice the price.
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The floral and lavender decorative label will get you in the mood for some me-time in the bathroom and a long, stress-busting soak.
The lavender and water lily scent is a bit synthetic, despite real lavender extracts, but still adds to the spa vibes.
Decent foam to lie back and relax in and a splash of this feels like a treat that will definitely help you to drift off.
Score: 4/5
Novon Bath Cream
750ml, 70p, Sainsbury’s
FOR the 70p price – the cheapest I tried – this is an excellent no-frills family option to stick on the side of your bathtub.
A straightforward bath cream with a silky consistency that is gentle, even if you have sensitive skin.
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It leaves you feeling soft and clean and is suitable for most bathers, including your little ones.
If you want Pretty Woman-style OTT suds, a fancy bottle or a strong fragrance, then this probably isn’t the product for you.
But as a basic bathing option that doesn’t break the bank, it really is an excellent buy.
Score: 4/5 – BEST FOR FAMILIES
Just Essentials Foam Bath
750ml, 75p, Asda
WITH magnolia flower extracts for a delicious scent and silk amino acids for a luxurious texture, this bottle was the real surprise of the test, with quality bubbles that far surpassed its rock-bottom price.
Despite the budget packaging and a label that makes it look fairly unappealing as an option for a long, stress-busting soak, the contents out-perform expectations.
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It has plenty of long-lasting bubbles and a lovely aroma, plus it’s ultra-concentrated, so gives you a lot of suds for your cash.
Easy to overlook on the shelf, but don’t pull the plug on this one – it’s well worth a try for a family foam.
Score: 5/5 – BEST BARGAIN
Cien Stress Relief Soak
750ml, 95p, Lidl
ANOTHER great value-for-money soaker to add to your tub.
This is a big bottle for the price and its basic packaging doesn’t do justice to the excellent quality suds inside.
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Infused with herbal eucalyptus and rosemary, it has a slightly medicinal fragrance, which is created to be a stress buster.
For such a low-cost liquid I was really impressed with the smell.
Real rosemary leaf is listed as an ingredient, and you can tell in the tub as the aroma was calming and not at all soapy – it filled the whole bathroom with a delicious scent.
It was a great muscle relaxer, too.
Score: 5/5 – BEST FOR RELAXING
The Collection Sleep Therapy Bath Soak
750ml, £1.20, Sainsbury’s
SAINSBURY’S purple supermarket soaker with lavender extracts and waterlily fragrance is remarkably similar to Aldi’s mauve offering, except this one is a little pricier for the same sized 750ml bottle.
That said, it’s still far cheaper than many big-name brands and remains a decent economical option to pick up when you’re doing the weekly shop.
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A soothing aroma and a good amount of bubbles when added to running water, this foamed up really well and you don’t need more than a tiny glug.
It left skin squeaky clean without feeling dry – and looks like a bit of treat on the side of the bathtub.
Score: 3/5
Morrisons Ginger & Shea Pamper Bath Soak
500ml, £1, Morrisons
NOT expensive compared to market-leading bubbles, but this bottle is only 500ml, so smaller than some of the other options.
This makes it a bit pricier for own-label supermarket suds.
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You might not get quite as much value for your money, but the contents of the bottle do smell delicious and a bit different.
Natural extracts of fresh, zingy ginger give the bathroom a tropical fug when you pour it into a warm bath.
The shea butter extracts work well to gently soften and nourish the skin.
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It’s more creamy than foamy, but it lathers up fairly well.
Score: 3/5
