As winter approaches, the bath additive section at the drugstore and on Amazon suddenly gets a lot busier. Carbonated tablets like Bub, bath salts like Epsom salt, and liquid types like Tsumura’s medicated bath liquid — these three formats look and work differently, yet many people seem to pick one just based on vague personal preference. This article compares real reviews for six products — two carbonated tablets, two bath salts, and two liquids — to break down what actually changes between formats.
TL;DR for the time-pressed:
- Highest-rated: Tsumura’s Medicated Bath Liquid, Bath Herb (liquid, ~¥2,400, 4.5)
- By far the most reviews: Sea Crystals Epsom Salt (~¥1,236, 4.3, 14,609 reviews) — the pick if you want a proven track record
- Carbonated tablets (Bub and ONPO) both hold a steady 4.2–4.4
Who This Article Isn’t For
This article isn’t for anyone with a bath additive allergy or a medical condition for which a doctor has restricted use. It’s strictly a comparison of general user experience and makes no claims about medical effectiveness. It also doesn’t cover niche categories like shower steamers or bath tea bags — this article focuses on the three drugstore staples: carbonated tablets, bath salts, and liquid types.
Three Things to Check Before You Choose
First is scent strength and personal preference. This holds true across all six products compared here: if the scent isn’t to your liking, satisfaction drops sharply. Liquid-type medicated baths in particular tend to have a notably strong scent, and reviews were genuinely split down the middle.
Second is the effect on the tub and bathroom floor. Some carbonated tablets leave a strong color, and some bath salts and thicker liquid types were reported to make the floor slippery. That’s not a point to overlook for households with small children or elderly family members.
Third is fit with your purpose. Whether you want an easy mood boost or a noticeable effect like sweating or moisturizing changes which format you should choose. These reviews suggest carbonated tablets appeal to people who prioritize convenience, while bath salts and liquids draw people with a specific goal in mind.
Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bub Variety Box, 5 Scents, 60 Tablets | Carbonated Tablet | ~¥2,565 | 4.4 (8,214 reviews) |
| ONPO Assorted Carbonated Bath Tablets, 84 Tablets | Carbonated Tablet | ~¥2,435 | 4.2 (2,618 reviews) |
| Sea Crystals Epsom Salt Original, 2.2kg | Bath Salt | ~¥1,236 | 4.3 (14,609 reviews) |
| Onso Amber Bath (Ii Yumeguri), 600g×2-Pack | Bath Salt | ~¥1,750 | 4.4 (8,934 reviews) |
| Tsumura’s Medicated Bath Liquid, Bath Herb, 650ml | Liquid | ~¥2,400 | 4.5 (1,932 reviews) |
| Sofre Medicated Skin Care Bath Liquid, Rich Moisture Formula, 1.2L | Liquid | ~¥1,982 | 4.4 (1,926 reviews) |
*Prices are as of the time of writing. Please check each product page for the latest price. Ratings and review counts reflect Amazon’s official bestseller rankings at the time of writing.
Review Trends by Product
Bub Variety Box, 5 Scents, 60 Tablets
On the plus side, this has the most reviews of any product in the bestseller ranking (8,214), with many reviewers saying things like “cheap for how much you get” and “fun to rotate through different scents each day.” Reviewers also valued the reassurance of a well-established brand.
On the downside, some reviewers said the scent is strong enough to fill a room just from storing it, and others pointed out noticeable tub discoloration. A few also mentioned finding it cheaper at a home improvement store.
Best for: people who want the reassurance of a well-established brand, and anyone who enjoys variety in scents.
ONPO Assorted Carbonated Bath Tablets, 84 Tablets
On the plus side, many reviewers like that it dissolves cleanly all the way through, and praise the value of getting 84 tablets at an affordable price. Reviewers also enjoyed being able to try a variety of scents.
On the downside, reviewers who’d used both directly compared it to Bub, saying the fizzing feels weaker and that several scents are a bit underwhelming — Bub still smells better, in their view. Some also found the color or scent too strong.
Best for: people who prioritize value for money, and anyone who wants to try a range of scents first.
Sea Crystals Epsom Salt Original, 2.2kg
On the plus side, many reviewers like that it’s fragrance-free and easy to combine with other bath additives, and say it leaves skin smooth while warming the body nicely. Reviewers also appreciated the included measuring scoop, which makes it easy to use even for first-timers.
On the downside, some reviewers said they couldn’t clearly feel a difference in warmth compared to a regular bath, which some attributed to it being unscented and colorless, and a few reported their package arrived without the measuring scoop. Some also felt it ran out faster than the labeled number of uses.
Best for: people who specifically want a fragrance-free, additive-free option, and anyone aiming to work up a sweat.
Onso Amber Bath (Ii Yumeguri), 600g×2-Pack
On the plus side, many reviewers say it turns the bathwater silky and thick, giving a feeling similar to soaking in a hot spring, and praise the calming, soothing scent. It’s also popular as a reward on tiring days.
On the downside, several reviewers warned that the thickened water makes the tub and floor slippery, so caution is needed. Opinions on scent were also mixed, with some finding it stronger or sharper than expected. A few longtime users felt the color and scent got weaker after a formula renewal.
Best for: people who want a hot-spring feel at home, and anyone looking to treat themselves to a relaxing bath.
Tsumura’s Medicated Bath Liquid, Bath Herb, 650ml
On the plus side, many reviewers say it holds heat well and leaves the body feeling lighter, and that it noticeably eased poor circulation and cold sensitivity. Being a liquid, it also dissolves quickly, and reviewers liked that just half a capful goes a long way, making it good value.
On the downside, some reviewers said the herbal medicine scent is strong even with the cap closed, almost like a mild air freshener, and a few reported the scent was so overpowering that they ended up throwing the bottle out. Some also said tub discoloration is hard to remove.
Best for: people looking to address cold sensitivity, and anyone who wants to try a serious medicated-bath option.
Sofre Medicated Skin Care Bath Liquid, Rich Moisture Formula, 1.2L
On the plus side, many reviewers praise its moisturizing power, saying the water turns silky and wraps the skin in hydration, and that skin feels less tight even if they forget to apply body cream afterward. Reviewers also liked that it’s gentle enough to use with a baby, so the whole family can use it.
On the downside, some reviewers stopped using it after learning it’s best not used with a water-reheating bath system, and others pointed out it’s pricier than competing products at the same volume. A few also reported leakage issues with the bottle.
Best for: people dealing with dry skin, and anyone who wants something the whole family can use.
What Low Ratings Have in Common
First, regardless of format, scent strength and how much it suits personal taste was the single biggest source of complaints. Bub drew comments about the scent filling the whole room, Tsumura’s medicated bath liquid had reviewers who threw it out because the smell was too strong, and even ONPO and Sofre got remarks calling the scent “artificial” or saying it’s a matter of taste. When trying a bath additive with a strong scent, it may be safer to start with a small or individually packaged size.
Second is trouble around the tub and floor. Bub and Tsumura’s medicated bath liquid both drew reports of tub discoloration that’s hard to remove, and thicker types like Onso Amber Bath got several warnings about the floor becoming slippery. This is especially worth keeping in mind for households where small children or elderly family members bathe together.
Third is a gap between expectations and the actual quantity or usage conditions. The Epsom salt drew reports of missing measuring scoops and running out faster than the labeled number of uses, and Sofre had reviewers caught off guard by the recommendation not to use it with a water-reheating system. It’s worth carefully checking the product description’s usage instructions and included items before buying.
Recommendations by Use Case
If you want an easy mood boost or enjoy trying a different scent every day, a carbonated tablet — just drop one tablet in and you’re done — is a good fit. Bub is the choice for the reassurance of a classic brand, while ONPO is the pick if value matters most. If you specifically want a fragrance-free, additive-free option or want to work up a sweat, a bath salt like Epsom salt suits you better. If you want a hot-spring feel at home, the thicker Onso Amber Bath type is also highly satisfying. For serious cold-sensitivity relief, Tsumura’s full-strength medicated bath liquid is a strong option, and for dry-skin care or family use, a moisturizing liquid like Sofre is a solid choice.
In Summary
This review comparison showed that bath additives in carbonated tablet, bath salt, and liquid form each have their own strengths. Roughly speaking: tablets for convenience, bath salts for an additive-free formula or sweating, and liquids for a clear, noticeable effect like moisturizing. That said, every type shared common cautions around scent strength and effects on the tub and floor, so it’s worth weighing your own and your family’s preferences and bathroom setup before picking the one you’ll use this winter.
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