Is A Bath Bomb Considered A Cosmetic?

Bath bombs are a hard-packed mixture of dry ingredients which begin to fizz when coming in contact with water. Essential oils, scents, bubbles and color can be added to create a relaxing and nourishing bath.

I recently reached out to the FDA to ask whether or not a bath bomb was considered a cosmetic and this is what they had to say.

"The FD&C Act defines cosmetics by their intended use, as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance” (FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)). Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. It does not include soap. (To learn what products are considered “soap” for regulatory purposes, see “Soap.” Please verify your product, “bath bomb” fits the aforementioned description, as the regulations regarding these color additives are specific to this category of products." (source: https://www.diycosmetics.com/blogs/diy-cosmetics-blog/is-a-bath-bomb-a-cosmetic)

So what would a bath bomb be listed as in the above list of what would be considered a “cosmetic?”

• Is it rubbed on to the skin?
• Is it sprayed, sprinkled or applied to the human body?
• Does it cleanse?
• Is it beautifying?
• Does it promote attractiveness or alter your appearance?
• Is it a moisturizer, perfume, face makeup, nail polish?

If the discussion is about the traditional bath bomb that one throws into the bath water to color it and add fragrance or essential oils, then I don’t believe it is considered under the category of a cosmetic. If herbs, teas, butters, pedals, etc. to moisturize or nourish the skin, relieve itchiness, ease an ailment, then yes it could be considered a cosmetic.

Head over to Bubbly Belle to order some of our one-of-a-kind bath bombs.