Bath bombs are considered a cosmetic and there are rules and regulations imposed by the FDA for coloring bath bombs. This has been a challenging time for people who make soap who have recently added bath bombs to their catalog. Soaps are a rinse off product, whereas bath bombs are used in bathwater and are in contact with mucous membranes (genitals) for extended periods of time.
Glitter has been mostly ignored in the community as a color additive. Suppliers who offer these glitters often have untrue statements or misinformation on their website about their approved applications.
Many cosmetic glitters contain aluminum. If you don't know if your does, look at the ingredient list on the label or on the website of your supplier. If it contains aluminum, you may not use these safely in bath bombs (or bath products made for the tub).
The Director of Color Certification at the FDA confirmed that if a color additive contains aluminum or aluminum powder, it is approved for the following for cosmetics
So in layman's terms, ALUMINUM is:
Keep your peeps safe and your reputation intact.
Glitter has been mostly ignored in the community as a color additive. Suppliers who offer these glitters often have untrue statements or misinformation on their website about their approved applications.
Many cosmetic glitters contain aluminum. If you don't know if your does, look at the ingredient list on the label or on the website of your supplier. If it contains aluminum, you may not use these safely in bath bombs (or bath products made for the tub).
The Director of Color Certification at the FDA confirmed that if a color additive contains aluminum or aluminum powder, it is approved for the following for cosmetics
- Eyes: YES
- Generally (includes lipstick) NO
- External: YES This means it should not come in contact with mucous membranes for extended periods of time.
From the CFR:
73.2645 Aluminum powder. (a) Identity and specifications. The color additive aluminum powder shall conform in identity and specifications to the requirements of §73.1645 (a)(1) and (b). (b) Uses and restrictions. Aluminum powder may be safely used in coloring externally applied cosmetics, including cosmetics intended for use in the area of the eye, in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice.
So in layman's terms, ALUMINUM is:
- Not permitted on lips
- Not permitted in bath bombs, bath salts, bath bubble bars, etc.
It is hard to keep track of all the rules. We understand. We try hard to keep up on all of the color additive rules and regulations,keep you informed so you can comply with the FDA regulations. The FDA list all color additives that are approved for cosmetics and their safety applications. If you are having trouble deciphering what all of it means, feel free to email me at info(at)madoils(dot)com or contact the FDA.
To read more on FDA Regulations, see my other FDA blog post here: http://thesoapbar.blogspot.com/2017/04/fda-regulations-regarding-color.html
Keep your peeps safe and your reputation intact.