Lush customers 'traumatised' by new ET bath bomb design

Cosmetics retailer Lush is celebrating its 30th anniversary this week and has released 30 new bath bombs to mark the occasion - and one of those has left customers in shock

Fans of the cosmetics retailer Lush have been left baffled by the design of a bath bomb featured in its latest product range. To mark World Bath Bomb Day (April 27) and Lush's 30th anniversary, the company has introduced a new collection for those that love a soak in the tub.

One of those 30 bath bombs, which features beloved 1980s movie character ET, has caused a particular stir after it appeared in a TikTok video this week. "Let's test it out," said the account Lush Reviews, holding the bath bomb aloft, which features the alien wrapped in a blanket just as he appeared in the basket of his human pal, Elliott's bicycle in 1982.

After being placed in the bath, ET quickly began to dissolve, turning the water shades orange. "I actually have no words, it's giving toilet roll," Lush Reviews admitted. And after ET's head parted from his body, they added: "He actually looks quite peaceful to be fair."

As the final piece of ET submerged, they added: "All joked aside, this bath bomb actually smelt so good. It's scented with lemon and bergamot. Essentially it's two bath bombs in one so it's a bargain if you ask me."

It was the image of ET's blood orange body capsizing that left viewers stunned, however. "This is traumatic," one TikTok user confessed. "How did NO ONE flag this when the idea came to life."

A second person penned: "I have an irrational fear of ET... this is making it much worse." A third declared: "That’s nightmare fuel." A fourth made a bizarre comparison: "When you throw your rolled up, used sanitary pad into the bin but completely miss and it ends up in the bath water you’re running for your kids."

Whilst a fifth asked Lush: "Is this AI? Do you see what I see? I need to leave the bathroom whilst this happens and come back to a lovely smelling bath and lay in ET’s mushy leftovers. I’m out."

Others appeared to appreciate the design, however, including one TikTok user who penned: "I’ve never wanted something more." And a second said: "This is so cute omg. I was so obsessed with ET as a kid I bought a big and little version of the same ET plush so I could hug the big one and take the little one everywhere with me."

Revealed in a Lush press release alongside numerous other new products, the ET bath bath retails at £9.50 in-store and online. Its product description states: "E.T. phone home. You run bath. For a soak that sparks wonder and lets your imagination soar, this extraordinary extraterrestrial will be right here."

Commenting on the new range, Jack Constantine, Lush’s CDO and bath bomb inventor said: "In today’s social media age, where we are losing more and more of our own time to scrolling, the bathroom is one of the last sanctuaries we have to retreat to. Shut the door, have a bath and take the time and space you need to properly unwind and recalibrate on how you’re feeling. We want to do everything we can to enhance your sanctuary for self-care and bring you a small moment to yourself."

The new collection launched on the Lush App on April 22, and was made available globally in-store and online on April 24.

Lush has been invited to comment further.