Originally announced over a year ago, the Bath Bot has faced delays in its market launch, leading to some customers expressing frustration over unfulfilled pre-orders and questionings about the product’s legitimacy. According to Goswell, the delays stemmed from Lush’s inexperience with electronic devices. Although the product was ready, they did not anticipate the lengthy process required for obtaining the necessary certifications to sell the device. The Bath Bot is now available in the UK and EU, and will be hitting the US market soon (with the exception of California, which has additional regulations).
Certain compromises were unavoidable during the product’s development. “The components inside aren’t what we would call 100 percent ethical, but we made our best effort,” says Goswell. The team aimed to incorporate recycled materials due to environmental concerns, but ultimately opted for virgin plastic to ensure the device is waterproof. Nonetheless, the final product is recyclable, and Lush has stated that customers will be able to bring their devices into stores for any necessary repairs.
Creating electronic devices inherently comes with a carbon footprint, but Goswell argues that the one associated with the Bath Bot is defensible. “If it were a single-use item or a low-quality, disposable gadget that malfunctioned within six months, that would present a different conversation, but we’ve designed it to last,” he remarks.
Indeed, the Bath Bot is not an inexpensive option. The £150 price point has prompted surprise even among devoted Lush enthusiasts on platforms like the 115k-member r/LushCosmetics subreddit. As one fan observed, “Why would I spend $200 on a speaker from a bath store?” Waterproof Bluetooth speakers from established brands are available for considerably less, often boasting superior sound quality: Ultimate Ears’ buoyant Wonderboom 4 is priced around $100 (and frequently sells for even lower), while JBL’s entry-level waterproof speakers can be found for as low as $40, with even cheaper options available on Amazon.
According to Goswell, the elevated price is attributed to various factors, including it being Lush’s inaugural tech product and the limited production run, both of which contribute to higher expenses. The choice to prioritize more ethical components also adds to the cost, as does manufacturing taking place in the UK. Ultimately, he explains, Lush does not intend to position the Bath Bot alongside other Bluetooth speakers; instead, they view it as a lifestyle accessory, similar to a Philips Hue lamp. While primarily aimed for bath use, he also enjoys taking it along to hotel rooms for enhancing the ambiance.
I decided to try the Bath Bot in its designated setting, filling a bath and preparing the Lush app for connection. Once the bath was drawn, I dropped the Bath Bot into the water where it floated around, cycling through an array of colored lights that created the impression of dyeing the bathwater. Offered in both black and white, the Bath Bot features just four buttons—on/off, play/pause, and two volume controls. Upon turning it on, it emits a delightful startup sound filled with birdsong accompanied by gentle guitar tones.
