Rabbi Addresses Permissibility of "Kosher" Makeup on Shabbat

Rabbi Yigal Cohen, head of the "Yabia Omer" institutions and a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, has clarified the halachic (Jewish law) permissibility of using "kosher" makeup on the Sabbath. The question arises from the prohibition of "melachet tzovea" (the act of dyeing or coloring) on Shabbat, which is generally understood to include applying makeup.

Rabbi Cohen explained that the permissibility hinges on the nature of the makeup and its intended use. If the makeup is designed solely for cosmetic enhancement and does not involve a process that alters the natural color of the skin in a way that is considered "dyeing" according to traditional interpretations, it may be permissible. The key distinction lies in whether the application is seen as a prohibited act of coloring or a permissible act of beautification.

He further elaborated that the term "kosher" in this context refers to makeup that adheres to Jewish dietary and purity laws, but the primary halachic concern for Shabbat is the prohibition of "melachet tzovea." The rabbi's ruling provides guidance for observant Jews seeking to understand the nuances of Shabbat observance concerning personal grooming and appearance.