What Is Considered Cosmetics?

Cosmetics are a broad category of products used to enhance one’s body appearance. Some cosmetics may help hide blemishes or alter facial features; other uses might include lipsticks, nail polishes, perfumes, hair dyes, lotions and skin moisturizers.

Some cosmetics double up as pharmaceutical drugs, like antiperspirant shampoos and deodorants. Other products have dual uses; foundations with sunscreen can also serve this function.

Definition

Cosmetics are products intended to cleanse, beautify or enhance attractiveness on the body. According to the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act, cosmetics include articles that “are intended to be applied directly onto skin, hair, fingernails, eyes or face for cosmetic use.” This includes skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, nail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations cleansing shampoos permanent waves deodorants; although FDA premarket approval for most cosmetic products except color additives isn’t necessary.

Cosmetic ingredients may not be as widely understood as food ingredients, and there has been considerable debate surrounding some. For instance, makeup artists were using lead-based lipstick in the nineteenth century despite protest from Queen Victoria and Adolf Hitler; today such practices are illegal to manufacture or sell in many countries.

Some products serve multiple functions and can be classified both cosmetics and drugs under various laws. For example, an antidandruff shampoo and fluoride toothpaste could both fall under this classification depending on how they’re marketed; an ingredient could also cause it to be classified either way based on therapeutic benefits; an antidandruff shampoo containing an active ingredient to treat dandruff would fall into this category whereas massage oil used to relax muscles would likely fall into another.

Cosmetics contain many components other than just substances used to formulate them, such as pure water that’s free from microbes, toxins and pollutants; labelling will often refer to this water as “distilled, purified or aqua.” Some cosmetics also contain heavy metals like mercury, arsenic or lead which add scent or color but pose health risks when in contact with skin. The FDA sets manufacturing standards that companies must abide by, reporting defective or hazardous cosmetics that breach them as soon as they’re found on store shelves if any such products come into contact with skin contact; legal action against such products can take place as soon as they hit market shelves.

Examples

Some of the more frequently seen cosmetics include lipstick, perfume, fingernail polishes and shaving cream – as well as shaving foam! But these products only represent a fraction of all that fall under this umbrella term which also encompasses skin moisturizers, hair dyes and toothpaste. Contrary to what may be found at drug stores, cosmetics are defined by the Federal Drug & Cosmetic Act as articles intended for application to human bodies for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance purposes – unlike medical products which fall under this definition rather than medical products found within drug store medical categories e.g. skin moisturizers).

Cosmetic use has been around for at least 10,000 years; possibly much longer. Examples of makeup from history include eye shadow, kohl and henna; the latter was commonly used by ancient Persians and Egyptians for ceremonial hair dyeing purposes; it even appears in biblical writings! Cosmetic use was welcomed by some cultures while it was rejected by others (like Queen Victoria who found makeup inappropriate for her class).

Even though cosmetics are regulated by the FDA, not all are safe. Some contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury which can wreak havoc with our immune, reproductive and nervous systems; others contain animal fat or carcinogenic preservatives – it is therefore imperative that consumers always read ingredient lists prior to purchasing any product and look for natural or organic options whenever possible.

Cosmetics products typically consist of plant-based materials. However, some contain animal or insect remains. Vivid colors found in certain makeup can come from crushed insect bodies, bat guano and even rust. Though most consumers do not approve of such practices, new technology has enabled more sophisticated pigments without these controversial sources.

Some products that fall between cosmetic and pharmaceutical categories, like anti-dandruff shampoos and deodorants with SPF protection, require two sets of regulations to be approved on the market.

Categories

Cosmetics can be divided into various categories. These include skin products, hair care items and fragrances. Furthermore, there are subcategories based on how a product is applied – for instance lipstick and mascara can either be considered stick or gel applications.

Skin care products are some of the most widely-used cosmetics, ranging from cleansers and moisturizers to anti aging and sun protection products, not forgetting acne treatments and lip plumping solutions.

Hair products are another widely used category of cosmetics, and these can include shampoos and conditioners as well as styling products like mousses, gels, waxes and creams for hairstyling. Hair care products may also be divided up by use such as depilatories to remove unwanted hair or conditioners to moisturize and condition the scalp.

Fragrances are another subcategory of cosmetics that encompass everything from perfume and colognes to body sprays designed to cover up natural body odor. Fragrances account for roughly 10% of the overall market for cosmetics.

Makeup is another category of cosmetics used to cover imperfections or enhance natural features such as eyebrows and eyelashes, add color to the face or, when used for performances such as fashion shows or costumed events, completely transform a person’s appearance to mimic that of another person, creature or object.

Cosmetic products often contain dyes that are regulated by government agencies in their country or region, much like any chemical ingredients. While these components can come from natural sources like plants or minerals or be manufactured synthetically, certain colors can be toxic, and it’s wise for consumers to limit exposure as much as possible.

Since the 20th century, cosmetics have seen rapid popularity growth in America and elsewhere. With girls being introduced to makeup at earlier ages than previously anticipated and being part of this media discourse since, numerous companies have adapted by producing flavored lipsticks and glosses, packaged in glittery containers as part of this new trend.

Regulation

Many products considered cosmetics in the United States may differ significantly when sold abroad, particularly regarding which ingredients they contain. For instance, under U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act definition, cosmetics include articles designed to be applied directly onto or otherwise introduced into human bodies for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering its appearance; such articles include skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks fingernail polishes eye and facial makeup shaving creams hair dyes toothpastes deodorants etc.

Cosmetic products must meet certain criteria in order to qualify as cosmetics. They must not contain any abrasives and do not make medicinal or therapeutic claims, while still being suitable for consumer use when labeled correctly. Cosmetics are also heavily regulated; the Food and Drug Administration requires businesses with manufacturing processes defined and supplies stored safely to reduce contamination or poor quality issues; furthermore, inspections by FDA personnel ensure these standards are being upheld by manufacturing facilities.

An individual product may qualify as both cosmetics and drugs. This usually happens when it has multiple intended uses; for instance, dandruff shampoo could fall under both categories – it cleanses hair while treating dandruff – so any such products must comply with all relevant laws.

Some ingredients used in cosmetics may be prohibited due to their potential hazards, while others are allowed provided that they are used safely in accordance with their intended use. Cosmetic industry practitioners refer to such ingredients as “cosmeceuticals” or “beauty chemicals.” Furthermore, FDA regulations restricting certain color additives may prohibit or restrict their use; some come from natural sources like crushed insects and rust while others are created synthetically – many banned or restricted in food as well.