Cosmetics

Definition

Cosmetics are products that are applied to the body especially face to improve the physical appearance or to cleanse the body except soaps. If a product is intended only to cleanse the body or to make a person more attractive, it’s still a cosmetic with the exception of soaps. So, if a product such as a shower gel is intended only to cleanse the body, or a perfume or cologne is intended only to make a person smell good, it’s a cosmetic.

The FD&C Act defines cosmetics by their intended use, as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" (FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)). Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. It does not include soap. (To learn what products are considered "soap" for regulatory purposes, see "Soap."

But, if the product is intended for a therapeutic use, such as treating or preventing disease, or to affect the structure or function of the body, it’s a drug (FD&C Act, 201(g)), or in some cases a medical device (FD&C Act, 201(h)), even if it affects the appearance. Other “personal care products” may be regulated as dietary supplements or as consumer products.

Regulation

In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulates the cosmetics. According the FDA, the law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, to have FDA approval before they go on the market, but there are laws and regulations that apply to cosmetics on the market in interstate commerce. The two most important laws pertaining to cosmetics marketed in the United States are the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA).

Types of cosmetic products

 baby products

• Baby shampoos
• Lotions, Oils, Powders, and Creams
• Other baby products

02. Bath preparations

• Bath oils, Tablets, and Salts
• Bubble bath
• Bath capsules
• Other bath preparations

03. Eye makeup preparations

• Eyebrow pencil
• Eyeliner
• Eye shadow
• Eye lotion
• Eye makeup remover
• Mascara
• Other eye makeup preparations

04. Fragrance preparations

• Cologne and toilet waters
• Perfumes
• Powders (dusting and Talcum, excluding Aftershave talc
• Sachets
• Other fragrance preparations

05. Hair preparations (non-coloring)

• Hair
• Hair spray (aerosol fixatives)
• Hair straighteners
• Permanent waves
• Rinses (non-coloring)
• Shampoos (non-coloring)
• Tonics, Dressings, and other Hair grooming aids
• Wave sets
• Other hair preparations

06. Hair coloring preparations

• Hair dyes and Hair colors (all types requiring caution statements and patch tests)
• Hair tints
• Hair rinses (coloring)
• Hair shampoos (coloring)
• Hair color sprays (aerosol)
• Hair lighteners with color
• Hair bleaches
• Other hair coloring preparations

07. Makeup preparations (not eye)

• Blushers (all types)
• Face powders
• Foundations
• Leg and body paints
• Lipstick
• Makeup bases
• Rouges
• Makeup fixatives
• Other makeup preparations

08. Manicuring preparations

• Basecoats and undercoats
• Cuticle softeners
• Nail creams and lotions
• Nail extenders
• Nail polish and enamel
• Nail polish and enamel removers
• Other manicuring preparations

09. Oral hygiene products

• Dentifrices aerosol, Liquid, Pastes, and Powders
• Mouthwashes and breath fresheners (liquids and sprays)
• Other oral hygiene products

10. Personal cleanliness

• Bath soaps and detergents
• Deodorants (underarm)
• Douches
• Feminine deodorants
• Other personal cleanliness products

11. Shaving preparations

• Aftershave lotion
• Beard softeners
• Men's talcum
• Preshave lotions (all types)
• Shaving cream aerosol, Brushless, and Lather
• Shaving soap cakes, Sticks, Etc.)
• Other shaving preparations

12. Skin care preparations such as Creams, Lotions, Powders, and Sprays

• Cleansing creams, Cleansing lotions, Liquids, and Pads
• Depilatories
• Face and Neck (excluding shaving preparations)
• Body and Hand (excluding shaving preparations)
• Foot powders and sprays
• Moisturizing
• Paste masks or Mud packs
• Skin fresheners
• Other skin care preparations

13. Suntan preparations

• Suntan gels, Creams, and Liquids
• Indoor tanning preparations
• Other suntan preparations

 

See also

• Airbrush makeup
• Makeup brush
• Body art
• Contouring
• Cosmetic packaging
• Electrotherapy
• Female cosmetic coalitions
• Henna
• Ingredients of cosmetics
• Male cosmetics
• Moulage
• Natural skin care
• Permanent makeup
• Skin care

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