Beauty Tips©

COSMETICS

The parade of cosmetics advertising in almost any magazine demonstrates the importance people place on these products. But what exactly are cosmetics? Are they in any way the same thing as, or similar to, drugs? According to the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are define as "(1) articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or alternating the appearance, and (2) articles intended for use as a component of any such articles, except soaps." At present, there are more than 80 types of products considered cosmetics by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cosmetics may also be considered drugs when they make claims to alter a body function. For example, a deodorant is regulated as a cosmetic, because it is intended only to prevent odor. But an antiperspirant is regulated as a drug because it is intended to actually reduce perspiration, which is normal body function. If a cosmetic is actually classified as a drug, its active ingredients must be listed ahead of all other ingredients. This is done, for instance, on the labels of dandruff shampoos, hormone creams, antiperspirant, sunscreen products, and all medicated cosmetics.