2. What are Cosmeceuticals?
Cosmeceuticals are products that have both cosmetic and therapeutic
(medical or drug- like) effects, and are intended to have a beneficial effect
on skin health and beauty.
Like cosmetics, they are applied topically as creams or lotions but contain
active ingredients that have an effect on skin cell function.
The term “cosmeceutical” was introduced by dermatologist Dr Albert Kligman
in 1984 and is derived from a combination of the words cosmetic and
pharmaceutical.
3. HOW DOES THE LAW DEFINE A
COSMETIC?
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics 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)
4. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “COSMETICS” &
“COSMECEUTICALS”
Cosmetics are used JUST to color and adorn the body in a stylish fashion,
leaving the real problem unaddressed.
Cosmeceuticals typically contain levels of active ingredients including
phytochemicals, vitamins etc… that influence the biological function of the
skin.
5. WHAT ARE SOME COMMON INGREDIENTS
IN COSMECEUTICALS?
Sunscreens (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide)
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Alpha-lipoic acid, Nicotinamide)
Hydroxy acids (improve skin texture and reduce the skin signs of ageing )
Skin lightening agents (Ascorbic acid , Kojic acid)
Peptides and proteins
6. “COSMECEUTICAL INGREDIENTS”
The main ingredients used in Cosmeceuticals:
Vitamins
Fruit/Herb/Vegetable Extracts
Essential Oils
Minerals
7. WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE PROHIBITED OR
RESTRICTED BY FDA REGULATIONS?
Bithionol: photocontact sensitization
Chloroform: cancer
Halogenated salicylanilides: skin disorders
Mercury compounds: allergic reactions, skin irritation
8. THE ADVANTAGES OF COSMECEUTICALS
Address the root-causes
Safe for long-terms use
Complementary role
Promote beauty through health & wellness of skin
Cosmeceutical with natural ingredients are preferred
