Cosmetics
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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Cosmetics are products applied to the surface of the body—particularly the face, hair, nails, skin, and lips—with the purpose of altering appearance, cleansing, or maintaining normal moisture. The term is also used for the industries and professions involved in manufacturing and distributing these products.
These products differ from dermatological treatment, which is used to cure disease. Most national laws distinguish between "cosmetics" and "medicine", since their effect on the body is superficial and does not treat disease. The boundary between certain products—such as toothpaste or sunscreen—overlaps both categories.
Categories
There are several broad categories. The first is cleansing and care products: soap, shampoo, moisturizing creams, and hair oils. The second is color products: face foundation, powder, lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner and mascara. The third is fragrance: perfume and scented products. The fourth is hair and nail care, including hair dye, chemical treatments for straightening or coloring, and nail polish.
Ingredients
Most cosmetics consist of a mixture of water and oil (an emulsion), combined with stabilizers, preservatives, colorants, and fragrance. Some colors come from minerals such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide; others are synthetic chemicals. Most regulations maintain separate lists of approved colorants and additives, and set maximum allowable concentrations.
History
The use of cosmetics has a long history. Jars of oils and eye pigments made from minerals have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Records from Greece, Rome, China, India, and the Middle East mention the use of perfumed oils, henna, and face powder. In the 19th and 20th centuries, cosmetics shifted from home production to specialized factories and became a major commercial industry, with advertising playing a significant role in marketing.
Regulation and safety
Many countries have regulatory bodies overseeing the safety of these products, which require manufacturers to conduct safety testing, list ingredients on packaging, and avoid making medical claims. Areas of ongoing controversy include animal testing—banned in some countries—and hazardous substances such as mercury and hydroquinone in some skin-lightening creams.