Cosmetics: Complex Mixtures and Complex Regulations

The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics act defines a cosmetic as anything applied directly to a human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance without affecting the body structure and function. According to this definition, mixtures as diverse as a modern roll-on deodorant and henna, a colored plant extract used in ancient times as well as today to dye hair, are classified as cosmetics. However, it is interesting to note that according to Federal, Food and Drugs act, soap is not legally considered to be a cosmetic.

The sale of a cosmetics in many countries is regulated by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) but the regulatory requirements are regulated by Fair Packaging and Labelling Act. This act require that every cosmetic product must be labelled with the list of ingredients in order of decreasing quantity. For example, many skin products contain water than any other ingredient so, water is labelled first.

Any cosmetic product that is designed to treat and prevent disease, or otherwise affect the structure or function of a human body is regulated as both a drug and a cosmetic, and must meet the labelling requirement for both. Some well-known examples of these products are; dandruff shampoo, fluoride toothpaste and deodorants.