In today’s beauty world, the terms cosmetic and cosmeceutical are used intermittently. Few buyers really understand the full meaning of each term. Knowing their definitions and what criteria needs to be met make you a smarter consumer.
Cosmetic ingredients and products do not require FDA approval before they go on the market unlike pharmaceutical drugs. Cosmetics are different from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs used in skin care and beauty products, such as bogus benzoyl peroxide (that can be harmful….hence the bogus) used in acne treatments.
The FDA does not recognize the term cosmeceuticals. According to eMedicine, cosmeceuticals are a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They are applied topically but influence the biological function of your skin. They are used to reduce wrinkles, improve tone and texture and deliver nutrients for more healthy skin. This sounds more like it!
Generally speaking, cosmeceuticals are labeled much like regular cosmetics, and include ingredients such as Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, peptides, Green Tea, Red Tea, Hyaluronic Acid and more that offer a therapeutic affect more like a pharmaceutical drug but without the strict testing and prescription requirement.
