Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that are claimed, primarily by those within the cosmetic industry, to have drug-like benefits.
Criticism
According to the US Food and Drug Administration: "Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines drugs as those products that cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease or that affect the structure or function of the human body. While drugs are subject to an intensive review and approval process by FDA, cosmetics are not approved by FDA prior to sale. If a product has drug properties, it must be approved as a drug." [[1] (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-cos5.html)]
Much seems to depend on the labelling of the product: one describing itself as a deodorant would probably be classed as a cosmetic, whereas one labelled as an antiperspirant might well be classified as a drug because it claims to close the pores of the skin.
More prescription drugs are being sold across the counter; some may soon become “cosmeceuticals” or “nutriceuticals” — active chemicals sold as cosmetics or food.
Photodamage, the deterioration of skin due to sun exposure and aging, is the biggest market segment for cosmeceuticals.
Cosmeceuticals are defined as “scientifically” designed, aesthetically pleasing, topically applied products that produce a measurable or visible change in the appearance of the skin.
Thus, we may not assume that a cosmeceutical ingredient is active, unless a clinical trial proves its efficacy.
Cosmeceutical safety requirements are not mandated by a state or federal regulatory body.
Feeds |
Contact