Cosmetics–Quality and safety concerns

Abstract

The term cosmetic is used to refer to a range of beauty products which include skin-care creams, shampoo, lotions, powders, perfumes, facial make up, lipsticks, finger nail and toe nail polishes, hair colours, etc. A subset of cosmetics called make-up refer primarily to coloured products intended to alter users’ appearance. Generally cosmetics enhance the appearance and odour of the part of the body where applied without permanently affecting the body structure or function. They are mostly applied on keratinous tissue (skin, hair and nails). In normal usage the term ‘cosmetic change’ denotes a negative connotation which suggests fraudulence or deception. This not withstanding the use of these products can be traced to the dawn of recorded history.