Cosmetic products play a pivotal role in beautifying appearances and encouraging self-expression, as well as providing physiological and psychological advantages to their users.
However, some cosmetic ingredients may be harmful to health. Chemicals like fragrances, formaldehyde and certain preservatives can lead to allergies or clogged pores; it’s therefore wise to opt for hypoallergenic products and conduct patch tests prior to extensive usage of any product.
1. Skin Care
From mascara and lip balm, to serum with retinol or cleanser tailored specifically to your skin type, there are plenty of cosmetics out there to help you reach your beauty goals. However, understanding all that exists can be dauntingly complex!
Before mass marketing, women often relied on recipes handed down from mothers or found in books or women’s magazines to formulate their own skin preparations. Patented medicine and cosmetic products from the 1800s promised to eliminate freckles and ruddiness, calm rashes, smooth wrinkles, and make skin appear healthy and fresh.
Modern formulations often contain humectants to pull moisture into the outer layers of skin and occlusives to prevent trans-epidermal water loss, helping create an ideal blend for creating smooth and balanced complexions, or improving texture, firmness, elasticity and hydration.
2. Hair Care
Cosmetic health products include substances or preparations designed for external application on skin, hair and capillary systems, nails, lips or external genitals for hygiene, beautification or nonmedical uses. Their requirements should include being safe, effective, protective, resilient, natural and satisfying sensory quality requirements. [1]
Polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fill hair shaft defects to increase shine, while cationic surfactants like quaternary ammonium compounds help prevent static electricity buildup by discharging static electricity into the air and eliminating water buildup. Olive, jojoba and grape seed oils all act as excellent emollients for the hair; any expiry or best before dates must also be clearly displayed on product labels along with any special precautionary information that might apply.
3. Makeup
Makeup refers to any substance or preparation used on external parts of the body (skin, hair, nails, lips and genitals) for cleaning, perfumeing, protecting and altering their appearance or maintenance purposes.
Cosmetics come in an assortment of forms and colors, such as powders (pressed and loose); liquid or cream emulsions; and dispersions.
Makeup’s particle size has an impactful influence on its appearance and function; smaller particles provide more translucent and less shimmery effects.
Cosmetics that claim therapeutic benefits (e.g. moisturisers that claim to lighten skin) are classified as medicines and are governed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, who list all permitted chemicals within these products. Understanding what’s contained within them is particularly important for those with skin sensitivities or sensitivities.
4. Nails
Nail cosmetics are beauty products designed to promote nail health. Nails play an integral part in both our physical appearance and functionality; thus making their care products and treatments an industry.
Cosmetic nail ingredients and products are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, with all nail products sold both for home use as well as salon sales requiring labeling with minimum durability dates, expiration dates or best before dates, special precaution statements or warnings as required by FDA regulations.
Some nail polishes and removers contain chemicals that are toxic if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, potentially posing health risks if swallowed or applied topically. Furthermore, nail polish can serve as a potential source of infection such as Mycobacterium bolletii/Mycobacterium massiliense furunculosis infections in pedicure footbaths (see Nail Salon Infection). Other possible side effects from nail products may include discoloration and contact dermatitis.
5. Bath & Body
No matter your cosmetic health goals, bath and body products offer many solutions for meeting them. Just be wary that any product contains ingredients which might cause allergic reactions in your body!
Before adding any product to your beauty regimen, it is a best practice to conduct a patch test to see how it reacts with your skin. Furthermore, check that its label and insert clearly lists ingredients, country of manufacture, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date as well as precautionary health warnings.
Bath & Body Works is an American retailer specializing in bath and body products such as hand soaps, sanitizers and candles. Established in 1990 and currently part of L Brands Inc alongside Victoria’s Secret.
