Cosmetic

Name:
Cosmetic
Detailed information:
Any preparation in the form of a liquid, semiliquid, paste, or powder applied to the skin to improve its appearance, and for cleaning, softening, or protecting the skin or its adjuncts but without specific medicinal or curative effects. Cosmetics include hairsprays, shampoos, nail polish, deodorants, shaving creams, facial creams, dusting powders, rouge, etc. Detergents, common soap, and bactericidal agents are not themselves classed as cosmetics although they may be components of cosmetic mixtures. A partial list of cosmetic ingredients follows:
animal fats (lanolin)

vegetable oils, waxes

alcohols (glycerol, glycols)

surfactants (alkyl sulfonates)

UV blocking agents (PABA)

phenylene diamine

aluminum chlorohydrate

FDC organic dyes

talc (magnesium silicate)

essential oils

inorganic pigments

chlorophyllins

nitrocellulose lacquers

steroid hormones
Knowledge of the structure and function of the skin is essential for proper cosmetic formulation (cosmetology). All ingredients must be tested for possible toxic effects. since the skin is an important means of access for poisons. Addition of proteins to cosmetic preparations is of questionable value.