| Cosmetics are substances
used to enhance or protect the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics
include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail
and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, permanent waves, colored contact
lenses, hair colors, hair sprays and gels, deodorants, baby products, bath
oils, bubble baths, bath salts, butters and many other types of products.
Their use is widespread, especially among women in Western countries. A
subset of cosmetics is called "make-up," which refers primarily to colored
products intended to alter the user’s appearance. Many manufacturers distinguish
between decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics.
The manufacture of cosmetics
is currently dominated by a small number of multinational corporations
that originated in the early 20th century, but the distribution and sale
of cosmetics is spread among a wide range of different businesses. The
U.S. FDA which regulates cosmetics in the United States defines cosmetics
as: "intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying,
promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting
the body's structure or functions." This broad definition includes, as
well, any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.
The FDA specifically excludes soap from this category. |
