Cosmetics
Some early forms of cosmetics used harmful ingredients such as lead that caused serious health problems and sometimes resulted in death.
[clarification needed] In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates cosmetics,[5] defines cosmetics as products "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 any material intended for use as an ingredient in a cosmetic product, with the FDA specifically excluding pure soap from this category.
In some cases, more extreme forms of makeup are used for performances, fashion shows, and people in costume and can change the appearance of the face entirely to resemble a different person, creature, or object.
Examples of the prevalent usage of harmful cosmetics include the use of ceruse (white lead) throughout a number of different cultures, such as during the Renaissance in the West, and blindness caused by the mascara Lash Lure during the early 20th century.
In 1882, English actress and socialite Lillie Langtry became the poster girl for Pears of London, making her the first celebrity to endorse a commercial product.
[13] The wider acceptance of the use of cosmetics led some to see makeup as a tool used in the oppression and subjection of women to unfair societal standards.
Loofahs, microfiber cloths, natural sponges, or brushes may be used to exfoliate skin simply by rubbing them over the face in a circular motion.
Gels, creams, or lotions may contain an acid to encourage dead skin cells to loosen, and an abrasive such as microbeads, sea salt and sugar, ground nut shells, rice bran, or ground apricot kernels to scrub the dead cells off the skin.
Typical organic compounds are modified natural oils and fats as well as a variety of petrochemically derived agents.
The world's largest cosmetic companies are L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Shiseido, and Estée Lauder.
[39] The worldwide cosmetics and perfume industry currently generates an estimated annual turnover of US$170 billion (according to Eurostaf, May 2007).
[citation needed] The Italian cosmetic industry is dominated by hair and body products and not makeup as in many other European countries.
Because of the fast-decreasing age of makeup users, many companies, from drugstore brands like Rimmel to higher-end products like Estee Lauder, cater to this expanding market by introducing flavored lipsticks and glosses, cosmetics packaged in glittery and sparkly packaging, and marketing and advertising using young models.
[50] Platforms like TikTok have also popularized short, fun videos about skincare and makeup tips, making beauty routines seem exciting and achievable.
Social media platforms have made it easier for celebrities and influencers to become role models for Gen Alpha, and as a result, many celebrities and influencers actively promote skincare routines or collaborate with beauty brands, making skincare and makeup more aspirational Alpha is also inspired by the "clean beauty" movement and inclusive beauty brands that champion self-expression, allowing them to feel more confident in exploring skincare and makeup.
"[51] In 2023 and 2024, many people posting on social media have reported seeing girls, ranging from 10 to 12 in age in popular cosmetic stores, such as the likes of Boots and Sephora.
[52] It's also a hot topic in medical spaces such as dermatology, due to the increase of young girls using anti-aging cream, despite only being around 11 years old.
[5] There has been a marketing trend towards the sale of cosmetics lacking controversial ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and parabens.
[58] Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of about 9,000 synthetic organofluorine compounds that have multiple highly toxic fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain.
A 2021 study tested 231 personal care products and found organic fluorine, a hallmark of PFAS, in more than half of the samples.
PFAS compounds are readily absorbed through human skin and through tear ducts, and such products on lips are often unwittingly ingested.
Studies concluded from patch testing show fragrances contain some ingredients which may cause allergic reactions.
[95] In March 2019, the Australian Senate passed a bill that banned the use of data from animal testing in the cosmetic industry since July 1, 2020.
[99] Cosmetic regulations in Europe are often updated to follow the trends of innovations and new technologies while ensuring product safety.
[104] ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency) is the regulatory body responsible for cosmetic legislation and directives in the country.
The current legislation restricts the use of certain substances, such as pyrogallol, formaldehyde, or paraformaldehyde, and bans the use of others, such as lead acetate in cosmetic products.
Most Brazilian regulations are optimized, harmonized, or adapted in order to be applicable and extended to the entire Mercosur economic zone.
ISO 22716 provides a comprehensive approach for a quality management system for those engaged in the manufacturing, packaging, testing, storage, and transportation of cosmetic end products.
The standard deals with all aspects of the supply chain, from the early delivery of raw materials and components until the shipment of the final product to the consumer.
