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Cosmetics
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Cosmetics

Cosmetics are products applied to the body for cleansing, beautification, or appearance changes, though some may also function as drugs.

Overview

Cosmetics include products such as hair dyes, makeup, perfumes, and skin-care creams. When a cosmetic is used to treat or prevent disease, it is also classified as a drug. Examples of products that are both cosmetics and drugs include dandruff shampoo, fluoride toothpaste, and antiperspirant deodorant.

Identifying Active Ingredients

A reliable way to determine if a cosmetic is also a drug is to check if the first ingredient listed is an active ingredient. This chemical is responsible for the product's effectiveness, and the manufacturer must provide proof that it is safe for its intended use.

Safety and Labeling

Cosmetics can cause allergic reactions, with red and irritated skin often being the first sign. Fragrances and preservatives are the most common causes of these skin problems.

Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients on the product container. Consumers should be aware that labels such as "natural" and "hypoallergenic" have no official meaning and can be used at the manufacturer's discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

pply a dime-sized amount of the product to a clean, sensitive patch of skin, such as the inner forearm or behind the ear, twice daily for three to five consecutive days. Leave the area uncovered and dry, and watch for signs of redness, burning, swelling, or tiny itchy bumps. If no reaction occurs after several days, the product is generally safe to apply to your face or body.
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs quickly after application when a harsh chemical damages the outer skin barrier, resulting in localized burning, stinging, redness, and dry flaking strictly where the product was applied. Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune-mediated type IV hypersensitivity reaction that usually takes 24 to 72 hours to develop after repeated exposures; it causes intense itching, swelling, blistering, and can spread beyond the exact area where the cosmetic was placed.
Over-the-counter retinol and prescription retinoids (like tretinoin and tazarotene) are vitamin A derivatives that are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the known teratogenic risks of systemic retinoids and the precautionary principle regarding topical absorption. Pregnant individuals should pause use of retinoids and consult a clinician for pregnancy-safe alternatives, such as azelaic acid, glycolic acid, or bakuchiol, to address acne or hyperpigmentation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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