The term “cosmetics” is all-encompassing, not limited to makeup as most people think, and includes virtually all products that are manufactured for personal care purposes. There is a wide range of products that are labeled as cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, and powders for skin care; shampoos, conditioner, and hair gels for hair care; lipsticks, mascaras, and blushers for makeup; and many other items, including nail polish, fashion contact lenses, and deodorants. Cosmetics, which pertain to substances employed for the enhancement or protection of the odor and the appearance of the human body, have been around for quite some time. Owing to the popularity of these products, as well as the health risks that have been contributed to them, it is only right that you read on to find out more cosmetics info.

As an industry, cosmetics is one of the healthiest not only in the United States of America but also among other Western countries, where beauty translates to perfect skin, rosy cheeks and rich, red lips, and great hair. A small group of multinational corporations that have been around since the last century presently dominate the manufacture of cosmetics; on the other hand, a wide range of numerous businesses are responsible for the distribution and sale of cosmetics.

In every country where cosmetics are popular, strict regulations as to their ingredients are imposed. Animal testing of cosmetic products has caught the attention and rage of animal lovers and animal-rights advocates all around the world. As a result, the testing of such products on any animal is now illegal in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and The Netherlands, and banned in the countries that are part of the European Union come 2009. In the United States, it is the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) that regulates the listings of ingredients in cosmetic products. This government agency has broadly defined 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,” and includes materials that are intended to be part of the components of a cosmetic product. One piece of cosmetics info that is interesting to note is the FDA’s specific exclusion of soap from this category.

Cosmetic products are known to contain harsh chemicals that damage the skin, cause allergic reactions and cancer, and hasten aging. While these products are said to be regulated, there have been cases in which negative effects occurred among consumers. Cosmetics, as far as their ingredients are concerned, are classified as chemical and organic or natural. Cosmetic products that use chemicals carry carcinogenic contaminant 1.4 dioxane, which is a harmful preservative, and parabens, which are linked to breast cancer. Cosmetic products also often use synthetic fragrances, which have been studied and proven to cause various allergic reactions. The clamor or demand for organic cosmetics stem from people’s fear of risking their health and contracting illnesses from using cosmetic products, which they cannot do without, considering the importance given to hygiene and appearance.

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Know the Author : http://www.212articles.com/authors/1997/Sarah-Lowe