While the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does not recognize the term "cosmeceutical", the cosmetic industry has begun to use this word to refer to cosmetic products that have drug-like benefits. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines drugs as those products that cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease or that affect the structure or function of the human body. While drugs are subject to an intensive review and approval process by FDA, cosmetics are not approved by FDA prior to sale. If a product has drug properties, it must be approved as a drug.
A term used by some in the cosmetic industry – but not recognized by Health Canada – describing a cosmetic product with therapeutic (drug-like) benefits. Under the Food and Drugs Act, “cosmeceuticals†fall under either cosmetics or drugs, depending on the claims made and/or the composition of the product.
a cosmetic which claims potential benefits from additives such as retinol, vitamin C or other
an ingredient with medicinal properties which manifests beneficial topical actions or provides protection against degenerative skin conditions
a product that is topically applied and contains ingredients that influence the biological function of the skin
a term for a product that combines features of both a cosmetic and a pharmaceutical
a term widely used in the skin care industry but not recognized by regulatory institutions such as the US Food and Drug Administration.
Used by the cosmetics industry to refer to cosmetic products that have medicinal or drug-like benefits. This term is not recognized by the FDA.
A product which is marketed as a cosmetic, but which contains biologically active ingredients that have an effect on the user.
Cosmetic products that provide aesthetic as well as medical benefits to improve the overall look of the skin.
An unrecognized term by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. In the cosmetic industry the word refers to a cosmetic product with drug-like benefits. Note: The FDA does not approve cosmetics prior to sale.
Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that are claimed, primarily by those within the cosmetic industry, to have drug-like benefits. Examples of products typically labeled as cosmeceuticals include anti-aging creams and moisturizers. The word is a portmanteau of the words "cosmetic" and "pharmaceutical".
