Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology PDF

Introduction

Although cosmetics for the purpose of beautifying, perfuming, cleansing, or rituals have existed since the origin of civilization, only in the twentieth century has great progress been made in the diversification of products and functions and in the safety and protection of the consumer.

Before 1938, cosmetics were not regulated as drugs, and cosmetology could often be considered as a way to sell dreams rather than objective efficacy; safety for consumers was also sometimes precarious. Subsequently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, regulated cosmetics that were required to be safe for the consumer. With industrialization, many new ingredients from several industries (oleochemical and petrochemical, food, etc.) were used in preparation of cosmetics, offering a list of new functions and forms. For better control of these ingredients, US laws required ingredient classification and product labeling since 1966.

In Europe, the Council Directive 76/768/EEC of July 27, 1976, on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to cosmetic products ("Cosmetics Directive") was adopted in 1976 to ensure the free circulation of cosmetic products and improve the safety of cosmetic products by placing the responsibility of the product on the cosmetic manufacturer.