A cosmetic is a product intended to cleanse and beautify the skin. It is not intended to address any of the normal problems that the average consumer associates with the result of stress, environmental damages, aging, diet, or diseases. Cosmetics products will not produce a change in the structure or function of the skin nor will they correct a single skin disorder.

 

    There are also Over the Counter (OTC) drugs. All of OTC products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and must state the name of the material doing the work and the amount in the formulation. These working ingredients are called Active Ingredients. OTC products may contain the same active ingredient as medicines prescribed by doctors but at a lower percentage in the formulation. This week Claritin the popular allergy medicine changed from a prescription drug and became an OTC drug because it has a history of safe usage and has a proven need by the public. The active ingredient level was also reduced.

 

    There is a third class of products that can only be prescribed by a doctor and these are the prescription drugs(Rx). These products are normally prescribed for diseases.

 

    There is now a forth class of products known as Cosmeceuticals. These are products that combine benefits of traditional OTC and Rx ingredients with newer active materials in an advanced active formulation. These formulations will alter the structure and function and how the skin responds after usage. These products are stronger and better, than the traditional cosmetic formulations and they do correct the abuses associated with problem skin.