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Cosmetics

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cosmetics.html

Also called: Also called: Makeup

Cosmetics are products you apply to your body to clean it, make it more attractive or change the way it looks. They include

Products such as dandruff shampoo, fluoride toothpaste and antiperspirant deodorant are both cosmetics and drugs. A good way to tell if you're buying a cosmetic that is also a drug is to see if the first ingredient listed is an "active ingredient." The active ingredient is the chemical that makes the product effective, and the manufacturer must have proof that it's safe for its intended use. To find out all the ingredients in a cosmetic you use, check the container. Manufacturers are required to list them. Labels such as "natural" and "hypoallergenic" have no official meaning. Companies can use them to mean whatever they want.

Food and Drug Administration

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Date last updated: September 30 2008
Topic last reviewed: June 23 2008