Thiscategoryincludes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol.
Most importantly, consumers should understand that pharmaceuticals are regulated by theU.S.
Food & Drug Administration.
Ingredients in products in this categorydonotneed FDA approval, however, with the exception of color additives.
That said, a cosmetics company cannot knowingly use a poisonous ingredient in its product.
Ingredients are not, except any color additives.
But sometimes things can get a little confusing as to whether a product is a cosmetic or a drug.
While killing two birds with one stone, er, product, sounds ideal, guess what?
According to theFDA, the word cosmeceutical has “no meaning under the law.”
Who wouldn’t want to cover up pimples while also preventing new ones from forming?
We’re not saying products like this don’t work or that you shouldn’t buy them.
“As far as the FDA is concerned, there is no provision for a cosmeceutical.
Interestingly, a productcanbe both a cosmetic and a drug according to theFDA.
The important distinction is simply that the body doesn’t recognize the term cosmeceutical.
So where does that leave us with what benefits these products may or may not provide?
The outlet notes a very significant difference between a drug and a cosmetic product that offers therapeutic benefits.
A drug treats a problem, while a cosmeceutical will provide an aesthetic result.
Again, it’s not that cosmeceuticals don’t work.
It’s that they are not going to act in the same way as a drug.
One example isSkinCeuticals, which claims to have pioneered the entire industry of cosmeceuticals.
In fact,dermatologists regularly recommendthe use of products in this category.
You may even have several cosmeceuticals in your medicine cabinet or bathroom drawer at this very moment.
So what’s a consumer to do?
So perhaps it’s best not to let the word trip you up.
No, the category is not recognized by the FDA.
Yes, dermatologists are recommending these products each and every day.
