Cosmaceutical Products: What Are They?

Cosmaceutical products, also spelled "cosmeceuticals," are a blend of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. For example, a dandruff shampoo is first and foremost a shampoo, meant to be used for personal hygiene. However, it is also used to treat a medical condition, giving it properties of a drug. Because it has this dual purpose, it is known as a cosmaceutical.

 The FDA defines drugs as products that “cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease or that affect the structure or function of the human body.” Cosmetic products are defined by the FDA as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” Although cosmaceutical products have properties of both groups, the FDA lumps them under the definition of cosmetics, and they are not recognized as a distinct category. Because cosmaceutical products are not included in the FDA’s definition of drugs, they are not subject to the same regulations, restrictions, and testing.

Cosmaceutical products are exceptionally popular with consumers, and they are growing more so quickly. To learn more about this category of health products and to add a cosmaceutical to your line, call or e-mail Vitarich Laboratories today.