Cosmetic products : the definition

According to the new European Regulation for the Cosmetics", in the column The cosmetic News" href="../article/-165.html" target="_blank">European Regulation EC No 1223/2009, "cosmetic product" means any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours.

In plain English, cosmetic products are classified in several categories:
• creams, emulsions, lotions, gels and oils for the skin (hands, face, feet, in particular)
• face masks, except for products of superficial skin abrasion by chemical way
• tinted bases (liquids, pastes, powders)
• make-up powders, after-bath powders, hygienic powders and other powders
• toilet soaps, deodorant soaps and other soaps
• perfumes, toilet waters and eau de Cologne
• bath and shower preparations (salts, foams, oils, gels)
• depilatories
• deodorants and anti-perspirants
• hair care products:
- hair colorants
- products for waving, straightening and fixing hair
- hair-setting products
- hair-cleansing products (lotions, powders, shampoos)
- hair-conditioning products (lotions, creams, oils)
- hairdressing products (lotions, lacquers, brilliantines),
• shaving products (creams, foams, lotions)
• make-up and products removing make-up
• products intended for application to the lips
• products for care of the teeth and the mouth
• products for nail care and make-up
• products for external intimate hygiene
• sunbathing products
• products for tanning without sun
• skin-whitening products
• anti-wrinkle products