Cosmetics: When They Are Also Drugs, and What Labels Mean

Cosmetics are products you put on your body to clean it, make it more attractive, or change how it looks:

• hair dyes;
• makeup;
• perfumes;
• skin-care creams.

Cosmetics that are also drugs

A cosmetic that treats or prevents disease is also a drug — for example, dandruff shampoo, fluoride toothpaste and antiperspirant deodorant. To tell, check whether the first ingredient listed is an "active ingredient" — the chemical that makes the product work.

Safety

• The manufacturer must have proof a cosmetic is safe for its intended use.
• Cosmetics can cause allergic reactions; the first sign is often red, irritated skin.
• Fragrances and preservatives are the most common causes of skin problems.

Labels

• Ingredients: manufacturers must list them all on the container.
• "Natural" and "hypoallergenic" have no official meaning — companies can use them however they like.

Sources

Based on "Cosmetics," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Food and Drug Administration; a work of the United States government in the public domain.