scope:

Preface

The term "cosmeceuticals", coined by Albert Kligman 20 years ago, has rightfully provoked discussions among scientists, the industry, and regulating authorities. Basically, the controversy may be reduced to the question of whether there are any substances applied to the skin that do not modify its structure and function. Since scientific evidence shows that even purportedly "inert" substances such as water may profoundly change the structure and function of the skin, this condition does not seem helpful to differentiate cosmetics from drugs. Indeed, this is a problem of legal definition of cosmetics in the US, but not in other major countries such as Europe and Japan, as evidenced by the contributions in this book.

In Europe, the Council Directive 76/768/EEC of July 27, 1976, as amended by six directives, defines cosmetic products in Article 1: "A cosmetic product means any substance or preparation intended for placing into contact with the various parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or principally to cleaning them, perfuming them or protecting them, in order to keep them in good condition, change their appearance or correct body odours."