Chapter 11.2 - Consumer/Regulatory Information Flashcards
What is the definition of a cosmetic product?
Any substance or preparation that is intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body 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, correcting body odours, protecting them or keeping them in good condition.
What are purchase decisions influenced by?
(1) Marketing claims
(2) Product packaging
(3) Friend’s advice
What are the uses of cosmetics labels?
- More than product advertising
- Connect cosmetic science with consumer protection
- Consumers can obtain valuable information
- Check if the cosmetic claims are true
How are the ingredients on a label written?
- Language of chemistry (methylparaben - preservative; tocopherol - vitamin E; ascorbic acid - vitamin C)
- Highly technical language
What are the regulatory authorities for labelling concerning cosmetics?
US - FDA
Singapore - HSA
What are the labelling requirements of cosmetics products
1) Name
2) Function
3) Instructions for use
4) Special precautions
5) Content by weight or volume (e.g. g, mL)
6) Manufacturer’s batch number
7) Country of manufacture
8) Name and address in Singapore of company for placing product in the market
9) Manufacturing date/ expiry date (applicable if product has < 30 months durability)
What does the name of ingredients have to be based on?
Most recent edition of:
- International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary
- Chemical Abstracts Service
- British Pharmacopoeia
- United States Pharmacopoeia (USP)
- or any other approved standard references
What is the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary?
- Published by Personal Care Products Council
- Information about ingredients
- A complete list of cosmetic ingredients and their definitions with cross-references to trade and technical names
How does the ingredients have to be listed in the label?
- Listed in the descending order, starting with the one in the greatest amount
What information does the ingredient list provide consumers?
- Check ingredients the consumer wishes to avoid.
- Fragrance ingredients or preservatives main allergies
What are special precautions for product labels?
- Safety warnings or special precautions are required for products that are likely to cause problems that range in severity from a mild rash to a skin burn, or from burning eyes to blindness.
What should consumers look out for in special precautions of product labels?
- Consumers look out for warnings about consequences of misuse
- Detailed directions for use
What are the common terms used on cosmetic labels?
1) ‘Natural’ - Ingredients are from plants or animal products
2) ‘Hypoallergenic’ - Less likely to cause allergic reactions (‘dermatologist-tested’, ‘sensitivity-tested’, ‘allergy-tested’, ‘non-irritating’)
3) ‘Alcohol-free’ - Does not contain ethanol (ethyl alcohol) but may contain other alcohols such as fatty alcohols
4) ‘Fragrance-free’ - No perceptible odour but may contain fragrance ingredients to mask offensive odour originating from raw materials used.
5) ‘Non-comedogenic’ - products do not contain pore-clogging ingredients that could lead to acne
6) ‘Cruelty-free’ - final cosmetic products have not been tested on animals
7) ‘Shelf-life’ - Amount of time for which cosmetic product is good under normal conditions of use and storage
What are the prohibited ingredients for cosmetics according to the ACD?
1) Chloroform
2) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
3) Tretinoin (drug)
4) Antibiotics
What are the regulations to restricted ingredients?
- Type of product in which the substance is allowed
- Maximum concentration allowed in finished product
- Other limitations and requirements
- Warning and precautions on label
