Cosmetics

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

  • According to § 4 LMBG, cosmetics are substances or preparations of substances which are intended to be used externally on humans or in their oral cavity for cleaning, care or to influence their appearance or body odour or to convey odour impressions, unless they are predominantly intended to alleviate or eliminate diseases, ailments, physical damage or pathological complaints (see also anti-aging). Substances or preparations of substances for cleaning or care of dental prostheses are considered to be equivalent to cosmetic products.
  • Cosmetic products do not include substances or preparations made from substances intended to influence the shape of the body.
  • According to § 4 LMBG, para. 1, a medicinal product but not a cosmetic product exists if the substances or preparations made of substances are predominantly intended to alleviate or eliminate diseases, suffering, physical injury or pathological complaints. In the meantime an international guideline for the declaration of information exists in which all ingredients of cosmetics have to be declared (see below INCI labelling).
  • This also applies to fragrance components which are of allergenic relevance.

Cosmetics include:

  • creams, emulsions, lotions, jellies and oils for skin care
  • Beauty masks
  • Make-up basics
  • Face powder, body powder, foot powder
  • Toilet soaps, deodorizing soaps
  • Perfumes, toilet water, cologne
  • Bath and shower additives
  • Hair Removal Products
  • Deodorants and antiperspirants
  • Hair treatment products: Colouring agents, curling agents, setting agents, water curling agents, cleaning agents, care products, hair styling aids, hair restorer (see Thymuskin).
  • Shaving products
  • Make-up and make-up remover for face and eyes
  • Lip care products and cosmetics
  • Dental and oral care products
  • Nail care products (see Visuera nail polish)
  • Agent for external intimate hygiene
  • Sunscreen, self-tanning lotion
  • Skin Bleach
  • Anti-wrinkle agent.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

The clinical relevance of sensitization to cosmetics can be better evaluated by means of a use use test (see COADEX index).

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. De Groot AC et al (1997) Conversion of common names of cosmetic allergens to the INCI nomenclature. Contact Dermatitis 37: 145-150
  2. Erdmann SM et al (2003) Contact sensitization to external agents. dermatologist 54: 331-337
  3. Klobusch J et al (1990) Current approach in the diagnosis and therapy of alopecia in gynecology. Ther Umsch 47: 985-990
  4. Schnuch A (2006) Undesirable reactions to cosmetics. Dermatology at work and in the environment 54: 140-159
  5. Schurer NY (2003) Anti-aging. Facts and visions. dermatologist 54: 833-888
  6. Zesch A (1999) Cosmetics, definition and legal basis of application. dermatologist 50: 243-249

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020