When it comes to personal care and beauty, one common question arises: What are considered cosmetics? This question isn't just about makeup — it covers a wide range of everyday products that enhance appearance and hygiene.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Considered Cosmetics?

Cosmetics are defined as substances or products used to cleanse, beautify, enhance, or alter the appearance without affecting the body’s structure or functions. This includes everything from lipstick and foundation to skincare and perfumes.
 

What Are Considered Cosmetics in Daily Use?

You may be surprised by how many everyday items fall into this category:

• Skincare products (moisturizers, cleansers, serums)
• Makeup (eyeshadow, mascara, foundation)
• Fragrances (perfumes, body mists)
• Haircare (shampoos, conditioners, styling gels)

• Personal hygiene (deodorants, bath products)

   

Legal Definition: What Are Considered Cosmetics by Law?

Most regulatory bodies like the FDA or EU define cosmetics as products intended for external application to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.

What’s not considered cosmetics: products that are meant to treat or prevent disease, like medicated creams — these are classified as drugs or therapeutic goods.

Functional vs. Decorative Cosmetics

Cosmetics are generally split into two categories:

• Decorative cosmetics: Enhance appearance (e.g., lipstick, blush)

• Functional cosmetics: Improve skin/hair condition without medicinal claims (e.g., moisturizers, conditioners)

   

Why It Matters: Knowing What Are Considered Cosmetics

Understanding what qualifies as a cosmetic helps you:

• Choose safer, more suitable products
• Know what regulations apply
• Understand ingredient labels

• Avoid misleading claims

   

The Evolution of Cosmetics

Today’s cosmetics are evolving to be more skin-conscious, inclusive, and sustainable. Clean beauty, minimalist routines, and hybrid skincare-cosmetic products are defining modern trends.

Conclusion

So, what are considered cosmetics? Any product applied externally to enhance, cleanse, or beautify. From your face cream to your favorite eyeliner, cosmetics are an essential part of self-care and self-expression — and knowing what they include helps you make better choices.

FAQs

What products are officially considered cosmetics?

• Any external-use product meant to cleanse, beautify, or enhance appearance, such as makeup, skincare, and perfumes.

Are soaps and shampoos considered cosmetics?

• Yes, if they are used for cleansing or beautifying and don’t have medicinal claims.

What is not considered a cosmetic?

• Any product meant to treat or prevent disease (like medicated creams or antibiotics) is not a cosmetic.