Cosmetica

Cosmetica refers to the field and industry focused on products and practices used to enhance or alter appearance. It encompasses cosmetics and personal care items applied to the skin, hair, nails, and lips, as well as grooming routines. In regulatory terms, cosmetics are products not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease; claims to have therapeutic effects can reclassify them as drugs in some jurisdictions.

The term cosmetica has roots in Greek, with kosmētikos meaning skilled in arranging or ordering, and it entered modern usage through Latin and Romance languages. Today the word is used in various languages to denote beauty products and related practices.

Major product categories include skincare (cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens), makeup (foundation, lipstick, mascara), hair care (shampoo, conditioner, styling products), fragrance, and nail care. The industry also encompasses tools and devices used in beauty routines, such as brushes and applicators.

Regulation and safety frameworks vary by country. In the European Union, cosmetics are governed by comprehensive regulation requiring safety assessments, ingredient restrictions, and clear labeling. In the United States, the FDA oversees cosmetics, with responsibility on manufacturers to ensure safety and truthful labeling, though premarket approval is not generally required. Many jurisdictions ban or restrict animal testing and require allergen disclosures and fair marketing practices. Ongoing evaluations of ingredient safety, labeling, and environmental impact shape industry standards.

Historically, cosmetica has a long lineage from ancient beauty practices to modern synthetic formulations. Advances in chemistry, dermatology, and consumer protection have driven developments in product formulation, safety testing, and ethical considerations. Contemporary concerns include safety, sustainability, authentic claims, and animal welfare.