Kosmetika

Kosmetika are substances and preparations intended for cleansing, perfuming, protecting, or altering the appearance of the human body when applied to external surfaces such as the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or mucous membranes. They encompass skincare products (creams, serums, sunscreens), makeup, hair care items, deodorants, fragrances, and oral care products. They may fulfill hygiene, beauty, scent, and protective functions, and are typically designed for daily or occasional use.

Regulation of cosmetics varies by country but generally focuses on safety, labeling, and truth in advertising. In the European Union, cosmetics are regulated under Regulation No 1223/2009; manufacturers must conduct a safety assessment, maintain a product information file, appoint a responsible person, and use INCI names for ingredients on labels. Products must be safe for normal use, and claims must be supported. Some jurisdictions ban or restrict animal testing and certain hazardous substances, and there is growing emphasis on ingredient transparency and sustainability.

Cosmetics typically contain a base (water or oil phase) with active ingredients, preservatives, antioxidants, emollients, emulsifiers, fragrances, and colorants. The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) standardizes ingredient labeling to facilitate cross-border commerce. The global cosmetics market includes a wide range of brands, from multinational corporations to niche producers, and increasingly addresses consumer concerns about safety, ethics, and environmental impact of packaging and supply chains.

Historically, cosmetics have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for adornment and ritual purposes. The modern cosmetics industry emerged in the late 19th and 20th centuries with advances in chemistry, testing, regulation, and mass production, leading to a wide array of products available today.