Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that contain biologically active ingredients with medical or drug-like benefits. They exist in a regulatory gray area between cosmetics and drugs. While they are usually tested for safety, they do not have to undergo the same efficacy testing as pharmaceutical products. Common cosmeceutical ingredients include vitamins, antioxidants, peptides, and botanical extracts. They are intended to improve skin health and beauty from a functional perspective rather than just be used for styling purposes. The advantages of cosmeceuticals are that they can potentially address root skin issues and promote skin wellness with long-term use of natural ingredients. Their future applications may include improving skin complexion and reducing signs of aging like wrinkles
3. WHAT ARE “COSMECEUTICALS”?
• Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients
purporting to have medical or drug-like benefits.
• The FD&C Act does not recognize any such category as "cosmeceuticals." A
product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or a combination of both, but the term
"cosmeceutical" has no meaning under the law.
Wijesinghe, W.A.J.P. and Jeon, Y.J., 2011. Biological activities and potential cosmeceutical applications of
bioactive components from brown seaweeds: a review. Phytochemistry Reviews, 10(3), pp.431-443.
4. WHAT ARE “COSMECEUTICALS”?
The term “cosmeceutical” was introduced by dermatologist Dr Albert Kligman in 1984
and is derived from a combination of the words cosmetic and pharmaceutical.
Cosmeceuticals are products that have both cosmetic and therapeutic (medical or drug-
like) effects, and are intended to have a beneficial effect on skin health and beauty.
Like cosmetics, they are applied topically as creams or lotions but contain active
ingredients that have an effect on skin cell function. In some cases, their action is
limited to the skin surface (such as exfoliants), while others can penetrate to deeper
levels, either enhancing or limiting normal skin functions. Cosmeceuticals are
available “over-the-counter” (without prescription) and are generally used as part of a
regular skin care regime to help improve skin tone and texture, pigmentation and fine
lines.
5. DO COSMECEUTICALS REALLY WORK?
Ideally cosmeceuticals should be clinically tested to ensure they have a proven
benefit and can substantiate their claims, however, the cosmeceutical industry is
largely unregulated. Unlike medicines, cosmeceuticals are not subject to review
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States or the
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. Although they are usually
tested for safety, they do not have to undergo testing to ensure the claims they
make regarding efficacy (effectiveness) are accurate. Unfortunately, many creams
do not live up to their advertised hype.
7. HOW DOES THE LAW DEFINE A COSMETIC?
• The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics by their
intended use, as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed
on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing,
beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" [FD&C Act, sec.
201(i)]
8. HOW DOES THE LAW DEFINE A DRUG?
• The FD&C Act defines drugs, in part, by their intended use, as "articles intended
for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease" and
"articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the
body of man or other animals" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(g)(1)].
9. HOW CAN A PRODUCT BE BOTH A COSMETIC
AND A DRUG?
• Some products meet the definitions of both cosmetics and drugs. This may
happen when a product has two intended uses. For example, a shampoo is a
cosmetic because its intended use is to cleanse the hair. An antidandruff
treatment is a drug because its intended use is to treat dandruff. Consequently,
an antidandruff shampoo is both a cosmetic and a drug. Among other
cosmetic/drug combinations are toothpastes that contain fluoride, deodorants that
are also antiperspirants, and moisturizers and makeup marketed with sun-
protection claims. Such products must comply with the requirements for both
cosmetics and drugs.
Kalustian, P., 1985. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses of palm and lauric products. Journal of the American Oil
Chemists’ Society, 62(2), pp.431-433.
10. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “COSMETICS” &
“COSMECEUTICALS”
• Cosmeceuticals typically contain levels of active ingredients including
phytochemicals, vitamins etc… Like cosmetics, cosmeceuticals are topically
applied, but contain ingredients that influence the biological function of the skin.
• Cosmeceutical products are intended to improve appearance from a functional
standpoint whereas Cosmetics are used JUST to color and adorn the body in a
stylish fashion, leaving the real problem unaddressed.
Elsner, P. and Maibach, H.I. eds., 2000. Cosmeceuticals: drugs vs. cosmetics (Vol. 23). CRC Press.
12. WHAT ARE SOME COMMON INGREDIENTS IN
COSMECEUTICALS?
Sunscreens (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide)
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Alpha-lipoic acid, Nicotinamide)
Hydroxy acids (improve skin texture and reduce the skin signs of ageing )
Skin lightening agents (Ascorbic acid , Kojic acid)
Peptides and proteins
13. “COSMECEUTICAL INGREDIENTS”
• The main ingredients used in Cosmeceuticals:
• Vitamins
• Fruit/Herb/Vegetable Extracts
• Essential Oils
• Minerals
Winter, R., 2009. A consumer's dictionary of cosmetic ingredients: complete information about the harmful and
desirable ingredients found in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Harmony.
14. COSMETIC PRODUCTS INGREDIENTS
• beeswax and candelilla wax.
• Various oils and fats
• olive oil
• mineral oil
• cocoa butter
• lanolin
• petrolatum.
15. COSMECEUTICAL PRODUCT INGREDIENTS
Common ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams
• Retinol. ...
• Vitamin C. Another potent antioxidant, vitamin C may help protect skin from sun damage. ...
• Hydroxy acids. ...
• Coenzyme Q10. ...
• Peptides. ...
• Tea extracts. ...
• Grape seed extract. ...
• Niacinamide.
Winter, R., 2009. A consumer's dictionary of cosmetic ingredients: complete information about the harmful
and desirable ingredients found in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Harmony.
17. MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF
GLUTATHIONE
Glutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinylglycine) is a small, low-molecular weight, water-
soluble thiol-tripeptide formed by three amino acids (glutamate, cysteine and
glycine). It is a ubiquitous compound with a biologically active sulfhydryl group
contributed by the cysteine moiety that acts as the active part of the
molecule.[ This sulfhydryl group allows for interaction with a variety of biochemical
systems, hence the abbreviation “GSH” for its active form. Glutathione is one of
the most active antioxidant systems in human physiology
18. GLUTATHIONE AND HUMAN PIGMENTATION
Melanin in human skin is a polymer of various indole compounds synthesized from
L-tyrosine by the Raper–Mason pathway of melanogenesis [Figure 2] with
tyrosinase being the rate limiting enzyme. The ratio of the two different types of
melanin found in skin, black-brown colored eumelanin and yellow-red
pheomelanin, determines the skin colour. An increased proportion of pheomelanin
is associated with lighter skin colour.
19. INTRAVENOUS GLUTATHIONE
Due to the low bioavailability of oral glutathione, intravenous injections are being promoted to
provide desired therapeutic levels in the blood and skin and to produce “instant” skin-lightening.
Interestingly, intravenous injections of glutathione have been used for years but there is not
even a single clinical trial evaluating its efficacy. Manufacturers of intravenous glutathione
injections recommend a dose of 600–1200 mg for skin lightening, to be injected once to twice
weekly. The duration for which they should be continued is not specified. Intravenous
administration is expected to deliver 100% bioavailability of glutathione, much more compared
to that achieved by oral administration. However, there are no studies to support this
hypothesis. Although intravenous glutathione delivers a much higher therapeutic dose that
enhances its efficacy, it also provides a narrower margin of safety due to the possibility of
overdose toxicity.
20. TOPICAL PHARMACOLOGICAL AGENTS WITH ANTI-
AGING PROPERTIES
• Anti-aging creams may include conventional moisturising ingredients. They also usually contain
specific anti-aging ingredients, such as:
• Retinol (for instance, in the form of retinyl palmitate). In various formulations it has been shown
to reduce fine lines and pores.Epidermal growth factor, to stimulate cell renewal
and collagen production in the skin, and strengthen elasticity and structure.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids or other chemical peels. These help to
dissolve the intracellular "glue" that holds dead cells together on the skin. The use of this type of
product on a daily basis gradually enhances the exfoliation of the epidermis. This exposes
newer skin cells and can help improve appearance. AHAs may irritate some skin, causing
redness and flaking.
• Peptides, such as Matryxil and copper peptides.
• Coenzyme Q10
21. BOTULINUM TOXIN
Botulinum toxin (BTX) has no effect on skin texture and cannot discontinue the skin
aging process. However, regular BTX injections can slow down the visible aging
process by helping in the management of certain dynamic facial lines and
wrinkles. The mechanism of action of BTX makes it an ideal agent to target the
major cause of these dynamic lines.
23. WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE PROHIBITED OR
RESTRICTED BY FDA REGULATIONS?
• Bithionol: photocontact sensitization
• Chlorofluorocarbon propellants
• Chloroform: cancer
• Halogenated salicylanilides: skin disorders
• Hexachlorophene:
• Mercury compounds: allergic reactions, skin irritation, or neurotoxic problems
Winter, R., 2009. A consumer's dictionary of cosmetic ingredients: complete information about the harmful and
desirable ingredients found in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Harmony.
24. THE ADVANTAGES OF COSMECEUTICALS
• Address the root-causes
• Safe for long-terms use
• Complementary role
• Promote beauty through health & wellness of skin
• Cosmeceutical with natural ingredients are preferred
26. “PAKISTAN SCENARIO”
• It is very heartening to note, that a comparatively newer concept of
Cosmeceuticals has already been introduced in Pakistan which will surely provide
Cosmetic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Beauticians, and Consumers a safe and
effective alternative for maintaining a healthy and beautiful skin. “LEGAL Aspects”
The term ‘cosmeceutical’ has no meaning under law. They are not subject to
review by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Although some cosmeceuticals are
tested for safety, testing to determine whether active ingredients actually live up to
a manufacturer’s claim is not mandatory.