Complex Mixtures and Complex Regulations

The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics act defines a cosmetic
as anything applied directly to a human body for cleansing, beautifying,
promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance without affecting the body
structure and function. According to this definition, mixtures as diverse as a
modern roll-on deodorant and henna, a colored plant extract used in ancient times
as well as today to dye hair, are classified as cosmetics. However, it is
interesting to note that according to Federal, Food and Drugs act, soap is not
legally considered to be a cosmetic.

The sale of a cosmetics in many countries is regulated by
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) but the regulatory requirements are
regulated by Fair Packaging and Labelling Act. This act require that every
cosmetic product must be labelled with the list of ingredients in order of decreasing
quantity. For example, many skin products contain water than any other
ingredient so, water is labelled first.

Any cosmetic product that is designed to treat and prevent disease,
or otherwise affect the structure or function of a human body is regulated as
both a drug and a cosmetic, and must meet the labelling requirement for both. Some
well-known examples of these products are; dandruff shampoo, fluoride toothpaste
and deodorants.