Evolution and Functionality of Cosmetic Products

Historically, the purpose of a cosmetic product, which include personal hygiene products, skin care product, make-up and perfumery product, was to decorate and modify the appearance and odour. Although originally its purpose was essentially to enhance the appearance and odour , cosmetic products have gradually developed towards more functional role and continue to gain the capacity to cleanse, dramatically modify, protect and maintain in good condition. Cosmetic product are intended for application on the skin, external mucous membranes, hair ,and nails and to have a local effect , it is not intended to respond to metabolical needs , and is not the function of the cosmetic

A self-sterilizing formula is one that either prevents microbial growth (bacteriostatic) or kills-microorganisms (bactericidal /microbicidal).a self –preserving formula may or may not contain antimicrobial preservatives. Relatively anhydrous products (e.g. talcum powder, corn starch, mineral oil, and stick deodorants) do not require preservatives because they do not have sufficient water content to supply microbial growth. However, manufactures may incorporate preservatives in to these products to prevent microbial growth that may occur due to addition of water by consumer during use or abuse. The physicochemical make-up of the product, including low water activity (aw), high or low pH, and multifunctional materials that have antimicrobial properties (e.g. alcohol, surfactants, quaternary ammonium companies) determines whether a formula is self-preserving. Aqueous products in multiuse containers generally require the addition of preservation if they do not prevent microbial growth. The type of packaging and consumer use habits determines the preservation requirements of a