Is Your Product A Cosmetic OR Cosmeceutical? Which One Is Good For You?
Let's put cosmetics and cosmeceuticals together side by side for you, so that you are well equipped with the much needed information to make your next cosmetic or cosmeceutical product.
Main but simplest difference between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals is where you can purchase them. If a product contains ingredients that can penetrate or change the functioning of the skin, it cannot be sold over the counter. These kinds of products require a medical prescription. When a product must be prescribed by a doctor it is classified as a therapeutic product and here comes the cosmeceutical product in picture. On the hand cosmetics are products that are sold on mass at retail outlets like pharmacies, department stores and the ever-increasing online world.
etics Vs eceuticals
A cosmetic product can only be applied to the outer surface of the skin and so it cannot directly treat a specific disease. It cannot pass through the dermal-epidermal joining, which is the area between the epidermis and dermis. However, it can maintain, protect, clean, add fragrance to, and change the appearance of any area of the epidermis’ surface that it is applied to. Cosmeceutical skincare are able to penetrate through the epidermis, the active ingredients enable the products to pass through the epidermis and act deep within the dermis. Cosmeceutical skincare is extremely results driven and you will see visible changes to your skin. Your Skin will appear deeply hydrated, brighter, more radiant, fine lines and wrinkles reduced, the skin will be more balanced and pigmentation and sun damage suppressed. A cosmeceutical product is not classifiable as a drug, despite being formulated with highly active principles.
Cosmeceuticals are often restricted to professional skincare, where a consultation is provided by a skin care specialist. These products may offer significantly higher concentrations of active ingredients and delivery systems, and are supported by scientific backing.
Cosmetic’s focus on how the products feel and smell. They are usually balanced with chemicals and preservatives unless you have chosen a natural or organic brand. The focus is on the marketing of the product and the feel good sensation when the product is used.
To summarize the main differences between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals includes:
1. Where you buy the product from. Cosmeceuticals are commonly found in Cosmetic/Laser and Skin Clinics.
2. Marketing: Cosmetics love a celebrity endorsement to promote the product rather than Cosmeceuticals market the active ingredients and the results their consumer can experience with using their products.
3. Ingredients are also a defining factor between the two categories. Cosmetics don’t have an active formulation but minimal active ingredients. Cosmeceuticals are formulated with a high percentage of active ingredients and active formulations.
To simplify we can say that cosmetic products are meant to alter the appearance and external feel of your body (nails, skin, hair, etc.) for a short time. On the other hand, cosmeceuticals are carefully designed to have long-term, clear effects on your health and look. Think cosmetics but with the addition of science-backed pharmaceutical research. Cosmeceuticals are designed to work into and within the skin's layers and cells. This allows cosmeceuticals to work more effectively than cosmetics, and is also why they’re the preferred choice of skincare by professionals.
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