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Cosmeceuticals

By International Research Services Inc.

Cosmeceuticals

03/01/2018 The word 'cosmeceutical' is becoming more widely used in the natural organic skincare industry. The origin of the term cosmeceutical comes from combining 'cosmetic' and 'pharmaceutical'. The definition of cosmeceutical is a skincare product that contains a biologically active compound that is believed to have pharmaceutical effects on the skin.


For example, the lovely smell of your skincare product may be from the addition of lavender extract. However, lavender may have also been added to the product because its active chemical compounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and not just because it has a lovely smell.


The market for organic skincare products is growing rapidly. Many consumers are becoming suspicious of products that have synthetic chemicals the same way that consumers are more conscious about the ingredients in the food they eat. Unfortunately, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize the category 'cosmeceutical'. Therefore, even if a plant such as lavender is beneficial for your skin, a skincare manufacturer is only permitted to make vague claims about its rejuvenating properties.


The FDA and other regulatory entities want to prevent manufacturers from making false claims about a product that has not gone through extensive clinical trials for its safety and effectiveness. But there are very few cosmetic companies that want to begin extensive clinical trials on botanical extracts that are available to anyone. Importantly, a product that is helpful to one person may induce an allergic reaction in another person, regardless of whether that product is organic, synthetic or a combination of both.


International Research Services Inc. is a privately held clinical research company serving the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Founded in 1977, we specialize in dermatological safety and efficacy testing and we are a leader in the biophysical instrumental analysis of test product effects on human skin. If you would like additional information, or to make an appointment to visit our facilities, email sschwartz@irsi.org or info@irsi.org. You can also call 914-937-9483 or 1-800-548-0158. We are located in Port Chester, NY.

About This Author

International Research Services Inc.

International Research Services Inc.

International Research Services, Inc. (IRSI) is a privately held clinical research company founded in 1977 by Stephen Schwartz, President and CEO, and serving the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Specializing in dermatological safety and efficacy testing, IRSI is a leader in biophysical instr…

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