Cosmetic Product: Definition, Types and EU Classification

What Is a Cosmetic Product?

A cosmetic product is a substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with external parts of the human body, including the skin, hair, nails, lips and external genital organs, or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

According to the European cosmetic product definition, the main purposes of a cosmetic product are to clean, perfume, change the appearance, correct body odours, protect or maintain the treated parts of the body in good condition.

This definition is important because it establishes both the intended areas of application and the functions that a product may perform while being classified as a cosmetic.

What Products Are Considered Cosmetics?

Cosmetic products cover a broad range of personal care categories. They can include products designed for the skin, hair, nails, lips, teeth and oral cavity.

Skincare Products

Examples include creams, emulsions, lotions, gels, oils, face masks, tinted bases and other products intended for application to the skin.

Haircare Products

Cosmetic hair products include shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, hair-setting products and products designed for colouring, waving, straightening or otherwise styling the hair.

Makeup and Colour Cosmetics

Makeup products such as foundations, powders, facial and eye makeup, lip products and other colour cosmetics can fall within the cosmetic product category.

Cleansing and Bath Products

Soaps, shower gels, bath foams, bath oils and other cleansing or bathing preparations can be considered cosmetic products when they meet the relevant definition and requirements.

Deodorants and Personal Hygiene Products

Deodorants, antiperspirants and products intended for external intimate hygiene can also fall within the cosmetic product category.

Oral Care Products

Products intended for the care of the teeth and mouth, including toothpastes and other oral hygiene preparations, may also be classified as cosmetics under the applicable European framework.

Nail Care Products

Nail care and nail makeup products, including nail polishes, are also included within the broad range of cosmetic products.

What Functions Can a Cosmetic Product Perform?

The intended function is an important part of determining whether a product falls within the cosmetic product definition.

Cleansing

Cosmetic products can be intended to clean the skin, hair, teeth or other permitted areas of application.

Perfuming

Products such as perfumes, eau de Cologne and other fragranced preparations can be used primarily to impart or enhance a pleasant scent.

Changing Appearance

Makeup, hair colourants and other cosmetic products can be designed to alter or enhance the appearance of the treated area.

Protecting and Maintaining

Cosmetic products can also be formulated to protect the skin or other permitted areas of application and to help maintain them in good condition.

Correcting Body Odour

Deodorants and related personal care products can be designed to reduce or correct undesirable body odours.

Cosmetic Products Under EU Regulation

The definition of a cosmetic product in Europe is supported by the requirements established under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.

The Regulation provides the principal legal framework governing cosmetic products placed on the EU market. It covers areas including product safety, responsible persons, product information, ingredients, labelling and other requirements that need to be fulfilled before a cosmetic product is marketed.

For cosmetic product development, understanding the regulatory classification of the product is therefore an important part of the development process.

Products That Can Be More Difficult to Classify

Some products can have characteristics that make their classification less straightforward, particularly when their intended function overlaps with another regulatory category.

Sun Protection Products

Suntanning and sun-related preparations can fall within the cosmetic category in Europe when they meet the applicable definition and requirements. Their regulatory treatment can differ between markets.

Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants can also be considered cosmetic products within the European framework, although their classification and regulatory treatment may differ in other parts of the world.

Anti-Dandruff Products

Anti-dandruff shampoos are another example where classification can depend on the product's intended function and the regulatory framework of the market in which the product is sold.

This highlights the importance of assessing not only the ingredients in a product but also its intended purpose, claims and presentation.

Cosmetic Products and Product Development

Product Concept

The intended purpose of a cosmetic product should be established at the beginning of development. This helps determine the appropriate formulation approach, target application area and regulatory requirements.

Formulation

The formulation needs to be developed around the intended cosmetic function while taking into account ingredient compatibility, stability, safety and sensory properties.

Claims

The claims used to describe a cosmetic product should be consistent with its intended cosmetic function and supported by appropriate evidence where required.

Regulatory Compliance

Before placing a cosmetic product on the EU market, the formulation and finished product need to meet the applicable requirements of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Regulatory considerations should therefore be integrated into product development rather than addressed only at the end of the process.

Cosmetic Products in Different Markets

Although the EU provides a clear regulatory framework for cosmetic products, the classification of certain products can vary between countries and regions.

A product that is considered a cosmetic in Europe may be regulated differently in another market depending on its ingredients, intended use, claims and presentation.

For brands planning international distribution, regulatory assessment should therefore be carried out for each intended market.

References

Source: Safety Assessment of Cosmetics in Europe – Vera Rogiers and Marleen Pauwels.

Source: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products.