Consumers and manufacturers sometimes have questions about the term "cosmeceutical."
The term "cosmeceutical" has no legal meaning. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) does not recognize the term "cosmeceutical," but the cosmetics industry uses it to refer to cosmetics with drug or drug-like benefits.
A product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or both. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines a drug as a product that can cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent disease, or affect the structure or function of the human body; if a product makes such a claim, it will be regulated as a drug. The purpose of cosmetics is to beautify, enhance attractiveness, alter appearance, or cleanse; they are sold without FDA approval and are not intended to affect the structure or function of the human body.
FAQ
- Is "cosmeceutical" a valid product category under the law?
- The term "cosmeceutical" has no legal meaning. The U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) does not recognize the term "cosmeceutical"; it is merely a term the cosmetics industry uses to refer to cosmetics with drug or drug-like benefits. A product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or both: a drug is a product that can cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent disease, or affect the structure or function of the human body (regulated as a drug if it makes such a claim); the purpose of cosmetics is to beautify, enhance attractiveness, alter appearance, or cleanse.