ABSTRACT
Cosmetics are a category of consumer products marketed worldwide, the purpose and functions of which are universal to people of all cultures. The 1998 global cosmetics and toiletries market was valued at $125.7 billion [1], including skincare, fragrance, haircare, personal hygiene, and makeup products. In the United States alone there are over 1400 domestic manufacturing and repacking establishments, which in the aggregate use more than 10,500 different cosmetic ingredients [2] and a corresponding number of fragrance ingredients to make over 25,000 product formulations [3]. Once considered luxuries by consumers of modest economic means, cosmetics and toiletries are seen today as necessities by growing numbers of consumers, regardless of their relative states of affluence [4]. Indeed, cosmetics are regarded not as mere pampered indulgences, but as key aids to maintaining and promoting better standards of personal hygiene and health. Yet, what are these products that we call cosmetics?
