ABSTRACT
The term “cosmeceuticals” was first popularized about twenty-five years ago by Albert
Kligman, MD, PhD, to bridge the gap between cosmetics and drugs or pharmaceuticals.
Historically, after the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, the world of topical skin care
products was divided into two groups: cosmetics and drugs. Drugs were for the treatment or
prevention of diseases, and it was required that safety and efficacy be established before
sales and marketing could proceed. In contrast, cosmetics were viewed as agents to enhance
the beauty of the skin or improve the appearance of the skin, and safety and efficacy were not
required to be demonstrated before sales and marketing of these products (1).
