As long time readers of this blog already know, cosmetics by definition can only affect the appearance of the body. If a product affects the physiology of the body then it’s a drug, not a cosmetic. So which cosmetics fall into the drug category?
OTC Monographs
In the US, these kinds of products are called “Over The Counter drugs.” The Food and Drug Administration issues Over The Counter (OTC) monographs that dictate which ingredients can be used in these products and what claims they can make. Our friends over at Chemists Corner recently published a list of cosmetics that have FDA monographs. We’re reprinting the list below. Check out their post for a full description and links to each monograph.
- Anti-acne products
- Toothpaste & anti-cavity products
- Topical anti-fungal
- Anti-microbial products
- Antiperspirant
- Astringents
- Corn & Callus removers
- Dandruff products
- Hair growth / hair loss
- Nailbiting products
- Psoriasis
- Skin bleaching
- Sunscreen
- Topical analgesic
- Wart remover
Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eagleglide/3077556441/
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is why I love your blog. Useful info that I can throw around at parties. You make me sound smart!
I did not know some of these! I wonder if Olay definity/total effects would qualify as skin bleach.
By Psoriasis, did you mean the creams used to treat it?
@Jess: Yes.
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