The cosmetic companies seem only to be interested in the latest, most saleable ingredient. Enormous resources are used to develop ingredients that are making skin products more effective than ever. In addition, the cosmetic companies are always seeking to discover new, more effective ways of getting ingredients into the skin. Liposomes are commonly used. They are tiny hollow spheres filled with active ingredients, which are absorbed into the skin and release their contents precisely where they are most needed - under the surface into the deeper layers of the skin.
Dermatologists argue that cosmetics can achieve little except temporary moisturisation.
By definition, a cosmetic is not allowed to alter the structure or function of the skin. Of course, many companies imply that their products do alter the skin. Such products are are entering the grey area between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The regulatory bodies are not always as active as they should be in monitoring these situations, which leaves the public ill-informed and confused. Some times known as AHAs, these have revolutionised the effectiveness of many products.