Cosmetics are personal care products used to alter or enhance a person’s face or body in some way. For example, makeup is used to cover blemishes and enhance facial features, and conditioner is used to soften and hydrate hair. Cosmetics come in many forms, from sprays and creams to powders and more.
The global cosmetics market is valued at well over 532 billion USD and is growing all the time. The largest share of the cosmetics market belongs to skincare products. Other leading product categories include hair care, makeup, perfumes, deodorants and other toiletries and oral cosmetics. Cosmetics can include a wide range of ingredients, including both natural substances and synthetic substances. As we’ll see, some of these ingredients can be considered hazardous.