Cosmetics

Cosmetics, preparations applied to the human body to beautify or alter appearance. Cosmetics are used primarily to cleanse, color, condition, or protect the skin, hair, lips, nails, eyes, and teeth. Though cosmetics have been used since ancient times for religious and ornamental rituals, since the early 1900s they have grown into what is now a billion dollar industry. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an arm of the U.S. government, regulates production, labeling, and use of cosmetics. Examples of commonly used cosmetics are lipsticks, eye shadows, blushes, deodorants, perfumes, lotions, shampoos, nail polishes, and some toothpastes.