
Examples of the prevalent usage of harmful cosmetics include the use of ceruse (white lead) throughout a number of different cultures, such as during the Renaissance in the West, and blindness caused by the mascara Lash Lure during the early 20th century. Many cosmetic products available at this time were still either chemically dubious or derived from natural resources commonly found in the kitchen, such as food colouring, berries and beetroot. Historically, the absence of regulation of the manufacture and use of cosmetics, as well as the absence of scientific knowledge regarding the effects of various compounds on the human body for much of this time period, led to a number of negative adverse effects upon those who used cosmetics, including deformities, blindness and in some cases death.
Vaseline and lanolin in the nineteenth century. #Mac lip gloss set review skin
Skin creams made of beeswax, olive oil, and rose water, described by the Romans.
Castor oil also used in ancient Egypt as a protective balm. Regardless of the changes in social attitudes towards cosmetics, ideals of appearance were occasionally achieved through the use of cosmetics by many.Īccording to one source, early major developments in cosmetics include: In Europe, use of cosmetics continued into the Middle Ages-where the face was whitened and the cheeks rouged- though attitudes towards cosmetics varied throughout time, with the use of cosmetics being openly frowned upon at many points in Western history. Techniques for changing appearance include contouring, which aims to give shape to an area of the face.Ĭosmetics can also be designed to add fragrance to the body.Ĭosmetics have been in use for thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians and Sumerians using them. Cosmetics designed for more general personal care, such as shampoo and body wash, can be used to cleanse the body.Ĭosmetics designed to enhance one's appearance (makeup) can be used to conceal blemishes, enhance one's natural features (such as the eyebrows and eyelashes), add color to a person's face and-in the case of more extreme forms of makeup used for performances, fashion shows and people in costume-can be used to change the appearance of the face entirely to resemble a different person, creature or object. Use Ĭosmetics designed for skin care can be used to cleanse, exfoliate and protect the skin, as well as replenishing it, through the use of cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and balms. This broad definition includes any material intended for use as an ingredient of a cosmetic product, with the FDA specifically excluding pure soap from this category. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates cosmetics, defines cosmetics as products "intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions". Though the legal definition of cosmetics in most countries is broader, in some Western countries, cosmetics are commonly taken to mean only makeup products, such as lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, blush, highlighter, bronzer, and several other product types. ( August 2021) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) You may improve this section, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new section, as appropriate. The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject.