European cosmetic guidelines are in many countries extended by additional rules, regulations and laws which make positions, rights and duties clear for cosmetic animal testing and cosmetic ingredients in the beauty and cosmetic industry. Products which want to be known and sold as cosmetics have to abide by certain cosmetic labelling laws and guidelines for cosmetics when it comes to ingredients and agents. These pharma guidelines have to be so strict to protect consumers and their rights.

 

Pharmaceutical guidelines are essential as there are more than 2,600 agents which can potentially cause allergies and stressed skin, which both endanger our health. There is also a list which contains approximately 1,200 cosmetics ingredients which are prohibited for the use in cosmetic products. Regulations also determine which dyestuffs and preserving agents are legal, which are only allowed for limited and restricted use and which are prohibited. The skin is the biggest of the human organs. However, when we treat our skin with cosmetics, there are cosmetics ingredients which are dangerous to our health. Although it is important that cream soaks in quickly, shower gel smells pleasantly and shampoo cleans our hair, all the skin and body care products have to be sensitive to our skin. Although good smell and look are important, chemical and non-natural ingredients in cosmetics should be kept to a minimum.

 

Also the labelling of cosmetic care products is essential and regulated in cosmetic guidelines: The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is valid for Europe and provides English definitions and names of cosmetics ingredients. Cosmetics manufacturers are bound by law to label products and to explain the right use as well as side-effects. Especially consumers who often face allergies or allergic reactions when using cosmetics benefit tremendously from these product guidelines. Research and experience from dermatologist’s practices show that agents in fragrances very often cause allergic reactions.

 

Cosmetic guidelines are vital in the beauty, health and cosmetics industry. This branch is a rapidly growing future market – heavily depending on trends and fashion. Product innovation cycles are getting shorter and shorter, international trends in the fashion industry force the manufacturers to respond quickly and to adopt their portfolios. There are several dates in the course of a year for which new products have to be placed as economic benefits are expected. These dates are, for example, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. These events increase the revenues of cosmetics companies.