What are cosmetics?
In Australia, according to the IndustrialChemistry (Notification and Evaluation) Act of 1989, cosmetics are defined as"substances or preparations used in contact with any external part of thehuman body (including the oral cavity and teeth)".
We use cosmetics to clean, perfume, protectand change the appearance of our body or change its smell.
In contrast, products that claim to"change bodily functions or prevent, diagnose, cure or alleviate anydisease, minor disease or defect" are called treatments.
This distinction means that shampoos anddeodorants are classified as cosmetics, while anti-dandruff shampoos andantiperspirants are treated as therapeutic drugs.
Regulation and safety
In Australia, the import, production anduse of chemicals (including those used in cosmetics) are regulated by the AustralianGovernment’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Program(NICNAS).
NICNAS is committed to ensuring thatchemicals used in consumer products will not cause significant harm to users orthe environment.
As far as cosmetics are concerned, eachingredient contained in a product must be scientifically evaluated and approvedby NICNAS before it is produced or imported into Australia and used in consumerproducts.
Under appropriate circumstances, NICNASwill limit the level of chemicals used in products and will review chemicals when new evidence emerges.
Cosmetics that claim to have additionaltherapeutic effects (such as moisturizers can also whiten the skin) are regulatedby another organization, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Cosmetics and other personal care productsmust also be labelled in accordance with the 1991 Trade Practices (ConsumerProduct Information Standards, Cosmetics) Regulations.
The regulation requires all intentionallyadded ingredients to be listed on the product label and is enforced by theAustralian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
