Cosmetic

Cosmetic-

Introduction-

Cosmetic is a Greek word which means to 'adorn' (addition of something decorative to a

person or a thing). It may be defined as a substance which comes in contact with various parts

of the human body like skin, hair, nail, lips, teeth, and mucous membranes etc, Cosmetic

substances help in improving or changing the outward show of the body and also masks the

odour of the body. It protects the skin and keeps it in good condition. In general, cosmetics

are external preparations which are applied on the external parts the body.

Even in earlier days, men and women used to decorate their bodies for improvement of

appearance. Men used leaves of vegetables and parts of animals whereas women use to wear

colored stones and flowers round their neck and wrist. Gradually, they start using colored

earth and ointments on their face and body. Even bangles and necklace made of baked earth

materials became very common among the people. Eye shadow were made of copper

(coloured earth) ore and lamp black (coloured earth) while red colour was used for dyeing of

Hair -

Now a days, cosmetics are considered as essential components in life. They not only, attract the

people towards it but also impart psychological effects. It has gained popularity in the last 3-4

decades and its use has been increased exponentially both-in males and females. The most

popular cosmetics are hair dyes, powders and creams.

Examples of Cosmetics:

Skin-care creams, powders, lotions, lipsticks, nail polishes, eye and face makeup, deodorants,

baby products, hair colourants and sprays etc.

Uses:

1. They are used as a cleansing, moisturizing and beautifying agent.

2. They help in enhancing attractiveness of the body.

3. They help in altering the appearance of the body without affecting its functions.

4. Sunscreen products help in protecting the body from UV rays and treating sunburns.

5. Acne, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes and other skin imperfections are treated or repaired

Classification-

Cosmetics are broadly categorized into four types:

1. Skin Cosmetics

2. Hair Cosmetics

3. Nail Cosmetics

4. Cosmetics for hygiene purpose

Lipstick-

Lipstick may be basically defined as dispersion

of the colouring matter in a base consisting of a

suitable blend of oils, fats and waxes with

suitable perfumes and flavours moulded in the

form of sticks to impart attractive gloss and

colour, when applied on lips.

 Lipsticks provide moist appearance to the lips

accentuating them and disguising their defects.

Qualities of good lipstick-

The ideal requirements for the formation of a good lipstick may be as follows:

• It should efficiently cover lips with colour and impart a gloss which would last long.

• It should be able to maintain the intensity of colour without any alteration in the degree

of its shade.

• It should be able to adhere firmly to the lips and should not provide any greasy

appearance.

• It should possess good thixotropic property so as to deposit the colour with minimum

pressure.

• It should show a smear proof coloring effect.

• It should possess required plasticity and be able to maintain all the properties throughout

the storage period.

• It should not be gritty.

• It should be easily dried.

• The stick should possess even firmness and should maintain its strength at varying

temperatures up to 55°C.

• The stick should not dry or crumble easily.

• The lipstick should possess a pleasant fragrance and a good flavour.

• Should be safe and non-irritating to the lips.

• Result in blooming or sweating of the lips.

Formation-

The lipstick base is made by mixing the oils and waxes in varying proportions in order to

 

Obtain a desirable viscosity and melting point.