Cosmetic Product Labeling What You Need To Know 
Under the law the official difference between a cosmetic product and a prescription cosmetic product is the later is considered a drug. As a drug it has an intended purpose of treating a specific condition,and an intended use.
According to the (FD&C Act) they define nonprescription cosmetics by their intended use such as:products that are “intended to be rubbed,poured,sprinkled,or sprayed on,introduced into,or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing,beautifying,promoting attractiveness,or altering the appearance” Nonprescription cosmetic products can include:perfumes,soaps,skin moisturizers,shampoos,conditioners,lipsticks,fingernail polishes,eye and facial makeup preparations,permanent waves,deodorants,hair colors,toothpastes,anti aging skin care products,and any substance intended for use as a part of a cosmetic product.
Non Prescription Cosmetics Must Be Labeled Properly
The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) regulates cosmetic products differently than it does prescription products. Cosmetic labeling and advertising must be careful as they are prohibited from make any “medical Claims”. If they are labeled incorrectly they could be pulled from the market,so when you read a non prescription cosmetic product label or read an advertisement you will notice that they use specific and careful labeling such as:
“Improves the appearance of wrinkles” rather than saying “Removes wrinkles or Eliminates wrinkles”.
The FDA does not care if a company internally tests its cosmetic products against prescription cosmetic products,but in their advertising they must state the result truthfully,not be misleading,and not make medical claims. If they do make a claim that their product is better than they must back it up with substantiated testing and evidence.
Neither can a nonprescription cosmetic product claim that it “treats or prevents disease or otherwise affects the structure or any function of the body may cause the product to be considered a drug.
To get around this many cosmetic manufacturing companies don’t mention that their gels,lotions,and creams can deliver prescription like results. Instead they will say reduces redness or calms the skin. If they made claims that fall into a “drug category” their products would have to go through FDA approval.
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Why Prescription Cosmetics Are Expensive
Going through FDA status to achieve a drug status requires a lot of time,testing and is expensive. So when you are wondering why prescription cosmetic products such as Retin A costs around a hundred bucks,you can thank the FDA.
On the other hand having a tested and safe product to apply to your skin makes a lot of sense too! Here’s a great resource for checking out cosmetic products and prescription cosmetic products anti aging skin product reviews
