Cosmetics are products used to improve the appearance of the skin, hair and nails. They are available in the form of soaps, bath products, perfumes and other liquids or creams. They may be applied directly to the skin or on clothing and are designed for specific uses such as treating scars, making one’s face look younger, and protecting against sun damage. Many people use a combination of products to achieve the desired effect.
There are thousands of different cosmetics, some more specialized than others. They can include a wide variety of skin care products (cleansers, toners, moisturizers) and hair care products such as conditioners, shampoos, gels and waxes. There are also a number of styling products including hairsprays, pomades, mousses and serums.
The beauty industry is constantly evolving and is geared towards personalised solutions for individual skin Kosmetik Solothurn, hair or nail types. The industry is particularly thriving in countries such as France where famous brands such as Vichy and Yves Saint Laurent are produced. The global cosmetics market has seen a steady increase over the past few years and is forecast to continue to grow.
All cosmetics are required to comply with the European Union requirements on labelling. They must display a list of ingredients in order of predominance, using the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) system to provide a short and comprehensive system of names that is internationally recognised. This will make it easier for consumers to identify the ingredients in a product, especially when they are sensitive or have allergies.
The impulse to look our best is a fundamental human characteristic and cosmetics are widely used in all societies to enhance our external appearance. Studies have shown that attractiveness is a major source of self-esteem and social status, with the perceived quality of an individual’s appearance providing valuable social information to those who interact with them.
While the large multinational cosmetic companies tend to get all the attention, it is possible for small businesses to enter the cosmetics market. In fact, a new product line that offers something unique can actually attract free publicity since magazines and websites are always looking for the next big thing in cosmetics. Likewise, college interns are often lined up to work for new cosmetics companies in the hopes of getting a foot in the door of this lucrative industry.
When starting a cosmetic business, it is important to treat each batch of new products as if it were a scientific experiment. This is because the ingredients must be carefully weighed and measured to ensure that they are correctly mixed and are safe for human consumption. It is also necessary to keep accurate records of each batch in order to track progress and improve the formula for future batches. This can be done using an efficient spreadsheet or a dedicated cosmetics manufacturing software program. This will enable the business to save time, money and effort in the long run.