A short note on Cosmetics in Pharmacy

Cosmetics in Pharmacy combine fine and applied chemical arts, which utilise the principles of chemistry to protect skin against environmental influences and give youthfulness to the skin. It helps improve the appearance of skin due to its pigmentation appearance, texture and elasticity. The most common type of cosmetics that we use today is soap. The word “cosmetic” has been derived from the Greek word “cosmetics”. The use of cosmetics can be traced back to 6000 years before.

 The active life of a Cosmetic in Pharmacy preparation begins when it is brought in contact with the skin or hair and ends when it has been removed or has evaporated. The effects of cosmetics depend on their composition and how they are applied. 

Types of Cosmetics in Pharmacy

There are various types of cosmetics majorly classified into4 types of Cosmetic in Pharmacy:-

1. Skin Cosmetic
2. Nail Cosmetic
3. Hair Cosmetic

 1. Skin Cosmetic

Various components come under skin cosmetics, such as powder, various types of creams and lipsticks. Let’s learn about them one by one.

1. Creams

Skincare cosmetics is a general term for products used for cleansing, moisturising, and protecting the skin. Creams are viscous (thick) liquids and semi-solids. They are manufactured using a wide range of chemicals. Creams may be either luxurious or utilitarian. Luxurious creams contain more expensive ingredients such as gold and platinum, whereas utilitarian creams contain inexpensive ingredients.

 The creams act as a medium, which helps keep the chemicals and emulsions in suspension. They are also used as a protective layer over the face, with the help of which skin gets cleaned and makes it soft. They help improve blood flow under the skin, which stimulates the healing process and helps remove spots, scars, and pimples from the skin.

 2. Powder

Skin cosmetic powder is a fine powder with good binding ability, which provides a smooth feel and promotes healthy skin. It makes the skin soft and smooth and enhances its lustre and sheen. The powder is made from superior ingredients using advanced technology to ensure high purity, reliability and effectiveness.

The powder is a dry, particulate material that comes in solid form instead of a liquid or a gas. In terms of application, there are different types of powders for different applications.

 3. Lipsticks

 Lipsticks are usually made up of a base of soft white paraffin, castor oil, or other vegetable oils or fats. The pigments are dispersed in these oils and fats by mixing with suitable dispersing agents like soaps, surfactants, potassium soaps, etc. Lipstick may be categorised according to the colour they impart on application: reds, pinks, corals, etc. They are also classified as glossy or matte according to their surface finish: glossy and semi-glossy.

 Lipsticks are the most popular colour cosmetics used by women of all ages. They provide moisture, disguise flaws and give a glossy appearance to your lips.

2. Nail Cosmetic

 Nail cosmetics or nail lacquers and polishes are used to decorate the nails of fingers and toes. Nail cosmetics include nail polish which can be applied using various methods, either using a brush or simply by dabbing it onto the nail with the fingers. It creates a gloss effect on the nails from their usual matte finish without abrading materials underneath the nail plate, as in a manicure procedure. Nail cosmetic is a preparation applied to the nails for decorative purposes. It may be in the form of lacquer or polish. Nail cosmetics may improve the appearance of nails, prevent ingrown nails, and protect them from breaking or chipping.

3. Hair Cosmetics

There are two essential things in hair cosmetics: shampoo and hair dyes.

1. Shampoo

 The shampoo is a viscous cosmetic preparation with synthetic detergent used for washing hair. Its principal function is to clean the scalp such that it should become free from sebum and foreign substances. The shampoo also makes the hair lustrous and good looking. In the olden days, detergent soap was used to wash hairs, but nowadays, it has been replaced by shampoo. Today, shampoo has become a critical hair cosmetic for both men and women.

 2. Hair Dyes

 Hair colour is defined as the shade of colour given by the combination of Pheomelanin and eumelanin. Classification of hair colours is done on the bases of three parameters: i) Intensity – it refers to the depth of colour from light tones to deep tones) Hue – it refers to the shade of colours like red, lemon yellow etc. iii) Variation refers to the distribution of the above two parameters on a scale ranging from very high variation (outcrop colours) to very low variation (blends with no noticeable colour pattern).a

Conclusion

People use makeup daily, and it can be used for various things. It sometimes can even boost someone’s confidence by using different cosmetics like eyeliner, lipstick, foundation and eyeshadow. However, not all cosmetics we use are good for us or our face. Chemicals and compounds may irritate the skin, causing allergic reactions, and even toxic chemicals can be harmful over time. Some cosmetics like lotions and sunscreens are beneficial to our health, but some like foundation are not.

Many beauty products exist today, including cleansers, moisturisers, foundations, etc. However, some of these products may negatively affect your skin because they often contain chemicals. These chemicals may cause allergic reactions or irritate existing conditions like acne or eczema.