We explain what cosmetics and makeup are, their history, types and how they are made. Also, what are natural cosmetics.
What are cosmetics?
Cosmetics (also called makeup) are a series of products linked to personal hygiene or with the beautification, traditionally, of the female face.
Its use dates back to ancient times, as an ornament to distinguish successful warriors or hunters, or married women from single ones. They were also used to distinguish members of the royal class or aristocracy, or those citizens dedicated to the priesthood or initiated into a religious cult.
In fact, The first evidence of the use of cosmetics dates back to Ancient Egypt approximately 4,000 years before Christ. However, the term “cosmetic” was invented in the 17th century, when the first company was created to market toiletries, such as lavender soaps or moisturizing creams, for the consumption of the nobility.
cosmetics, Currently, they are linked to aesthetic, hygienic and erotic norms that are usually applied to the body of both men and women, in different ways, to highlight certain desirable attributes and hide those that are not.
Nowadays we consider cosmetics to be deodorants, shampoos, shower gels, skin creams, and various forms of makeup: paints, shadows, dyes, lipsticks, perfumes, etc. We also use this name for substances used in theater, film and television, with which effects and conditions are simulated within the story (scene makeup).
See also: Colloid
How are cosmetics made?
Broadly speaking, cosmetics are made up of three ingredients:
- An active ingredient. One or more chemical substances intended to produce some superficial effect on the body.
- A vehicle or excipient Which is the solvent in which the chemical mixture of the active ingredient is generally contained and which is used for its application in the body.
- Additives and correctors. That is, substances added to regulate, control or accelerate the effect of the active ingredient, or to provide longevity to the mixture.
Thus, the preparation of cosmetics involves choosing, composing or mixing each of these ingredients in the appropriate proportions.
Generally, the vehicles chosen are derived from harmless natural or synthetic substances, such as beeswax, vegetable oils or silk, to which vitamins, antioxidants or ultraviolet protectors are added, in order to reduce their harmful effects on the skin. fur.
The chemical composition of the active ingredient depends on the desired effect. For paints and blushes, for example, which are usually applied in powder form, carbon, titanium dioxide, iron oxide and other similar minerals are used to give a certain color to the face.
On the other hand, perfumes usually use some vegetable oil imbued with the essence of fruits, flowers or other sources of pleasant aroma. The same occurs in creams, generally composed of combinations of oils and plant extracts, whose purpose is to keep the skin lubricated and delay its aging.
Finally, additives and catalysts are chemical, generally added to the mixture in specialized laboratories of the pharmaceutical industry. This ensures that the cosmetic survives its distribution, marketing and use in good condition.
Types of cosmetics
There are many ways to classify cosmetics, but it is likely that the most comprehensive refers to the classification that distinguishes them according to their use. In this way, we would have:
- Baby cosmetics Such as moisturizing and anti-diaper creams, colognes, neutral soaps and non-aggressive cleaning products.
- Cosmetics for the face Such as lipsticks, blushes, foundation powders, mascara, concealers, etc.
- Skin cosmetics Such as moisturizers, scrubs, sunscreens, soaps, aftershaves, hair removal creams, etc.
- Perfumery cosmetics Such as deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, colognes, etc.
- Cosmetics for nails Like nail paints, enamels, etc.
- Oral hygiene cosmetics Like toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc.
Natural cosmetics
Natural cosmetics or organic cosmetics are those that have been made from natural products as little chemically treated as possible. This, in theory, makes them healthier products for the body, less containing risky substances, but at the same time shorter lasting and more expensive.
In some cases, these products aspire to pollute the ecosystem less reducing the amount of chemicals that are dumped with the garbage. Many times they are free of animal abuse, that is, they were produced without using live animals to test their possible negative effects on human health.
Continue with: Light industry
References
- “Cosmetic” in Wikipedia.
- “Types of cosmetic products” in Portal Salud.
- “Cosmetics” in Medline Plus in Spanish.
- “Safe use of cosmetics” in S. Food & Drug Administration.
- “Understanding: Manufacturing Makeup” (video) on TLC.
