Cosmetics

Section 201(I)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines cosmetics as articles intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions. Included in this definition are products such as skin creams, lotions, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial make-up preparations, shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, toothpastes, deodorants, and any ingredient intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.

About 25% of the annual production of raw fragrance materials are used in cosmetics. Products such as shampoos, soaps, lotions, hair sprays, makeup, and other cosmetics and toiletries usually have fragrance added either to impart a scent to product or to mask the odor of other ingredients. Perfumes and colognes are products marketed for their scent. Worldwide sales in the personal care industry are around $122 billion annually. US sales are around $29 billion annually. Sales of perfumes and colognes alone were over $5 billion in the US.

Multiple scented cosmetic products are used on a daily basis by most people. Cosmetics represent multiple, constant exposure to fragrance.