Published by Australian Academy of Science
Putting on a good face – the chemistry of cosmetics Box 1 | Ingredient labelling

Like the food industry, the cosmetics industry is subject to mandatory labelling requirements by Australian government regulations. Product ingredients must be listed on the packaging, on the product itself, or shown in some other way that allows the consumer to be informed. As with food labels, ingredients are listed in descending order by mass or volume. The purpose of this mandatory labelling is to allow consumers to identify ingredients they might be allergic to, and to compare the ingredients in products claiming to have similar benefits.

Products are classified as therapeutic goods rather than cosmetics when they claim to treat an ailment or modify a bodily process. Therapeutic goods are subject to different labelling requirements. Unlike cosmetics, they are required to show only their active ingredients and any ingredients known to have the potential to cause adverse affects in some people. Antiperspirants and anti-dandruff shampoos fall into this category. Cosmetic products are not required to demonstrate their effects scientifically in the same way that therapeutic products are. Their claimed effects are usually couched in cautious language such as ‘may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles’. So consumers should be aware that many of the claims made for cosmetic products have not been scientifically proven to be true.

Related sites

• Cosmetics and toiletries – ingredient labelling (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)

• Cosmetic claims guidelines (Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia)

Other boxes

Box 2. Only skin deep?