What Is the Difference Between Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals?

June 4, 2023 · News

There is often a lot of confusion surrounding the differences between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. While both cosmetics and cosmeceuticals are associated with beauty and enhancing appearance, they are not one and the same.

Let’s take a look at what distinguishes these two types of products from one another and how that might impact your cosmetics brand.

Cosmetics Vs Cosmeceuticals: What’s the Difference

Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals are often confused as they each perform similar functions, however, there is a key difference between the two product categories.

Cosmetics are products which are used externally on the body (including the mouth and teeth) to immediately improve appearance or odour. Cosmetics can be used to cleanse, condition, maintain or protect the body, however, they do not change or alter the structure of the skin or body part on a cellular level. For this reason, the effects of using a cosmetic product will only be temporary and won’t provide any long-term benefit or improvement.

Cosmeceuticals perform many of the same functions as cosmetics, however, cosmeceuticals also contain one or more ingredients that deliver a more permanent improvement. Coined in 1984 by Dr Albert Klingman, the term “cosmeceutical” was created by combining the words “cosmetic” and “pharmaceutical”, creating a new category of beauty products that work on a cellular level to deliver permanent results.

Typically used to improve skin tone and texture or treat conditions such as fine lines, pigmentation or acne, cosmeceutical products are often prescribed by a dermatologist or cosmetic nurse, however, many cosmeceutical products can still be sold and purchased ‘over-the-counter’ without a prescription.

Ingredients You Might Find in Cosmeceuticals

Some of the ingredients you might find in products considered to be cosmeceuticals include:

sunscreens
antioxidants (such as alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C, nicotinamide, vitamin E, n-acetyl-glucosamine, ubiquinone)
hydroxy acids (AHA’s, PHA’s and BHA’s)
retinoids
skin lightening agents
botanical plant extracts
peptides/proteins
growth factors

Are Cosmeceuticals Regulated Differently to Cosmetics?

If you’re considering adding cosmeceutical products to your product range, you’re probably wondering whether they will be subject to any additional regulatory requirements.

In Australia, cosmeceuticals as a category itself isn’t regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Instead, the way a product is handled will be determined by factors including:

the ingredients included in the product
whether the primary use of the product is therapeutic
any claims made about a therapeutic benefit the product provides

While many cosmeceutical products are considered cosmetic products, some cosmeceutical products (such as sunscreens or skin whitening products) will be classified as therapeutic goods and will therefore subject to stricter regulations regarding registration, testing, efficacy and labelling.

Benefit From More Than 30 Years of Experience

At Wild Child, our team of resident chemists have more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry to share with you.

A full-service cosmetics manufacturer based right here in Australia, our team can help you navigate the product development and manufacturing process for your cosmetics, cosmeceutical or skincare range, while ensuring compliance throughout every step of production.

Contact the team at Wild Child to discuss your product ideas or find out more about our cosmetics manufacturing service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our minimum order quantities (MOQs) are a function of the calibrated weights of our mixing vessel and the capacity of our filling lines. Depending on the unit size of the final product the MOQ will typically be around 10,000 units.

We do not have a product catalogue. Products will be suggested by our Product Development team based on the information you provide through the new product enquiry form.

Yes, with a better understanding of your product requirements we will develop a lab sample(s) for your review and ultimate approval. Depending on level of customisation or development required, this service may incur a fee.

Typically, 12 – 14 weeks from the placement of purchase order and payment of the deposit. Please note, the manufacturing lead time is dependent on the availability of the raw materials and packaging components, which can be confirmed prior to the placement of your order.

No, all our pricing is EX WORKS. Whilst we do not provide freight and distribution services, we can assist with the freight quotation and booking from our Facility.

Upon placement of purchase order, a 50% deposit is required, and balance is due prior to the release of the finished goods.

Yes, we can provide packaging options based on formulation compatibility and compliance standards. Alternatively, clients can provide their own packaging with the understanding that it must be compatible with our equipment and meet compliance standards.