1. Overview

Cosmetic products are part of our everyday life, whether you are young or old, male or female. It is important for consumers to make an informed decision on the types of products that best fit their needs and lifestyle.

1.1 What are cosmetic products?

Since ancient history, men and women have used cosmetic products to enhance their appearance. Now, cosmetic products cover a wide range of items that we use as part of our grooming (and for the ladies, “beauty”) routine every day.

A cosmetic product means any substance or preparation intended by its manufacturer to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body such as the skin epidermis, hair, nails, lips and external genital organs or with the teeth or the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, correcting body odors, protecting them or keeping them in good condition. 

These include products that we use every day: shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, shaving creams, toothpaste, mouthwash and other products like hair dyes, depilatory products, etc. that are used on a need basis…

Please click this link for the ASEAN Consumer Information Handbook on Cosmetic Products.