Most of the cosmetics currently available can be divided into five major categories. This write-up attempts to succinctly speak about these cosmetic groups.
Skincare
Skincare cosmetics are pivotal for ensuring that the skin’s health is intact; they safeguard it from pollutants and toxins found in the atmosphere, too. These products help eliminate dirt from the skin, beat oiliness, and restore the pH balance of the skin, as well. Likewise, skin care items also take care of the key aspect of keeping the skin hydrated. In the same way, when you are seeking cosmetics that protect against ultraviolet radiation, you will find suitable products. Fine lines and wrinkles are indications of aging and cosmetics can remove them. Even when cosmetics for the treatment of acne and other blemishes on the skin are considered, the “skincare” range has several options.
Hair Care
The “hair care” segment offers numerous products protecting hair and retaining its moisture. Here, cosmetics are addressing the needs of profiles desirous of giving a stylish look to their hair. Cosmetic products that color the hair and those that enable hair growth are in much demand.
Makeup
As against the widely held notion, there is a difference between makeup cosmetics and those of skincare. In many instances, skincare items help in resolving some genuine skin issues like acne, blemishes, and sunburns. But, the primary focus of products falling under the makeup class, like concealer, lipstick, and mascara, is centered only on improving appearance.
Fragrance
Products related to this group have been used for more than the last three hundred years. The main objective of these items is to give the body a pleasing odor, which will be useful to people in social situations. The popularity of these products is evident from the fact that fragrances hold about 10% share when the entire cosmetic industry is considered. Perfumes, colognes, and body sprays are some popular things of “fragrance.”
Personal Care
When compared with all other groups of cosmetic categories, products of “personal care” can be called necessary ones. This category includes products of oral care, body washes, medicated soaps, shaving creams and gels, and hand washes, to cite a few. These products are of immense value from the perspective of hygiene of an individual.
It is worthy of special mention that the segment of “personal care” contributes approximately 15% to the total sales of all cosmetics. This emphasizes the significance of these products.
Others
Along with what has been mentioned above, there are a few cosmetic products like nail polish, cuticle oil, and items for men’s grooming, too. Here, one must not be surprised at seeing “men’s grooming.” It has to be understood that the use of cosmetics is not a thing that is confined only to women. The relevance of all these items is on par with the products falling into the five main categories.
Cosmetic Categories – A Key Point
Nowadays, if a person wants to have a successful career as a cosmetic formulator/cosmetic chemist, they shouldn’t ignore a crucial point. It is indispensable for them that they possess a thorough knowledge of the cosmetics of all five categories. Gone are the days when it was sufficient for a professional to be focused on just one or two cosmetic products. This is unsurprising, given the consistent increase in cosmetic use.
Author: Sarah Weber – Writes on functional and active ingredients for cosmetics personal care, home care, hair dyes, color cosmetics and sun filters products for a cosmetics speciality chemical supplier for MENA region.