The Meaning of Makeup
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Consumer, November 1991; Revised May 1995
Draize test
an animal test used to determine the effects of different substances on the eyes
fragrance
any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart an odor to a cosmetic product
* fragrance-free
products so labeled may still contain small amounts of fragrances to mask the fatty odor of soap or other unpleasant odors
* hypoallergenic
cosmetics that are less likely to cause allergic reactions
in vitro
from the Latin meaning “in glass,” in vitro tests do not involve the use of living vertebrate animals
lanolin
a natural extract of sheep wool used as a moisturizer, which is a common cause of allergic reactions but is rarely used in pure form
* natural
ingredients extracted directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced synthetically
* non-comedogenic
products so labeled do not contain common pore-clogging ingredients that could lead to acne
parabens (methyl-, propyl-, and butyl-)
the most widely used preservatives in the United States, commonly used in shampoos, foundations, facial masks, hair-grooming aids, nail creams, and permanent wave products
propylene glycol
the most common moisture-carrying vehicle in cosmetics other than water
(* There are no official, government definitions for these terms.)
Dori Stehlin is a staff writer for FDA Consumer.
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet
Publication No. (FDA) 95-5012 – November 1991; revised May 1995