Quick summary: Not all cosmetics are creams. There are four functional categories: hygiene, protection, treatment, and decorative. Each can take different forms, such as emulsions, gels, serums, or masks. Understanding this classification helps you choose products based on scientific evidence and create a coherent routine, without overlaps or incompatibilities between active ingredients.
What is, legally, a cosmetic?
According to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament, in force since July 11, 2013, a cosmetic It is any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (skin, hair, nails, lips or teeth) with the sole or main purpose of cleaning, perfuming, protecting, modifying the appearance or maintaining these areas in good condition.
In Portugal, it is the INFARMED The authority responsible for ensuring that cosmetic products placed on the market comply with these rules. This legal definition is only the starting point. In clinical practice, it is the functional classification that helps to choose and combine products.
What are the different types of cosmetics according to their function?
Professional cosmetology groups cosmetics into four functional categories. Knowing them is the first step in creating a logical routine, instead of accumulating products without any criteria.
What are hygiene cosmetics?
They include cleansing gels, micellar lotions, gentle soaps, and deodorants. Their function is to remove dirt, oil, and impurities and prepare the skin for subsequent care. It is always the first step in any routine: without proper cleansing, the active ingredients in the following steps penetrate less effectively.
What are protective cosmetics used for?
These include sunscreens, products against environmental aggressors, and physical barriers such as lip balms. They are essential for preventing premature aging induced by UV radiation and pollution, a cornerstone of any long-term maintenance plan.
What do maintenance and treatment cosmetics do?
They include moisturizers, seraAnti-aging creams, depigmenting agents, and other targeted active ingredients are the most commonly used in advanced facial and body treatments, as they address specific skin needs: hydration, luminosity, texture, or blemishes.
What are decorative cosmetics?
Makeup products, such as foundations, powders, eyeshadows, and lipsticks, belong to this category. Many also incorporate additional benefits, such as... FPS or antioxidant actives, and they function as an extra layer of protection throughout the day.
What is the right cosmetic form for each function?
In addition to its function, each cosmetic also has a cosmetic formThe physical structure of the product, which influences absorption, texture, and application method.
- Emulsions (creams, lotions, balms): richer texture, ideal for sealing in hydration.
- Gels and fluidsLightweight, fast-absorbing, suitable for oily skin or hot climates.
- SerunsHigh concentration of active ingredients in a lightweight texture, designed for specific needs.
- Foams and mousses: most commonly used in cleaning products.
- PostCompact or loose: typical of makeup and some sunscreens.
- Sticklipsticks and
