Cosmetics have acquired an important place in many fashion based industries. Cosmetics products demand is increasing tremendously in the market and so one should know regarding ingredients used while manufacturing of cosmetics products.

• Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip conditioner and lip boosters.

• Foundation, used to color the face and conceal flaws to produce an impression of health and youth. Usually a liquid, cream, powder or mousse.

• Powder, used to set the foundation, giving a matte finish, and also to conceal not-so-noticeable flaws.

• Rouge, blush or blusher, cheek stain used to color the cheeks and emphasize the cheekbones. This comes in powder, cream and gel forms.

• Bronzer, used to create a tanner look to the skin.

• Mascara and lash extender, lash conditioner used to enhance the eyelashes and can be of different colors and even waterproof.

• Eye liner, eye shadow, eye putty, eye shimmer, and glitter eye pencils as well as different color pencils used to color and emphasize the eyelids (larger eyes are a sign of youth).

• Eyebrow pencils, creams, waxes, gels and powders are used to fill in and define the brows.

• Nail polish, used to color the fingernails and toenails.

• Concealer, a type of thick opaque makeup used to cover pimples, various spots and inconsistencies in the skin

Also included in the general category of cosmetics are skin care products. These include creams and lotions to moisturize the face and body, sunscreens to protect the skin from damaging UV radiation, and treatment products to repair or hide skin imperfections (acne, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes, etc.). Cosmetics can also be described by the form of the product, as well as the area for application. Cosmetics can be liquid or cream emulsions; powders, both pressed and loose; dispersions; and anhydrous creams or sticks.

Ingredients

While there is assurance from the largest cosmetic companies that their various ingredients are safe to use, there is a growing preference for cosmetics that are without any "synthetic" ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum. Once a niche market certified organic products are becoming more mainstream. New cosmetics using organ gels that are water free, preservative free and surfactant free have recently been developed that contain natural products. Beauty cosmetics that use an organogel base are suitable for use by persons with sensitive skin.

Ingredients' listings in cosmetics are highly regulated in many countries. The testing of cosmetic products on animals is a subject of some controversy. It is now illegal in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and a ban across the European Union is due to come into effect in 2009.

Organic and Natural Ingredients

Even though many products in cosmetics are regulated, there are many health concerns that come from harmful chemicals in these products. Some products carry carcinogenic contaminant 1, 4- dioxane. Many cosmetic companies are coming out with "All natural" and "Organic" products. All natural products contain mineral and plant ingredients and organic products are made with organic agricultural products. Products who claim they are organic are not, unless they are certified "USDA Organic."