What are cosmetics?
Cosmetic products are intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body such as the skin, hair, nails, lips and external genital organs or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view to – cleaning them – perfuming them – changing their appearance – keeping them in good condition – protecting them – correcting body odours. What requirements must cosmetics meet? Around 10,000 ingredients are used in cosmetics. It is important to ensure that ingredients do not damage consumers’ health or property. In Finland cosmetics are subject to the provisions in the Cosmetics Decree (189/96) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Decision on Cosmetic Products (190/96), which were issued under the Product Safety Act (914/86). The European Union has had a Cosmetics Directive since 1976. Regulations set maximum concentrations for certain ingredients together with other limitations. Rules concerning colourings and preservatives are particularly strict
