Cosmeceuticals

What is Cosmeceutical skincare?

The term “cosmeceutical” was coined in 1984 by the late Dr. Albert Kligman of the University of Pennsylvania (co-founder of Retin-A) during his research on the anti-aging effects of tretinoin (Vitamin A derivative). Simply put, a cosmeceutical is a hybrid formulation mid-way between a ‘cosme’tic and pharma ‘ceutical’, thus cosmeceutical. To Dr. Kligman, a cosmeceutical represented “a topical preparation that is sold as a cosmetic but has the performance characteristics that suggest pharmaceutical action”. These hybrid skincare formulations bring together cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients that provide effects beyond simple skincare enhancement; however, these formulations still fall short of the quality for a drug or pharmaceutical rating. A cosmeceutical is not a simple cosmetic formula, nor is it a drug or pharmaceutical as defined or approved by the FDA.

The benefits of these hybrid formulations are used in the skincare industry to target skincare issues such as: general anti-aging, skin hyperpigmentation, antioxidant properties, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory needs.  Some examples of cosmeceutical topicals are:  Hyaluronic Acid, Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, CoQ10, Azelaic Acid, Zinc, Comfrey, Retinol, Green Tea, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, and Ceramides to name just a few.  Peptides are also considered cosmeceutical ingredients.  Some examples found in contemporary peptide skincare are:  Matrixyl®, Argireline®, Renovage™, Syniorage®, Corum Peptide 8813, and Eyeseryl® to name just a few.

The term “cosmeceutical” has gained popularity world-wide over the last 15+ years and is used to describe the current generation of hybrid skincare formulations with enhanced benefits.  KATHLEEN PEARA SKINCARE FOR LIFE is considered a cosmeceutical skincare line. The Collections’ formulas contain an abundance of cosmeceutical ingredients, as well as the wisdom of botanicals, essential oils, and medicinal plants.