The word cosmetic is derived from Greek meaning ‘beautify and arrange’ referring both to its cleansing and beautifying property. Cosmetics are defined as preparations designed to beautify the body by direct application. They are intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance without affecting the body’s structure or function.

According to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of India, 1940, cosmetic may be defined as any substance intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or otherwise applied to a human being for cleansing, beautifying or promoting attractiveness.

The concept of beauty and cosmetics is as ancient as mankind and civilization. The history of cosmetics spans at least 6,000 years of human history. Decorating the face and body is an activity that is among the oldest, most widespread and persistent of human behaviours. The ancient science of cosmetology is believed to have originated in India and Egypt, with the earliest records of cosmetic substances and their application dating back to Circa 2500 and 1550 B.C. to the Indus Valley civilization. There is evidence that highly advanced ideas of self-beautification and innumerable cosmetics were used both by men and women in ancient India. Many references to the use of natural preparations for cosmetic purposes are found in classical poetry and literature of ancient civilizations of India, China and other parts of Asia. Such cosmetic practices were intertwined with daily routine, all directed towards the larger goal of achieving longevity and good health. The use of cosmetics thus traceable back to prehistoric times has spread to all races and continents. Throughout history, cosmetics have been used by people for camouflaging flaws, improving overall appearance and enhancing attractiveness.

Despite the belief of certain societies such as in post-medieval Europe that usage of cosmetics was immoral, the use of cosmetics became freely accepted and is today universal. The empirical preparation of cosmetics being as old as medicine and pharmacy, increasing scientific interest in the principles involved has, in recent times converted the craft into an exact science. The stress was in creating preparations of great uniformity, stability and aesthetic attractiveness. Lending itself to the field of pharmacy, the result was carefully compounded preparations such as the vanishing cream in the late 19th century. The cosmetic industry has gone through a state of change with greater stress on dermatopharmaceuticals or therapeutically active cosmetics. Today cosmetic science is a combination of many disciplines. In the west cosmetics were scientifically prepared in France in the 1900s spawning a huge industry which has grown in leaps and bounds.

Today cosmetics are considered a necessity and not a luxury. The desire to appear physically attractive and young is universal what with the world having become a global village with satellite-assisted communications and wide-coverage television channels. The widespread consumerism, flourishing fashion/film industry fuelling the desire for good looks and expanding economy in general account for the high usage of cosmetics. A pleasing appearance drawing attention to one’s personality is considered essential as it enhances self-esteem and build’s an individual’s morale. Conforming to an accepted standard of outward agreeableness has become imperative in today’s competitive world and society in general.

The importance of cosmetics has grown tremendously in today’s society with the motivation to use them being also skin health preservation. In view of the current extent of industrialization, raising levels of environmental pollution, improper food habits and unhealthy lifestyles, cosmetics have become absolutely essential to maintain healthy appearance of hair, skin etc.