Natural Products as Cosmeceuticals in Different Countries: A Regulatory Perspective

Abstract

The development of novel products that claim anti-aging, lightening, hair growth promoting, and other skincare effects is a contributing factor for the continuous growth of the cosmeceuticals market. The European Union (EU) and the United States of America are the world’s most established cosmetic markets. Regulations and certifications in these countries serve as a basis for other nations like Japan and China with more emerging cosmetic markets, though the latter are also now formulating their own regulations. India, which is also catching up with the growing cosmeceutical and cosmetic markets, has constructed its own rules and regulations, which are also now being revamped to take into consideration the natural and organic ingredients in cosmetic preparations. Almost all of the legislations of the leading cosmetic market holder nations have their own standards for defining cosmetics/natural cosmetics, licensing, labeling, safety, efficacy and stability studies. This book chapter discusses the regulatory aspects of natural products as cosmeceuticals from different nations.