Cosmetics vs Cosmeceuticals: Definition, Difference & What Is Good For Your Skin

Influencer marketing has opened a huge box of products in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals for people to explore. However, it remains confusing. Influencers are often spotted applying several products on their face and the video ends up with them flaunting their impeccable skin or makeup.

What many of you do not know is that the influx of cosmetic and cosmeceutical products in the market does not necessarily have to be confusing. First, the two terms are quite different in their definition. Second, you must have knowledge about your skin type before applying any product.

Therefore, we connected with Dr Samridhi Sharma, Skin & Hair Specialist, Advisor at Clinikally, Gurugram, to understand which cosmetic and cosmeceutical products are good for you.

Cosmetics vs Cosmeceuticals: Definition

Cosmetics only beautify the skin. The products work externally and cannot treat any internal issues. These products are never good for treating any dermal problem. However, they give immediate results.

For example, if you want to hide any acne marks, all you have to do is apply a colour corrector and top it with some concealer and loose powder. It would just cover the mark and not heal it in any way.

Cosmeceuticals are chemically-formulated products with an amalgamation of botanical ingredients and scientific formulas. It might take time to work internally, but it treats major skin concerns.

Most of these chemically-formulated products are now available in the forms of creams, gels and serums. For example, niacinamide, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and more such ingredients are added to products to target a specific skin concern.

You would find cosmeceuticals products costlier than your makeup because they cure your problems rather than offering an immediate solution like makeup. In simple terms, cosmeceutical products are a blend of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Cosmetics Can Cause Damage

Dr Sharma shared that she has come across many influencers who promote pharmaceutical products that rely heavily on the cosmetic side. She suggested staying away from such products because they would only offer an immediate solution to your problem while clogging the pores.

This can amplify the skin problem, which can become hard to tackle even with cosmeceuticals. She claimed that most Indians have either combination or oily skin type. Therefore, they must use cosmeceuticals rather than cosmetics. For example, a tinted sunscreen (where should you apply sunscreen) works better for an Indian skin tone than a foundation.

She cautioned against getting influenced by people who are spreading misinformation on social media for the sake of making money. Dr Sharma saw an influencer promoting massage with a cream containing glycolic acid. The dermatologist told us that it could be harmful to the skin in the long run.

“My skin looks and feels amazing,” Dr Sharmed called these statement marketing gimmicks to help the brand and influencer earn more money.

Therefore, people must always consult a dermatologist or an aesthetic physician regarding using anything on the skin to treat any issue. Grabbing attention is the key aspect of marketing, where many influencers do not think twice before hyping up a product. The expert said she would not suggest anyone opt for a skincare routine looking at an influencer.

Benefits Of Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceutical products work effectively on

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Acne problems
• Acne scars (how to remove dark spots)
• Freckles
• Sunburns
• Post-pregnancy skin issues

Dr Sharma said even if you want to start including cosmeceutical products in your skincare routine, you must consult the doctors. They know what would suit the best to your skin type and prescribe accordingly.

If you do not consult a dermatologist before applying a certain product, the active ingredients can cause more harm than good. For example, peptides, vitamin C, acids and such ingredients have a specific use for a specific skin type. Only after consulting you should buy products and add them to your skincare to draw maximum benefits.