Cosmeceutical
Pronunciation: koz-meh-SYOO-tih-kul
A portmanteau term referring to cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients that are claimed to have drug-like effects on the skin, without meeting the regulatory definition of a pharmaceutical.
Full Definition
The term 'cosmeceutical' blends 'cosmetic' and 'pharmaceutical' and is widely used in industry and clinical literature to describe topical products—such as retinoids, growth factors, and antioxidant serums—that are marketed with claims implying therapeutic skin benefit. Importantly, the term has no legal regulatory standing in most jurisdictions, including the United States and European Union, where products are classified as either cosmetics or drugs. Editors must be cautious with efficacy claims attached to cosmeceutical products, as these may raise regulatory compliance issues. The word is not hyphenated and is always one compound word.
Usage
Usage note: One word, no hyphen. Editors should be alert to regulatory compliance: in the US and EU, 'cosmeceutical' has no legal standing. Efficacy claims in marketing copy may need softening.
In Context
- "The clinic's brochure promoted a cosmeceutical serum containing epidermal growth factor for post-procedure skin recovery." — Marketing copy
- "The editor added a caveat noting that 'cosmeceutical' is a marketing term with no regulatory definition, to avoid implied drug claims." — Editorial annotation on product guide