Cosmeceuticals: Safety, Efficacy and Potential Benefits

Cosmeceuticals are topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrids used to maintain and improve appearance and beauty of the skin. The strong demand from the consumers to constantly look youthful and flawless has driven the research and development as well as sale volume of cosmeceuticals. Present studies show that many cosmetic products, which were assumed to be inert in the past, may modulate dermatological structure or function. The key players of cosmeceuticals are anti-aging therapy along with bleaching agent, sunscreen, and hair cosmeceuticals. This book chapter aims to explore the safety, toxicity and efficacy of these cosmeceuticals. Challenges and possible advancement potentials would be discussed. As patients are increasingly seeking advice from physicians and pharmacists regarding cosmeceuticals, the authors hope to provide health care professional and pharmaceutical scientists a resource that would aid to educate patients in using evidence-based cosmeceuticals to enhance their appearance and alleviate dermatological problems.