What Are Cosmetics? Types & Uses – SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (Second Term)

Cosmetics are substances used to enhance or change the appearance of the face or the texture of the body and hair. They fall into three groups: decorative cosmetics (makeup), care cosmetics for cleanliness and health, and treatment cosmetics that fix a specific problem. Safe products carry a NAFDAC number, an expiry date and an ingredient list.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define cosmetics and name the three main groups;
• describe the common types of cosmetics and state their uses;
• identify a safe cosmetic product using the NAFDAC number, expiry date, ingredient list and seal;
• name harmful substances found in some cosmetics and state their effects;
• carry out a patch test on a client.

What are cosmetics?

Cosmetics are substances used to enhance or change the appearance of the face or the texture of the body and hair.

We can group them into three main areas:

• Decorative cosmetics: This is what we call “makeup” (lipstick, foundation, eye shadow).
• Care cosmetics: Products used to keep the body clean and healthy (soap, moisturiser, deodorant, shampoo).
• Treatment cosmetics: Products meant to fix a specific problem (anti-dandruff hair cream, acne cream).

What are the common types of cosmetics and their uses?

In a typical Nigerian salon or home, you will find these common products:

• Emulsions (creams and lotions): These are a mix of oil and water. They are used to keep the skin soft.
• Powders: Used to “set” makeup or to reduce sweat and oil on the skin.
• Ointments: These are very thick and oily (like petroleum jelly). They are great for protecting very dry skin or healing small cuts.
• Soaps and cleansers: These are used to “lift” dirt and oil away from the skin so they can be washed off with water.
• Aerosols: These are products in spray cans (like hairspray or deodorant).

How do you identify safe products?

How do you know if a cream is good for your client? Do not just look at the beautiful girl on the label. Look for these “green flags”:

1. NAFDAC number: In Nigeria, every safe cosmetic product must be registered with NAFDAC. Always check the pack for the registration number.
2. Expiry date: Never use a product that has expired. It can grow bacteria that cause skin infections.
3. Ingredient list: Safe products list everything inside them. If a bottle has no ingredients listed, do not use it.
4. Seal of quality: Make sure the bottle was not opened or tampered with before you bought it.

Which products are harmful?

Some products promise “fast results” but contain “skin killers”. You must stay away from:

• Mercury: Often found in illegal “fast-action” bleaching creams. It can damage the brain and kidneys.
• Hydroquinone (in high amounts): Some doctors use it, but using it without a prescription can make the skin paper-thin and cause “green veins” or dark patches (ochronosis).
• Steroids: These make the skin look light very quickly, but they weaken the skin so much that even a small scratch will not heal.
• Lead: Sometimes found in very cheap, low-quality lipsticks or eyeliners.

A professional’s motto:

“If it smells like strong chemicals or promises to change your skin colour in 3 days, it is probably dangerous.”

How do you read a label?

When you pick up a bottle, look for these key symbols:

• The “open jar” symbol: It usually says “6M” or “12M”. This tells you how many months the product stays good after you open it.
• The batch number: Useful if there is a problem with the product and you need to complain to the company.

How do you do a patch test?

The patch test is the most important step. Before applying a new product to a client’s whole face or hair, do a patch test:

1. Apply a small amount of the product behind the client’s ear or on the inside of their elbow.
2. Wait for 24 hours (or at least 15 minutes in the salon).
3. If the skin becomes red, itchy or swollen, do not use the product. The client is allergic to it.

Class practical activity

• The label hunt: I have brought 5 empty cosmetic containers to class.
  1. Find the NAFDAC number on each.
  2. Identify the expiry date.
  3. Read out the first three ingredients (the ones listed first are present in the largest amount).
• Discussion: Why do you think some people still buy “unlabelled” creams in the market? What advice would you give them?

Evaluation

1. Define cosmetics and name the three main groups.
2. State one use each for emulsions, powders and ointments.
3. List four things to check on a cosmetic product before using it on a client.
4. Name two harmful substances found in some cosmetics and state the effect of each.
5. Describe the steps of a patch test.

Assignment

Write a short guide for a client on how to choose a safe cream. Include the four “green flags” and two harmful substances to avoid.