Abstract

The future promises more increasingly sophisticated formulations for cosmetics and skin care products. The trend toward therapeutic cosmetics is sure to result in the need for the dermatologist to obtain a better understanding of modern ingredients and assessment techniques. Examples of products presently on the market representing new technology or formulation advances are listed in Table 3. New challenges will also be presented to government regulatory agencies as more chemicals with true biological activity are invented and tested. Claim substantiation and pre-marketing testing must also evolve to accurately assess efficacy and safety issues with important implications for total body health. Finally, new vehicles and delivery systems combined with established ingredients will alter percutaneous absorption, requiring reevaluation of substances with an assumed good safety profile. In the end, this new research will result in cosmetics and skin care products of superior quality and efficacy to offer patients.