Pharmaceutical vs. Cosmetic Grade Skin Care Products

Ever wondered what the difference is between pharmaceutical & cosmetic grade skin care products? Well, we have the low down for you.

Lisa Phillips
Posted 04/23/2007

Cosmetic quality is what department, drug and grocery stores sell. These include the big and expensive brands and the cheaper ones. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows cosmetic grade products to contain up to 30% bacteria. This means that ingredients may only be 70% pure. It is a large breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to contact dermatitis, an itchy red rash. This is why makeup packaging tells us to throw away any unused product every 90-180 days. And 95% of the skincare industry is cosmetic quality and unregulated by the FDA. Cosmetic companies are not required to register their products with the FDA, while cosmetic products are subjective and do not reflect or require scientific testing.

Pharmaceutical grade skin care products are FDA regulated. The FDA requires that pharmaceutical grade products be 99.9% pure ingredients. Products must contain 0.1%, or less, of bacteria. Only 5% of the skin care industry is under the regulation established by the FDA and considered pharmaceutical grade skin care products. All of A-Cute Derm products are pharmaceutical grade.

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