"Today, cosmetic products are not only tools that emphasize beauty, but have also become powerful self-care rituals that appeal to both the aesthetic and health-related needs of individuals and are shaped by sustainability and ethical production."
Definition and History
Cosmetic products are formulations developed to meet the aesthetic needs of individuals and support their personal care processes. Historically, these products have had an important place in various cultures since ancient times; beauty and care practices reflect the social and cultural dynamics of societies. In the modern age, the cosmetics industry is constantly evolving in line with technology, scientific research, and changing consumer demands. While consumer awareness and increasing interest in natural ingredients encourage innovative approaches in the formulation of cosmetic products, elements such as sustainability and ethical production practices are also becoming increasingly important. In this context, cosmetic products are not just an aesthetic tool, but have become important components that strengthen individuals' self-perception and support their health.
The term cosmetics is derived from the word "kosmetikos", which means "to beautify". Cosmetic products are related to skin, hair and body care and are used for aesthetic and hygienic purposes. In ancient Egypt, olive oil, beeswax and various herbal extracts were widely used in skin care. Egyptians attached importance to make-up in line with both their aesthetic and religious beliefs (Tzeng et al., 2021). In the modern period, the discovery of chemical components and innovations in production methods since the mid-20th century have contributed to the growth of the cosmetics industry (Buchanan, 2020).
Types of Cosmetic Products
Cosmetic products can be divided into various categories according to their intended use and formulations:
1. Makeup Products: Products such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, mascara and lipstick are used to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the face. These products vary according to skin type and desired appearance. In recent years, interest in natural and light formulations has increased, and the "no-makeup" makeup trend has gained popularity (Wang et al., 2021). In particular, matte and natural-finished products have gained popularity recently (López et al., 2022). Such products highlight the natural appearance of the skin and help users feel more authentic.
2. Skin Care Products: Skin cleansing, moisturizing, sunscreens and anti-aging products stand out in this category. Cleansers, tonics, moisturizers and serums aim to protect and improve skin health. In particular, products containing retinol and hyaluronic acid from serums are very popular among consumers. Studies on the effects of products used in skin care show that regular use of the right products has positive effects on skin health. Users' interest in natural and organic ingredients triggers innovations in this field (Chen et al., 2020).
3. Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, serums and masks are used to ensure the healthy appearance of hair. Products containing natural oils and herbal extracts are increasingly preferred by users (Bansal & Singh, 2021). Studies show that these products are more preferred by users (Bansal et al., 2022).
4. Perfumes and Deodorants: These products, which aim to provide fragrance, are an integral part of personal care. Perfumes reflect the personal style of users with their complex structures consisting of different notes (Gupta et al., 2021).
5. Nail Care Products: Nail polish and nail strengthening products are especially popular among young consumers. Nail aesthetics comes to the fore more with the content shared on social media (López et al., 2022).
Reasons for Popularity
There are several key factors behind the popularity of cosmetic products:
1. The Impact of Social Media: Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube play an important role in the promotion of cosmetic products. Influencers reach large audiences by introducing new products, which in turn influences consumer behavior (Lim et al., 2021). Users are more willing to try products by following influencers' posts.
2. Cultural Change: Beauty standards are changing over time, and this change also affects the choice of cosmetic products. Natural beauty and skin health are now at the forefront; this increases the demand for lighter and natural products (Kim & Kim, 2022).
3. Personal Awareness and Health: Consumers have become more conscious of skin care and health. Individuals who care about skin health in particular are more careful about the effectiveness and safety of ingredients (Chen et al., 2020). The preference for organic and natural products is a result of this awareness.
4. Personalized Products: Customized products for individual needs have been preferred more in recent years. Products developed in line with skin analysis and personal needs are gaining popularity among consumers (Gonzalez et al., 2021).
Areas of Use and Social Impacts
The areas of use of cosmetic products are quite wide. Makeup applications, which start with aesthetic concerns, play an important role in the social life of individuals. Research shows that makeup changes the way women are perceived and creates a more professional and attractive image (Chae & Ko, 2020). It has been observed that makeup increases individuals' self-confidence and creates positive effects in social interactions, especially in business life.
Skin care products are necessary not only for aesthetics but also for healthy skin. Daily care routines delay skin aging and help prevent skin diseases. In this context, cosmetic products have become one of the ways individuals express themselves and interact with social norms (Kim & Kim, 2022).
Current Trends
The cosmetics industry has a dynamic structure in responding to constantly changing consumer demands. Some important trends observed in recent years are as follows:
1. Naturalness and Organic Products: The increasing sensitivity of consumers to health and the environment has increased the demand for cosmetic products with natural and organic content. Brands are developing products in this direction and are careful to use certified content (Bansal & Singh, 2021).
2. Personalization: Customized products for individual needs are increasingly preferred in the market. In line with skin analyzes and consumer feedback, brands strive to offer personal solutions (Chen et al., 2020).
3. Sustainability: Environmentally friendly packaging and production processes have become an important criterion for today's consumers. Content obtained from sustainable sources and recyclable packaging are among the elements that brands pay attention to (Gupta et al., 2021).
4. Technology Integration: Smart devices and applications have begun to be used in the selection of cosmetic products and skin analysis processes. These technologies offer consumers the opportunity to make more informed choices (López et al., 2022).
What are the Possible Negative Effects on Health?
The widespread use of cosmetic products can lead to some negative effects on skin health and general health. Some chemicals and additives contained in these products can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or more serious health problems in the long term, especially on sensitive skin. For example, chemicals such as paraben, phthalate, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) are frequently used in some products and can irritate the skin. In addition, some makeup products used for a long time can clog pores and trigger acne and pimples.
In addition, sunscreen products used incorrectly or intensively can have side effects on the skin. While chemical sunscreens protect by absorbing UV rays, it is suggested that some of these chemicals can cause sensitivity on the skin and even affect hormone balance (Alnuqaydan, 2024).
What Should Be Done to Avoid Negative Effects on Health?
It is important to take some precautions to protect yourself from negative effects. First, the ingredient list of cosmetic products should be carefully examined, and products that do not contain harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates should be preferred. Using natural and organic certified products is safer to protect skin health. In addition, products suitable for skin type should be selected and tested on a small area before use. It is also important to clean skincare and makeup products regularly and not leave them on the skin for long. Completely removing makeup at night protects skin health by keeping pores open. In sunscreen products, mineral-based options with more natural ingredients can be preferred. In addition, the expiration dates of cosmetic products should be checked, and hygiene rules should be followed (Alnuqaydan, 2024).
Conclusion
Cosmetic products have been developed to meet the personal care and health needs of individuals beyond aesthetic concerns. The wide range of products meets the expectations of consumers by offering different options for all ages and skin types. In line with developing technology and changing social norms, the cosmetics industry is in a constant evolution. The demand for natural ingredients, the increase in personalized products and sensitivity to sustainability issues will be among the factors that will determine the direction of the cosmetics sector in the future. Correct and conscious use of cosmetic products helps individuals achieve positive results in terms of both aesthetics and health.
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