Circle the one item in each of the following groups that is not under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration. Answers follow.

Question l:
a. Spam
b. puppy food
c. chocolate-covered cherries
d. frozen spinach
e. imported caviar

Question 2:
a. aspirin
b. anti-lice shampoo
c. insect repellent
d. eye shadow
e. lipstick

Question 3:
a. pesticide residues in lettuce
b. canned tomatoes
c. oven cleaner
d. spaghetti
e. pet turtles

Question 4:
a. airport security x-ray machines
b. laser products used in lumber mills
c. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic equipment
d. smoke detectors
e. microwave ovens

Question 5:
a. TV sets
b. over-the-counter antacid
c. TV ads for aspirin
d. diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine
e. human plasma

Question 6:
a. baby pacifiers
b. baby bottle nipples
c. ceramic ware for food use
d. coffee mugs
e. eye chart

Question 7:
a. illegal heroin use
b. veterinary tetracycline
c. barbiturates
d. medicinal oxygen
e. methadone

Question 8:
a. kidney dialysis machine
b. tongue depressor
c. toothpaste
d. fluoridated toothpaste
e. hair dryer

Question 9:
. a. label on beer
b. ground coffee
c. coffee beans
d. rabbit meat
e. canned tuna

Question 10:
a. home canning equipment
b. food warehouse
c. drug warehouse
d. hearing aid dispenser (retailer)
e. exporting of drugs

Question 11:
a. Halloween make-up
b. theatrical make-up
c. soap
d. eye mascara
e. nail polish

Question 12:
a. vaccine for horses
b. penicillin for horses
c. medicated feed for hogs
d. pet parrots
e. bird feed

Question 13:
a. tap water
b. club soda
c. bottled mineral water
d. ginger ale
e. bottled water for water cooler

Question 14:
a. tamper-resistant packaging for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
b. child-proof packaging for OTC drugs
c. plastic containers for soft drinks
d. valentine heart containing chocolates
e. a tube containing medical ointment

Question 15:
a. grooming cream for dogs
b. artificial limb for dogs
c. laser scanner at supermarket checkout
d. mercury vapor lamps
e. vitamin C tablets

Quiz Answers and Explanations
1. Answer a: Spam is a meat product. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulating meat (and poultry) products.

Caviar, and all seafood and seafood products, whether imported or domestically produced, are regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) as a food. So, too, are the other choices.

2. Answer c: Insect repellents are regulated as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Both aspirin and shampoos that get rid of lice are drugs; eye shadow and lipstick are cosmetics; all are regulated by FDA.

3. Answer c: Oven cleaners are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Canned tomatoes and spaghetti are regulated as foods by FDA. Tolerances for pesticide residues in foods are established by EPA, but FDA is responsible for ensuring that these tolerances are not exceeded on foods (except for meat, poultry and certain egg products, which are under USDA’s jurisdiction). A tolerance level is the maximum amount of a pesticide residue permitted in or on a food. FDA enforces a ban on the sale and distribution of turtles less than 4 inches long, the size most often sold as pets. Pet turtles frequently carry Salmonella bacteria, which may cause severe diarrhea in children and adults. Baby turtles were sold as pets in the United States until 1975, when the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that the bacterial contamination could not be prevented by any known treatment.

4. Answer d: Smoke detectors–both photoelectric and ionization chamber types–are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The radioactive source used in the ionization chamber detector is naturally occurring, not electronic and, therefore, is not a substance that would be regulated by FDA. (The level of radiation exposure to home occupants from ionization chamber detectors is much less than that received from the low level of natural background radiation.)

Under the FD&C Act, FDA is responsible for protecting consumers from unnecessary exposure to radiation emitted from electronic products. (These provisions were originally separate from the FD&C Act and were referred to as the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act. They were later incorporated into the FD&C Act when the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 was enacted). Airport security x-ray machines and microwave ovens must be properly shielded so that the radiation generated by these products (x-radiation and microwave radiation, respectively) does not harm anyone. MRI diagnostic equipment is regulated as a medical device under the FD&C Act. It is also subject to enforcement as an electronic product emitting radiation because it uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce its images. Laser products used in lumber mills must conform to an FDA standard that ensures their safety. This standard applies to all laser products, whether medical, industrial or consumer.

5. Answer c: The only advertisements over which FDA has direct jurisdiction are those for prescription drugs. FTC oversees advertising for other FDA-regulated products.

TV sets are regulated under the radiological health provisions of the FD&C Act. All televisions must comply with a performance standard that ensures their safety. This standard also applies to video display terminals used with computers. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as human biological products (such as vaccines and blood products), are regulated by FDA.

6. Answer a: Baby pacifiers are regulated by CPSC unless they are marketed with health claims, in which case they are under FDA’s jurisdiction.

Food-contact articles, including baby bottle nipples, ceramic ware intended for food use, and coffee mugs, are regulated by FDA. So are eye charts, which, as diagnostic products, are considered to be medical devices.

7. Answer a: Illegal use of heroin is the responsibility of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the key federal agency that polices illicit, or “street,” drugs. (If heroin were being studied for medical uses, FDA would regulate it as an investigational drug.)

Barbiturates are subject to abuse and thus may, potentially, wind up on the “street,” bringing them under DEA’s purview. However, barbiturates have legitimate medical uses, and FDA is responsible for ensuring they are properly manufactured and labeled. FDA regulates methadone as a drug, and methadone maintenance treatment programs are monitored under regulations promulgated by both FDA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Medicinal oxygen is regulated by FDA as a drug. Animal drugs, including veterinary tetracycline, are regulated by FDA.

8. Answer e: Hair dryers are regulated by CPSC.

Kidney dialysis machines and tongue depressors, as different as they are in complexity, are both considered to be medical devices. FDA regulates non-fluoridated toothpastes as cosmetics, and fluoridated toothpastes as drugs.

9. Answer a: Labels on beer and other malt beverages, distilled spirits (liquors), and wines are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.

Ground coffee, coffee beans, rabbit meat, and canned tuna are all regulated by FDA as foods. (The Federal Meat Inspection Act, which gives USDA authority over meat products, covers cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and horses. Other meat products, including game meats such as rabbit, are regulated by FDA.)

10. Answer a: Home canning equipment, under a memorandum of understanding between FDA and CPSC, is regulated by CPSC.

FDA’s jurisdiction includes the facilities where the products it regulates are stored, such as food and drug warehouses. Hearing aid dispensing establishments are bound by specific FDA regulations that impose conditions for the sale of hearing aids. The regulations attempt to prevent misrepresentation and ensure adherence to proper medical standards. Regarding exporting drugs, FDA continues to have authority over its regulated products even when they are exported.

11. Answer c: The FD&C Act specifically excludes soap from its definition of cosmetics. CPSC regulates this product.

All of the other choices are defined as cosmetics and, therefore, are regulated by FDA.

12. Answer a: A vaccine for horses is a veterinary biological product. FDA does not have jurisdiction over veterinary biologics. The Virus, Serum, and Toxin Act gives this responsibility to USDA.

The FD&C Act gives FDA authority over pet foods and drugs, which would include veterinary penicillin, medicated feeds, and bird feed. The Public Health Service Act confers on FDA the authority to regulate the interstate movement of psittacine birds (parrots, cockatoos, macaws, parakeets, and other birds in the psittacine family). These birds are potential carriers of psittacosis, a disease that can be transmitted to people. Psittacosis, which is also known as parrot fever, can range in severity from a mild respiratory infection to a protracted illness.

13. Answer a: The safety of public drinking water (tap water) is protected by EPA, as decided in an agreement between that agency and FDA.

FDA has jurisdiction over bottled water, which is considered a food under the FD&C Act. The remaining choices are also defined as foods.

14. Answer b: Child-proof packaging authority, addressed under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, was delegated to CPSC.

Tamper-resistant packaging, which is required for certain OTC drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, is FDA’s responsibility. Food packaging materials, such as plastic containers and candy boxes, are subject to regulation as food additives under the FD&C Act because of the possibility that they may leach their chemical constituents into the food product. These potential additives are referred to as indirect food additives. A container bearing a drug product is considered to be a component of that drug, and FDA, therefore, requires that it be appropriate for that drug.

15. Answer a: The animal counterpart of a cosmetic is commonly referred to as a “grooming aid.” Cosmetics, as defined in the FD&C Act, apply only to human use. Therefore, products intended for cleansing or promoting attractiveness of animals are not subject to FDA control.

An artificial limb for dogs is regulated as a veterinary medical device. While such products do not require FDA approval, they do come under the purview of the FD&C Act. They may not bear labeling that is false or misleading, nor may they be otherwise misbranded or adulterated. The laser scanner must comply with the standard. Mercury vapor lamps, most often used to light streets, gymnasiums, sports arenas, banks, and stores, must be maintained properly to be safe. With some types of mercury vapor lamps, if the outer envelope is broken and the lamp continues to operate, intense, harmful ultraviolet radiation is emitted. An FDA standard ensures that this lighting is safe. Finally, FDA regulates vitamin C tablets as food supplements.

You’re a male floundering around for a special gift for the
significant female in your life, and think she would love a new supply
of cosmetics. But you will have to either get the information on which
cosmetics she uses from her female friends, or, if you are living
together, observe her in the course of her daily makeup rituals and make
a note of what cosmetics she uses. You can extend the detective work
to her pre and post makeup supplies as well. Order your cosmetics
online and take them to a florist for wrapping. And enjoy her
enjoyment!

Is There A Safe Way To Give Her Cosmetics?

You’re
a guy, and your understanding of cosmetics is, shall we say, skin deep.
You have no clue as to why anyone of the opposite sex can spend so much
time searching for the perfect cosmetics, when you think the woman in
your looks just fine the way she is. But you’ve decided that you’d like
to treat her to some really special cosmetics for her next birthday (if
you can pull it off without having her wonder if she’s looking been
older lately!) So you need help.

The first thing you should
realize, however, before you put a lot of effort into your search, is
that the vast majority of women like to decide on their own cosmetic
choices, perhaps the way you like to choose your brand of cologne.
Cosmetics really are a matter of personal inclination, so unless you
know your lady very. very well, your well intended gift may miss the
mark.

How To Find Out What She Uses

But if you think
you can stay safe by loading up on the cosmetics she is already using,
and you aren’t sharing living quarters, you’ll have to put on your
sleuthing shoes. Talk to her female friends who accompany her on
shopping trips, and see what they can tell you about her cosmetics
preferences.

If, however, the two of you are housemates, your work
will be considerably easier. You probably already know where she likes
to apply her makeup, and wherever it is, bathroom sink or bedroom
vanity, the cosmetics will be close by. But if you are uncomfortable
with the idea of snooping in her things, you can simply pay a bit more
attention the next time she applies some of her cosmetics, and write
down the names of the foundation, eye shadow and mascara (that’s the
stuff she puts on her eyelashes), the blusher, and whatever she uses to
color her lips, on the sly.

Those items will be the ones she uses most frequently,
and should have the most prominent place in your gift package. But if
you really want to impress her, you should also try to get a look at
what she uses on her face both before the cosmetics go on, and after
they come off. She undoubtedly has favorite skin cleansers, toners,
scrubs, and moisturizers, and those things can be even more expensive
than tthe actual cosmetics.

Doing Your Shopping And Wrapping

When
you have compiled your list, you can either shop for the items online,
or hit the local department stores, but unless you don’t mind hanging
around the cosmetics counters, you will probably be happier with the
online approach,

When you have collected all the cosmetics, you
can take them to a local florist and have them made up into a gorgeous
gift basket, complete with ribbons and your card, for a reasonable fee.
You can even pay them to deliver it on the big day if you like, or you
can find an up close and romantic way to surprise her.

Being Prepared For The Aftermath

And
remember, you won’t have to get the information on her cosmetics very
often, as they last a good while. But she is absolutely going to love
the idea of asking you to stop and pick up some of her foundation on
your way home from work the next time she runs out.

So be prepared!

It is also obvious from artwork and literature that the societies of Rome and Ancient Greece used cosmetics as well. There are even mentions of cosmetics scattered throughout the Bible. In addition to these cultures, cosmetics were used throughout history by people in other parts of the Middle East, China and Japan.

During the Middle Ages the use of cosmetics fell precipitously low, mainly because religious leaders claimed that the use of cosmetics was akin to harlotry (immorality or prostitution) and was a sign of a persons sinful nature. This belief persisted for centuries until the advent of the Renaissance.

From the Renaissance period to the Industrial Revolution, both men and women began to use cosmetics again in an attempt to disguise their agrarian looks. Farmers and other labourers who worked outside often had darker complexions, while the nobles making up the upper strata of society often had fair skin. It was common for the general public to attempt to lighten their skin in an attempt to look like the ladies and lords they admired.

Makeup and other cosmetics exploded in popularity during the early years of the 20th century. This boom can be attributed to women trying to emulate their favourite singers and dancers as the advent of Hollywood fashion turned the use of cosmetics from a fad into a raging phenomenon. This era also precipitated the blossoming of major cosmetics companies such as LOreal, Revlon and Estee Lauder.

The competition between these firms started during the early part of the century and intensified during the ensuing decades. These companies began to mass produce cosmetics and cleverly marketed their products to women working menial jobs during the First and Second World Wars. These women needed an escape, and cosmetics often made them feel better about themselves and their circumstances.

The popularity of television in the 1960s also changed the way cosmetics were marketed to women. National companies advertised freely on daily and weekly soap operas. Stay-at-home moms revelled in these programs and became loyal to the advertisers sponsoring them. The result was that woman from every socioeconomic class became purchasers of cosmetics, as they strived to emulate television heroines.

During the latter half of the 20th century, a minor backlash began to form against some of the marketing and production practices used by many of the cosmetics companies. Some policies that were especially outrageous to consumers included animal testing, false advertising and ethically questionable marketing to young children.

During the 1990s, the last decade of the century, in an effort to win back consumer confidence, many cosmetics companies, including MAC and Sephora, decided to pursue sustainable strategies, end testing on animals and use packaging made up of recyclable or bio-degradable materials. Its a movement that continues to gather momentum with better educated consumers insisting on quality, proof of efficacy and ethical behaviour.

Cosmetics have been an integral part of society since the earliest civilizations, and it is clear from their success in today’s market that, despite some set backs, people enjoy using makeup so cosmetics are here to stay.

Therefore it is important to use night cream before going to bed. Night creams work on skin when a person is sleeping, moisturising and nourishing. Night creams also contain anti-ageing properties and also fight with wrinkles. So its really important to use night cream on daily basis. There are number of brands available now days, it becomes difficult to choose the one that suits the skin best. Purplle coupons 2013 on cosmetics provides you good opportunity to shop .

There are few things that should be kept in mind before going to buy a night cream- age, skin type, skin requirements and list of ingredients. Every night cream is not designed for everyone because every cream is formulated by keeping the age in mind. It is important to choose night cream according to the age, similarly it is equally important to look for the one that suits the best to the skin type.

People with dry skin should look for cream that contains lot of moisture. Glycerine based creams will be ideal for dry skin. Oily skin people should look for cream that will not trigger acne or rashes. Oil free cream will work best. Sensitive skin people should look for cream that contains light weight formula. Should avoid perfumed based creams.

Night cream not only nourishes the skin but also helps in treating wrinkles, acne and pigmentation. It also helps in improving blood circulation and reduces discolouration of skin. Both night and day creams are important for skin. The major difference between these two is that day creams have ingredients that protect skin from ultra violet rays whereas night creams do not have such ingredients.

Both night and day cream have two different purposes.Utilise Purplle coupons 2013 on cosmetics.As they provide great discount coupons for women cosmetics like creams and all. Night creams works well while a person sleeps, while day cream works well on all day time. Creams are really important for all skin types. One thing that is most important is to choose the right cream according to the skin type.

Firstly, opening a cosmetics store in the UK is quite an expensive idea that requires a lot of start-up capital. However, if you plan properly, define your target market in the beginning and gauge the right demands of cosmetics you can have a good start. People can never stop buying cosmetics so making an investment into this wholesale business niche can be a nice investment for future.
UK Wholesale Cosmetics business is not like it was few decades ago, when there were few popular cosmetics brands for the elite class and the rest was junk for the lower classes. Now there are countless good quality cosmetics brands and variety of channels available to sell these cosmetics. All you need is desire and the urge to run a successful business. There is a long list of cosmetics items that you can sell ahead like soaps, lotions, lip glosses, oils, shampoos, hair conditioners, scrubs, deodorants, blush-on, foundations, moisturizers, mascaras and the list goes on. You can include a variety of other products.

You can specialize in certain wholesale cosmetics products by catering specific groups in the market or you can be a seller of every good quality cosmetics item. Dont forget that variety is the spice of any business. Profitability of cosmetics store depends upon how well you cater demands of your customers. Now-a-days herbal cosmetics are in high demand so you can bring a complete line of herbal cosmetics wholesale products in your store display along with regular cosmetics product line. Never compromise on quality.

Cosmetic items can be obtained at quite low rates and can be sold ahead at a considerable profit with respect to their original manufacturing cost. Investment in cosmetics store anywhere in the UK depends on the capacity level of your store, target market, your suppliers and the fact that how much profit you want to earn from this wholesale business. Select good cosmetics suppliers, build your business reputation and decide profit margin yourself.

Plastic and cosmetic surgery in Denmark, or “plastik og kosmetisk
kirurgi”, as it is termed in local parlance, is gaining increasing
popularity in the country. It is, but one, of the myriad manifestations
of the health and fitness drive. The economic boom witnessed by the
country, in the past few years, has also made the affordability factor
less of a consideration. Indulgence in cosmetic beautification has
gripped the young and elderly, both men and women, and touched towns,
cities and the countryside, all alike.

Already about 320,000 Danes
have been under the knife, in other words, 8 % of the total adult
population of Denmark – and the numbers are projected to rise even
further. Latest research indicates a 20 % to 30 % projected increase in
the coming years of the number of Danes looking for cosmetic surgery.
Interestingly, every fifth female over the age of 17 is actively
considering getting cosmetic surgery done, whereas every tenth female
has already had cosmetic surgery done. Eighty percent of all Danes find
the notion of cosmetic surgery fully acceptable. At present, about
30,000 cosmetic surgeries, per annum, are performed nationwide.

What
is even more fascinating is that men account for a significant
proportion of all cosmetic surgeries performed in Denmark. Every third
Dane who has undergone or is contemplating cosmetic surgery is a male.
Five percent of the adult Danish male population, about 100,000 has been
under the knife, and 15% to 25% of the patients at plastic and cosmetic
surgery clinics are indeed male, many of whom are the metrosexual
varieties.

The types of plastic and cosmetic surgeries in Denmark
that generate the greatest patient interest are related to the breast
treatments, eyelids, nose, liposuction, laser hair removal, abdomen and
stomach, and last but not least, face-lifts.

The surge in interest
in cosmetic surgeries is putting pressure on the Danish public
healthcare system in a number of ways: (i) the brightest of plastic and
cosmetic surgeons are defecting into private practice, thus reducing the
talent pool within the public domain; and (ii) the costs of certain
plastic and cosmetic surgeries performed in private hospitals are still
being paid for by the public system – such as eyelid surgery, breast
reduction and obesity surgery, where patients can easily claim that
surgery is necessary to the healthy functioning of the body, and not
due to any cosmetic concerns. According to Danish law, all cosmetic
surgeries are to be financed privately by individuals, however, this
grey zone of interpreting what is cosmetic versus what is essential to
the healthy functioning of the body, has begun to tax the Danish public
budget. Given the recent increase in the interest in cosmetic surgery,
this problem is bound to worsen. In all likelihood, the Danish public
healthcare system will have to put its foot down and refuse paying for
such grey zone surgeries. If this happens, clearly, the demand for
cosmetic surgeries at private hospitals will further rise, and hence, as
will the waiting periods. To illustrate, one of the most famous private
hospitals in Copenhagen, Hamlet Privathospital, has increased its
revenues from cosmetic surgery three-fold in the past six years.
However, the waiting period, in certain cases at private hospitals, can
be as long as two-and-a-half months, from initial consultation to actual
treatment.

Traditionally, cosmetic surgery has never been fully
covered, if at all, by medical insurance, whether in Denmark or in most
parts of the world. And, therefore, as is common knowledge, it can be
an expensive undertaking. The cost of plastic and cosmetic surgery in
Denmark is expensive. To quote a few examples of private hospital
prices:

(i) Eyelid Surgery: ranges from DKK 7,000 to DKK 13,000 (USD 1,100 to USD 2,100)

(ii) Breast reconstruction: the surgery can cost from anywhere upwards of DKK 65,000 (USD 10,800);

(iii) Liposuction of the stomach: DKK 21,500 (USD 3,500);

(iv) Laser Hair Removal: DKK 12,000 (USD 2000)

(v) Hair Transplant: ranges from DKK 40,000 to DKK 350,000 (USD 6,600 to USD 58,000)

High
cost of plastic and cosmetic surgery and significant waiting periods,
has led to a notable growth in medical travel to other countries where
the cost of the same treatment is lower and, therefore, more affordable
for Danes. Popular treatment destinations include Turkey, Poland and
Hungary. An increasing number of Danes have also now begun traveling to
Asia, where they can draw the benefits of both excellent surgical
treatment at the most competitive rates, combined with the option of
making the trip a leisure and holiday journey. Now, given the waiting
lists for cosmetic surgery even at private hospitals in Denmark, it is
only natural for Danes to continue traveling abroad for treatment.

India
may well be the next destination for medical tourists from Denmark.
Cost of medical treatment in India for foreigners is one of the cheapest
in the world, if not the most competitive. In Asia, it surpasses the
cost advantages of even Thailand and Singapore. Quality of treatment is
world-class, second to none, and at par, if not superior, in cases, to
treatment available in the United States and the United Kingdom. In
2002, the number of foreign patients who traveled to India for treatment
was 150,000. In 2005, the same figure was close to 500,000. Travel to
India for medical treatment is gaining momentum – India is a
fast-growing centre for tourism offering the wonders of resplendent
cultural richness with the magic of India’s natural beauty. Patients
are now also able to combine travel to India for medical treatment with a
uniquely fulfilling holiday.

For more information on medical tourism to India, please consult the information below.

Important Details:

Poonam Mathur – Denmark Consultant: mathur@forerunnershealthcare.com

Medical Tourism to India: http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com

International Patient Experiences: http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com/international.php

Contact Number: Mobile: +45 2986 2501; +45 39 67 03 97

Conventional cosmetics contain a large percentage of chemicals in it which could result in allergies and worse effects especially for those with sensitive skin. The chemicals causing these allergies are mineral oil, lanolin and parabens and almost every beauty products are a combination of these chemicals. Whereas organic cosmetics are one hundred percentages free from chemicals and their ingredients are obtained from nature itself. These natural ingredients are combined using simple formulas with no harmful chemical preservatives and the chances of allergies are greatly reduced.

In addition to these organic cosmetics products are Eco-friendly. When a conventional product is designed it is usually tested with animals and these chemicals can harm their lives, whereas organic cosmetics uses plant based ingredients and are manufactured without animal testing. Use organic products and cosmetics in order to save animals.

The chemicals in the cosmetics and beauty products can cause acne and breakouts and when these conventional cosmetics are used for a longer period it causes skin irritation and discoloration of skin. Moreover, one need alcohol based makeup removers to clean the makeup and this will make your skin worse. Organic cosmetics do not block skin pores thus it is very easy to remove and it can be removed by just washing with water.

Parabens in the conventional cosmetic products can cause harmful effects such as DNA damage, hormonal problems and it also accelerates the aging of skin. Using this chemical based beauty products will show you rapid improvement in your look, but can pose long-term side-effects to the body.

They do not use any chemicals during their production and it won’t do any harm to the environment or add pollutant even when disposed. When shopping for the organic cosmetic or beauty products make sure that you read the label carefully. There are some manufacturers who show up their products as organic even if it is not. They will do anything to convince you and make you buy their products. Buy cosmetics in legitimate organic shops so that you could get 100 safe and natural products. Organic cosmetics are better for our body’s health and are better for the environment.

The original inspiration for the development of the Indochine Natural product range comes from the exotic Old Quarter of Ha Noi that has a history spanning 2,000 years. The narrow crowded streets with bustling commercial activity spilling onto the pavements is where you will find “Herb Street,” or more correctly Pho Lan Ong named after a famous 18th Century traditional medicine practitioner. This street is a sensual delight of textures and smells from the sacks of herbs in shops lined with rosewood herbal medicine cabinets. In narrow corridors, squatting workers grind and process herbs. Many of the raw materials we started to use in our original line of Indochine Natural products come from these traditional herbalists.

With the establishment of our production facility on Penang Island, Malaysia, this link to ancient Asian herbs has continued. Penang Island is located in the Straits of Malacca, which for many centuries has been a major shipping route to Europe. Penang Island has been associated with the spice trade to Europe since the 16th century. These exotic spices were to be had only in small quantities in Europe after long and dangerous voyages in seas beset by pirates and swept by terrible storms.

Today, in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Georgetown on Penang Island, traditional traders still trade in these highly prized commodities in markets where your senses are assailed by the odor of exotic spices. Our Indochine Natural products utilize traditional handmade methods and spices including cinnamon, cassia, cardamom, clove, ginger, and turmeric, to produce a range of exotic natural soaps and other skin products.

This focus by Indochine Natural on ancient Asian recipes and ingredients appears to be in contrast to the mainstream where the technological takeover of skincare that commenced in the United States during the1950s is now a global phenomenon. Even in most Asian countries these days the current Asian skin lines have opted for synthetic formulas with an unhealthy appetite for skin whiteners in almost every product line, and the total absence of the traditional ingredient richness of the past. If one takes a walk down Singapores Orchard Road for example, your senses are assailed by the abundance of products and advertising for skin-whitening products including moisturizers, cleansers, face masks, and even the humble soap bar.

However there is a quiet revolution taking place. While on the one hand the new digital technologies has largely driven the marketing of modern skin care products, these same technologies have given consumers access to increasing information on the dangers of many cosmetics ingredients. Additionally, there is rising awareness that many of these modern synthetic cosmetics fail to deliver what is promised, and this is now easily transmitted by disgruntled consumers via various social networking media. With consumers becoming better informed, there is now an increasing trend towards alternatives to the ever increasing availability of modern synthetic products, and many is Asia are now returning to the more traditional Asian ingredients.

At Indochine Natural we have found no shortage of natural Asian ingredients with long histories that we regularly formulate into our cosmetic recipes. For example, Rice Bran Oil has a long history in Japan as a base for soaps and skin creams, and is purported to reverse the effect of aging by slowing the formation of facial wrinkles as a result of its high concentration of vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol. Another ingredient we regularly use in our soaps is Turmeric, which for many centuries has been a very traditional cosmetic ingredient. Turmerics reported skincare benefits have been investigated scientifically, especially curcumin, which is the principal biologically active constituent of turmeric. Recognizing that curcumin acts as an antioxidant, a lot of scientific research has focused on ways that it can be incorporated as an ingredient in cosmetic and skin treatment products to reverse oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the skin which are a major contributor to the aging of skin.

Incorporated into all Indochine Natural products are 100% pure essential oils. These oils have a long and well-documented use in cosmetics, and their benefits to skin care are wide ranging. The fragrances of essential oils can positively influence your emotional and mental state, which in turn can assist in alleviating stress related skin problems. Many essential oils have the effect of stimulating and regenerating the production of healthy skin cells following sun damage for example. Other oils have the capacity to sooth sensitive skin, and many have anti-bacterial and ant-fungal properties.

So yes, there is a quiet revolution taking place as consumers turn their attention to more traditional and natural cosmetics ingredients. However the major cosmetics manufacturers are not taking on this challenge laying down, as we see packaging now taking on a more “natural” look, often with botanical images being featured. And many of these manufacturers now include botanicals with their largely synthetic ingredients to at least give the impression that the product has “natural origins.” This trend then places more pressure on consumers to read labels and understand the ingredients used, not an easy challenge in an environment where for example some products are labeled as “organic” but in fact only contain very small percentages of organic ingredients.

Do you know that a woman uses at least 12 types of cosmetics every day? But many cosmetics have harmful chemicals. Women are advised to avoid chemical products at the time of their pregnancy. Parabens mostly used in Lotions, toner or foundations, cause serious health problem to the child. Pregnant women should avoid lead based lipsticks that can cause serious health issues of the child. The best option is to use natural or herbal products. You can also contact your physician before using any product to know if it is safe for you and your baby.

Make-up brushes are also very important things. Wrong make-up brushes can cause damage to your skin. Soft brushes should be used in this case. The most important thing you should keep in mind is if you are having any allergic problem due to your make-up brushes or not. Some well known make-up brushes are Sigma Essential Kit, Sigma Essential Kit- Mrs. Bunny, Shany Bamboo Brush set, MAC Cosmetics Brush etc.

There are thousands of cosmetics brands and companies. To name any 5 top brands is not an easy work. Each brand is unique in their products. But considering all the perspectives the brands named below may be the top 5 brands of the world:

Revlon: This brand is made by the Revson brothers. Their skin care products, personal care products and cosmetics are famous and appreciated in the world.

Cover Girl: This is an American brand established in 1960. This brand is also famous.

L’Oreal: L’Oreal is the largest cosmetic company. The products are cheaper and more available in any part of the world.

Clinique: The products of this American brand are a dream of many women. Clinique products are a little bit costly.

MAC: This is the best and most popular brand at present. The products are excellent and the prices of the products are also in your limit. Mac cosmetic brushes are also very famous.

The methods of the skin care industry have long been kept secret and in this case, what you don’t know can kill you. Most of us don’t think too much about it. We believe that if a lotion is being sold in a store, it must be ok, right? People rely on government organizations and human rights groups to oversee the laws that control the use of harmful ingredients.
But there’s a vast difference of opinion between law makers and scientists, between law and science, and between the ways each of these groups sees the end result.

Synthetic fragrances and the basic synthetic chemical ingredients that constitute much of a lotion’s composition can cause allergic reactions, central nervous system disorders, hyperactivity, skin irritation, fatigue, reproductive disorders, sterility, auto-immune dysfunction, liver and kidney failure, dizziness, and much more.

According to research done by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), more than 500 products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada, or the European Union, and 35 percent of children’s products researched that were marketed as “natural” contained artificial preservatives. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an international watchdog organization, has assessed fewer than 20 percent of cosmetics ingredients. Eleven ingredients or chemical groups out of that 20% were found to be unsafe, according to the EWGs investigation. But the CIR has no legal authority over companies.

You may be shocked to learn just how many of your lotions and personal products contain not just one, but as many as 100 potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. If you’re using a lot of products, including shampoos, lotions, creams, conditioners, deodorant, nail polish, polish remover, body butters, lip balms, heel creams, sunscreens, insect repellants, and even laundry detergents and toothpaste, it’s best to go natural and organic.

If you feel trapped in a world of chemicals, you can create exactly what you want for your skin as easily as following a kitchen recipe