COSMET′ICS

Syn. Cosmet′ica , L.; Cosmetiques , Fr. External applications employed for the purpose of preserving or restoring personal beauty. The term is generally understood to refer to substances applied to the cuticle, to improve the colour and clearne of the complexion; but some writers have included under this head every topical application used with the like intention. Hence cosmetics may be divided into— CUTANEOUS COSMETICS , or those applied to the skin; HAIR COSMETICS , or such as are employed to promote the growth and beauty of the hair; and TEETH COSMETICS , or such as are used to cleanse and beautify the teeth. See Baldne , Cosmetique , Dentifrices , Depilatory , Hair-Dye , Pomade , Tooth Powder , .