The importance of colours and fragrances in the cosmetics industry must not be underestimated. If a shampoo is to be successful in the marketplace, it must smell as though it can clean your hair and it's appearance must be pleasing to look at — the watery, grey colour of the main ingredients will not help to sell the product. But many adverse reactions to cosmetics and toiletries have been linked to colorants and fragrance chemicals, and for this reason hypoallergenic products are usually unscented and uncoloured. This chapter provides a detailed look at these ingredients, how they are made (including those from animal origin), the restrictions on their use and the known adverse effects.

© Gina & Steve Antczak, 2001

This page was last updated, January 2001

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