You may have come across terminology like cosmetic, pharmaceutical-grade, or therapeutic while researching the best skincare products. There is a lot of confusion about these terms. When it comes to skincare, how can you be sure you're putting your hard-earned cash to good use? So, what is the difference between Cosmetic and therapeutic skincare products, and how do they differ? Let's take a closer look.

Products for cosmetic skincare can often be found at supermarkets, drugstores, or at the cosmetics counter of your local mall. They include facial cleansers, moisturizers, facial masks and eye creams.

Therapeutic and pharmaceutical-grade best skincare products share many similarities with these over-the-counter alternatives. There is, however, a huge difference in quality. The deeper layers of the skin cannot be reached by cosmetic skincare products. If we are looking at the long-term effects, they don't make any fundamental differences to your skin.

Pharmaceutical-grade or therapeutic skincare is designed to help you maintain a healthy complexion for the long term as it targets both the exterior and inner layers of the skin. Your skin's underlying layer is what gives it its strength and suppleness. As a result, your skincare regimen must include routine steps to address this layer.

There are pharmaceutical-grade substances used in this form of skincare therapy that is more than just topical solutions like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Therapeutic skincare treats and corrects current skin disorders, as well as prevents future skin damage. Cosmetics and therapeutic items are categorized based on three factors:

• The product's principal use
• The product's ingredients, the company's advertising claims
• Chemicals that are imported or manufactured for "industrial" usage, such as those found in cosmetics, are regulated by the FDA.

In addition to skin-whitening creams, main sunscreens, disinfectants, complementary medications, and blood products, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates medicines and goods marketed as having a 'therapeutic' effect.

What is the definition of a "cosmetic"?

A cosmetic product is a substance that is intended to be applied to the skin or mouth to alter the odor or appearance, clean, maintain the health of, or protect the skin or mouth. Please be aware that we do not impose or enforce cosmetic labeling laws and do not offer special guidance in this regard.

Products that fall under the category of cosmetics

Skincare

• Products that conform with the Therapeutic Goods include secondary sunscreen and anti-acne skincare products.
• Products for sunbathing that don't contain SPF sunscreen.
• For the skin, emollients such as lotions, gels, emulsions, and oils.
• Alternatives to the sun's rays for tanning (without SPF sunscreen).
• Several skin-lightening products are available (without SPF sunscreen).
• Anti-aging creams and lotions (without SPF sunscreen).
• Anti-wrinkle items (without SPF sunscreen).

What does the term "Therapeutic" mean?

Prevent, diagnose, or treat disease or its symptoms with a therapeutic product. Therapeutic products can also affect the physiology or biochemistry of the human body.

A few examples of Therapeutic

• Primary sunscreens (products used primarily to guard against UV radiation) are controlled as medicines.
• Dermatologically beneficial moisturizers that contain a sun-screening ingredient as a secondary component and claim to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation are governed by the same rules that apply to medications.
• Melanin production is inhibited by topical bleaching creams, which are regulated like medications. If hydroquinone Tablets include the chemical hydroquinone, which can have negative effects or interact with other prescriptions, they are controlled as medications.

• Proteya Intensive Skin Repair lotion is considered a Theraputic lotion as it  contains a one-of-a-kind revolutionary NiaZyme Technology that provides a truly unique blend of premium ingredients to repair and restore your skin’s natural barrier. 

What Type of Skincare Products Should You Use?

Clinical trials are used to verify the efficacy of therapeutic skincare products like those sold on numerous well-known skincare websites. Therefore, you can rest assured that your money is being spent on items that have been shown to have a positive impact. And the benefits extend far beyond your skin's surface. They have a profound effect on the structure of your skin. This is not the case with cosmetic skin care products. Because of this, therapeutic goods are the best option.