Bioelements

Written by: Julie Howarth

Bioelements, like many skin care and cosmetic companies, use a hybrid ingredient called cosmeceuticals, which are not recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The cosmetic industry uses this phrase to refer to a product that has medicinal or drug-like benefits. Cosmetics, including skin care products that contain cosmeceuticals, are not approved by the FDA prior to sale. The FDA only scrutinizes drug products that are used to treat, cure or prevent diseases.

Because the FDA doesn't regulate cosmetics, there's no safeguard against certain claims made by makeup or skin care products. Bioelements skin care and makeup lines contain natural and hypoallergenic ingredients, but according to the FDA, there is no real definition when it comes to hypoallergenic or natural products. As stated on the FDA's Web site, "natural doesn't mean pure or clean... According to the cosmetic trade journal Drug and Cosmetic Industry, 'all plants [including those used in cosmetics] can be heavily contaminated with bacteria, and pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used to improve crop yields.'" Therefore, many "natural" products can contain skin irritants from the products used to treat the plants that these extracts come from.

If you're unsure which products to use, or if you use topical products from your dermatologist, always err on the side of caution and consult your dermatologist before using any new products.