“Beauty: Is it only skin deep?”

The use of cosmetics is not a modern phenomenon. Ancient Egyptian women used kohl to darken their eyelids, and Cleopatra is said to have bathed in milk to whiten and soften her skin. More than 3000 years ago Greek women used poisonous lead carbonate to achieve a pale complexion, costing some wearers their lives.

Today, cosmetics are big business. It has become an integral part of a person’s everyday life. Thus the wide popularity and usage around the world. However, thescience behind these products is unknown to theconsumer. Therefore in order to educate the masses the College of Chemical Sciences (CCS) is organizing a seminar on Cosmetic Chemistry on Wednesday, the 3rd of June 2015. The scope of this seminar is mainly to provide in depth knowledge of cosmetic products which are used in day to day life.

When we talk about cosmetics, people misconceive it for make-up or creams. Cosmetics are care substances used to enhance the appearance or odour of the human body. Perfumes, soaps, deodorants, after shave etc. all fall into the category cosmetics. Both males and females alike use cosmetics on a daily basis. Cosmetics have anti ageing properties, sun protection, infection control etc. This seminar would bring forth the pros and cons of cosmetic usage. It would be an eye opener for the general public, beauticians, scientists working in the industry, academics etc.

Through the knowledge gained by this seminar about the effects of chemicals used in cosmetic preparations, amateurs and professional will be able to destroy or prove the myths of this vast industry. It will answer the ageold question “Is beauty only skin deep”.

The seminar will gather eminent speakers from the Cosmetic Industry, Research Institutions, Chemical and Medical (toxicology and dermatology) specialists from Universities.