 |
Beauty Care Business and Professional Network |
 |
U. S. Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Office of Cosmetics Fact Sheet
February 22, 1995
THIGH CREAMS
Various products are currently being promoted in the skin care market as
thigh and stomach slimmers. Some advertising claims also promise the reduction
of "cellulite", waffly looking or orange peel type skin caused by
fatty deposits.
Aminophylline, an approved prescription drug used in the treatment of asthma,
is an ingredient used in many of these thigh cream products that marketers claim
will dissolve the fat and smooth the skin. Since some individuals are sensitive
and suffer from allergic reactions to ethylenediamine, a component of
aminophylline, the FDA is concerned about the use of this ingredient in
cosmetics.
Drugs, unlike cosmetics, alter the structure or function of the body and are
subject to an intensive review and approval process by FDA before their release
to the public. The agency is currently evaluating whether thigh creams should be
classified as "drugs" under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and what,
if any action is necessary to protect the public health.
|
