Women’s Use of Cosmeceutical Products

The term ‘cosmeceutical’ represents the marriage of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and is the new buzzword in the cosmetics industry. Cosmeceutical products are cosmetic products with a biologically active ingredient purporting to have medical or drug‐like benefits. Dermatological research suggests that the bioactive ingredients used in cosmeceuticals do indeed have benefits beyond the traditional moisturizer, but the term cosmeceutical remains a marketing term, as there are no requirements to prove that the products actually live up to their claims. Therefore it is up to the consumer to decide whether these claims are valid and worth the cost. However, currently there is no academic research on the characteristics of those most likely to purchase cosmeceutical products or of the factors involved in the decision to purchase these products. This internship is a survey of women over the age of 18 about their knowledge and use of cosmeceutical products, and the factors involved in their decision to purchase these products. The results will have implications for the development, marketing and sales of cosmeceutical products in the future, and will provide insight into how women’s ideas about aging and beauty influence their purchasing habits.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Serge Desmarais

Student:

Amy Muise

Partner:

Haber Dermaceutics

Discipline:

Psychology

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Guelph