TÉRCIO E. A. MARTINS , GABRIELA M. D. COSTA*, CLAUDINÉIA A. S. PINTO , MICHELLI F. DARIO, ANDRÉ R. BABY, MARIA V. R. VELASCO
*Corresponding author
University of São Paulo – Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, 05508-900, São Paulo-SP, Brazil

Abstract

This article aimed a review about a new market category that is children’s products. Nowadays the United States and Brazil lead this market. These products are for particular age groups such as baby (0-2 years), children (3-7 years), pre-teens (8-12 years) and teenagers (above 12 years). The child’s skin is more hydrated, sensitive, has a pH around neutrality, the epidermis is thinner than an adult skin. To ensure the safety, they should be formulated with regard to children’s skin that is more permeable and present increased susceptibility to skin infections. Restrictions of these products are regulated in each country so that the effectiveness and safety of these products are guaranteed.

INTRODUCTION 

Children’s products are a new market category that is steadily growing and provides opportunities for the cosmetics industry. Leaders of this market are the United States ranking first and Brazil is the second (1). Products for children must be grouped according to the related age group because, in each phase, the child has a differential profile. The development of children’s cosmetics aims hygiene products, cleansing and protection that require basic care such as functionality and efficiency.
Security Strict standards are essential requiring the use of raw materials with a higher degree of chemical and bacteriological purity and smoothness. Therefore, dyes and fragrances must be kept at low levels as well as the concentration of the preservatives that must be low but must ensure low risk of microorganism contamination and proliferation (2). Another factor that cannot be overlooked is the characteristic of the children’s products packing that must be carefully designed to minimize the risk of ingestion and also they must have valves that allow releasing small amounts of product and closing systems to “childproof” (3). T ...