Cosmetic composition and formulation are becoming increasingly complex, and cosmetic ingredients more sophisticated and functional, while laws and regulations impose more constraints on the cosmetic scientist and manufacturer. Cosmetics are unique products, as diverse as foods without the practical limits of controlled shelf lives; they overlap with drugs but without the near sterile manufacturing systems enjoyed by that category of product. The Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology reviews in a single volume the multiple facets of the cosmetic field and provides the reader with an easy-to-access information source. This handbook covers topics as varied as the physiology of the potential targets of cosmetics, safety, legal and regulatory considerations throughout the world, cosmetic ingredients, vehicles and finished products, and new delivery systems, as well as microbiology and safety and efficacy testing. The purpose of this text is to share the unique knowledge of a small group of cosmetic and cover all aspects that are critical to providing consumers with safe products in a focused discussion that allows immediate application.