医薬部外品と化粧品って何が違うの？薬用化粧品って何？皮膚科専門医が分かりやすく解説してみた

Summary

In this video, the host explains the key differences between cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and pharmaceuticals, focusing on their purposes, effectiveness, and labeling requirements. Pharmaceuticals are used for disease treatment and prevention, with higher effectiveness but also potential side effects. Quasi-drugs offer milder effects and can treat or prevent conditions like acne or sun damage, while cosmetics are mainly for beautification without therapeutic claims. The video also highlights how to identify each type of product through labels and ingredient lists, offering viewers practical insights on making informed skincare choices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medicinal products, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics are all regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan.
• 😀 Medicinal products are designed to treat or prevent diseases and contain active ingredients approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
• 😀 Over-the-counter (OTC) medicinal products can be purchased without a prescription at drugstores, while prescription medicines require a doctor's order.
• 😀 Quasi-drugs contain active ingredients like medicinal products but have milder effects. They are available at drugstores without prescription.
• 😀 Cosmetics are the mildest among these categories and do not contain medicinal active ingredients. They focus on skincare and beautification.
• 😀 Quasi-drugs can make claims about preventing skin issues like acne, sunburn, or freckles, unlike cosmetics, which cannot claim such effects.
• 😀 To distinguish between quasi-drugs and cosmetics, look for the term 'quasi-drug' (医薬部外品) on the packaging.
• 😀 Quasi-drugs must list their active ingredients on packaging, while cosmetics only list ingredients in order of concentration, without specifying active components.
• 😀 Cosmetics are generally safer with fewer side effects compared to quasi-drugs, which have stronger effects but may also have higher risks of side effects.
• 😀 Both quasi-drugs and cosmetics have their pros and cons. It's important to choose based on personal skin compatibility and safety rather than efficacy alone.

Q & A

What is the difference between pharmaceuticals and quasi-drugs?

Pharmaceuticals are drugs approved for the treatment or prevention of diseases and are regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Quasi-drugs, on the other hand, are milder products that contain active ingredients for preventing conditions like acne or sunburn but are not as potent as pharmaceuticals.

Can quasi-drugs be purchased without a prescription?

Yes, quasi-drugs can be purchased at drugstores without a prescription or professional advice.

What are the two types of pharmaceuticals mentioned in the video?

The two types of pharmaceuticals are prescription drugs (医療用医薬品), which require a doctor's prescription, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (OTC医薬品), which can be purchased at a drugstore without a prescription.

How do quasi-drugs differ from cosmetics?

Quasi-drugs contain active ingredients that provide mild medicinal effects, such as preventing acne or irritation. Cosmetics, however, do not contain active ingredients aimed at treating conditions and are designed for beautification or cleansing.

What kind of claims can be made on the labels of cosmetics?

Cosmetics cannot claim to treat or prevent specific skin conditions. They are typically only allowed to claim beautification or cleansing effects, such as moisturizing or improving the skin's appearance.

How can you identify whether a product is a quasi-drug or a cosmetic?

Quasi-drugs typically have the label '医薬部外品' (quasi-drug), while cosmetics do not. Additionally, quasi-drugs list active ingredients, while cosmetics do not typically contain or display medicinal ingredients.

What are the regulatory differences between pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics?

Pharmaceuticals are strictly regulated and require approval for their medicinal claims. Quasi-drugs are also regulated but with less stringent requirements, and they can be sold without a prescription. Cosmetics have minimal regulation regarding efficacy but must follow guidelines for safety.

Are cosmetics required to list all ingredients on their packaging?

Yes, cosmetics are required to list all ingredients in descending order of concentration. This is not a requirement for quasi-drugs.

Can a product claim to treat conditions like acne or sunburn if it is a cosmetic?

No, a cosmetic cannot make claims regarding medical conditions like acne or sunburn. These claims can only be made by quasi-drugs or pharmaceuticals, depending on their active ingredients and intended use.

Which type of product is likely to have a higher risk of side effects?

Quasi-drugs are more likely to have side effects compared to cosmetics because they contain active ingredients intended for medicinal purposes. While they are effective, the stronger ingredients can cause reactions if they do not suit the user's skin type.