Abstract

Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals each have their own special packaging requirements, although the primary purpose of packaging for both is to provide a means to store and distribute the product until the entire contents of the package are used. Cosmetic packaging is used to enhance the image of the product, and though pharmaceutical packaging has the same basic objectives, product stability and safe packaging requirements dictate different parameters regarding tampering prevention and child safety requirements of the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The FDA Rule requires the use of tamper-evident packaging on all over-the-counter drugs and some cosmetics. However, if a product in an adulterated form could harm a consumer, manufacturers have the responsibility of protecting the product and consumer against tampering, meaning that tamper-evident packaging transcends FDA regulations. No single feature is best for all products and all features can be violated in some manner, but effective tamper-evident features provide greater difficulty in doing so. Consumers should be aware of what to look for in tamper-evident packaging and pay attention to what product is being used.