How are cosmetics primarily defined?

Cosmetics are primarily defined as products that alter beauty. This definition encompasses a wide range of products, including makeup, skincare treatments, and other enhancers that can modify a person's appearance or aesthetic. The focus here is on the broader implication of "altering beauty," reflecting how cosmetics serve the purpose of enhancing or changing the way individuals look, which is the foundation of the cosmetic industry.

The other options, while they touch on aspects of cosmetics, do not capture the comprehensive nature of the definition. For instance, merely restricting cosmetics to makeup and cleansers undermines the wider variety of products that qualify as cosmetics, such as lotions, serums, and other beauty treatments. Similarly, defining them as beauty products that include various types of treatments still does not explicitly highlight their central function of altering beauty. Lastly, noting that they enhance skin condition is too narrow, as it limits cosmetics to only those with skincare benefits, overlooking color cosmetics and others that do not directly improve skin health but still alter appearance. Therefore, the choice that states cosmetics are products that alter beauty is the most accurate and encompassing definition.