Originally Posted by TSORon

Well, my post does not split hairs, if that helps.

Actually, fluoride is a generic term for quite a number of compounds ranging from halide to sulfur tetrafluoride. So the reality is that fluoride is not a medication but a chemical additive, just as vitamin D is to most milk now days. This does not make milk a medicine, nor does fluoride make toothpaste a medicine.

I hope that helps your understanding a bit.

Originally Posted by FDA

How can a product be both a cosmetic and a drug?

Some products meet the definitions of both cosmetics and drugs. This may happen when a product has two intended uses. For example, a shampoo is a cosmetic because its intended use is to cleanse the hair. An antidandruff treatment is a drug because its intended use is to treat dandruff. Consequently, an antidandruff shampoo is both a cosmetic and a drug. Among other cosmetic/drug combinations are toothpastes that contain fluoride, deodorants that are also antiperspirants, and moisturizers and makeup marketed with sun-protection claims. Such products must comply with the requirements for both cosmetics and drugs.