Adverse effects of cosmetics

 

COSMETICS AND ITS SIDE EFFECTS

Cosmetics are products used to enhance or alter the appearance of the face, body, or hair. They are typically applied topically and include a wide range of products such as makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrances, and personal hygiene products. 

Products such as cosmetics

There are many products used in daily cosmetics, and they vary depending on individual preferences and needs. Major products include:

Cleansers: These are used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. 

Toners: These are used to balance the pH of the skin after cleansing and prepare it for the next steps in the skincare routine. 

Serums: These are lightweight liquids that are packed with active ingredients to address specific skincare concerns, such as wrinkles, dark spots, and dehydration. 

Moisturizers: These are used to hydrate the skin and help maintain its moisture barrier.

Sunscreen: This is an essential product that protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents premature aging. 

Makeup: This includes products such as foundation, concealer, blush, and mascara, which are used to enhance the appearance of the skin. Lip balm: This is used to hydrate and protect the lips from dryness and cracking.

Eye cream: This is used to moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Face masks: These are used to provide a deep cleanse and address specific skincare concerns, such as acne, dullness, or dryness.

Harmful aspects of these products

While the products used in daily cosmetics are generally safe, there is a possibility of side effects. Here are some potential side effects of common cosmetic products:

Cleansers: cleansers prevent the skin from its natural oils, leading to dryness and redness. 

Toners: Some toners contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients that can cause dryness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Serums: Some serums contain active ingredients that can be irritating to the skin, such as vitamin C, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). 

Moisturizers: Heavy moisturizers can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Sunscreen: Some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to the ingredients in sunscreen. 

Makeup: Some makeup products can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially if not removed properly.

Lip balm: Overuse of lip balm can cause the lips to become dependent on it, leading to dryness and cracking. 

Eye cream: Some eye creams contain active ingredients that can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes. 

Face masks: Some face masks can be too harsh for the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. 

Adverse effects of cosmetics reported to the Swedish Medical Products Agency 

In Sweden, a cosmetic control system was introduced in 1989 by the Medical Products Agency (MPA). It consists of manufacturers, their products, and a voluntary adverse reaction reporting system identical to that concerning drugs.90% of the reports were concerned about women and the top-ranking product category was moisturizers, hair care products, and nail products. The majority of the adverse effects were reported only on the skin, and 90% were eczematous reactions. 70% of the eczemas were classified as contact allergic, as patch tests were positive for the product as is, and in 1/2 of these products, 1 or more relevant allergens could be identified when tested with individual cosmetic ingredients. The most common committing ingredients were fragrances, toluene-sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin, and preservatives. The number of reports is small with the expected number of cosmetic adverse effects, which can be explained, by under-reporting. 

The most common aesthetic side effect was hair breakage, followed by skin allergy and soreness. This detailed analysis is aimed at the existing body of knowledge on the current situation of cosmetic utilization and related adverse effects among females and helps to develop the most appropriate intervention. Therefore, conducting such a study among females is crucial to updating cosmetics utilization patterns and related adverse effects to identify safety issues and urge manufacturers to switch to safer products.