A survey study on adverse effects of synthetic cosmetics

Abstract

Background: Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odour of the human body. The use of cosmetics in the present era has enormously increased and the chemicals present in them quite frequently cause adverse reactions like contact dermatitis, allergic reaction and so on. Therefore, a survey study was planned to evaluate awareness and knowledge about adverse effects of synthetic cosmetics among inmates of SDM Institute of Ayurveda and Hospital Bangalore. Methods: Descriptive survey study with self-administered questionnaire method sent to 500 participants selected randomly emailed through self-generated Google form. Results: Among 500 inmates of age between 18-50years, 427 (85.4%) responded as cosmetics are used for beautification, 454 (90.8%) inmates believe there will be long-term side effects by continuous use of synthetic cosmetics. 352 (70.4%) inmates are aware of harmful ingredients used in cosmetics. Conclusions: Majority of inmates have knowledge about adverse effects of cosmetics and are giving preference to herbal cosmetics. Inmates are even aware of hazardous toxic contents of cosmetics. The adverse effects caused by the cosmetics can be correlated to the toxicity signs and symptoms caused by of gara visha/artificial poisons and dushi visha/cumulative toxicity explained in ayurveda. The study forms the basis for future studies where in management of adverse effects of cosmetics could be tried in line of Garavisha and Dushivisha chikitsa.