Adverse reactions to cosmetics reported to the Chongqing adverse drug reaction monitoring centre system in China.

Abstract

Cosmetic adverse reactions (CARs) are becoming widespread in China. However, a comprehensive analysis of data is lacking. To analyse the clinical characteristics of patients with reported adverse reactions to cosmetics in Chongqing, China. Cases with CARs reported to the Chongqing Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre System from 2017 to 2021 were analysed. A total of 23 245 cases were identified, of which 94.5% were women. Contact dermatitis (84.3%) was the most common diagnosis of CARs, followed by acne (3.1%). The most frequently reported clinical signs were erythema (70.1%), followed by papules (35.5%). The majority of CARs were reported to be due to ordinary cosmetics (87.9%), of which 81.0% were skin care products and 7.1% were makeup products. Cosmetics with special functions constituted 12.2%, of these, skin whitening (54.0%) and sunscreen (28.0%) products were most frequently reported. Our results suggest that adverse reactions to cosmetics are of concern in China, and dermatologists should actively identify and diagnose CARs. In addition, we should establish a convenient and effective model for collecting, reporting, and evaluating CARs.