Cosmetic Use-Related Adverse Events: Findings from Lay Public in Malaysia

Hazrina Hadi,Nur’Ain Ai,Ammar Ihsan Awadh,Muhammad Zeeshan Zafar,Mazlina Zamli,Shazia Jamshed

doi:10.3390/cosmetics7020041

Abstract

Objectives: Although the occurrence of adverse cosmetic reactions is often underestimated by the consumers, the documentation of the incident might be helpful for the authority in regulating the cosmetic products. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and type of adverse cosmetic event (ACE), as well as the measures adopted by those experiencing the ACE. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprised of 11 questions. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: demographic profile and adverse cosmetic reaction. A total of 552 cosmetic users in Malaysia participated in this study. Data were entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and descriptive statistics was applied. Findings: A total of 29% respondents have experienced ACEs. Eczema was found to be the most frequent type of ACE. Facial area (n = 178) was reported to be the most frequent body site affected by ACEs. A mere 41% attempted to consult health professionals. Conclusions: Few respondents consulted health professionals for recommendations, indicating that they misjudge occurrences related to adverse outcomes. The high diversity and non-specificity of cosmetic adverse reactions reported in the current research highlighted the need for a vigorous cosmetovigilance system.

Highlights

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adverse drug reaction is defined as an unintended and noxious response to a cosmetic that normally occurs after a correct application of a cosmetic, whereas an adverse cosmetic event (ACE) is an anticipated noxious injury hypothetically related to a cosmetic use [1,2,3].It is a known fact that the use of cosmetics can sometimes evoke adverse reactions
The data showed that skin was the most affected part in ACEs, which is in concordance with the previously published studies [2,3] In this study, eczema was reported to be the most frequent reaction reported by the consumers
The majority of ACEs were reported to occur on the facial area of the respondents, and the results show that most of the events occur due to the products that are intended to be applied to the face area such as facial care products, facial make-up, eye make-up, and eye care products

Summary

Introduction

It is a known fact that the use of cosmetics can sometimes evoke adverse reactions. A large body of research evidence reported severe cosmetic reactions such as hair loss, blistering, breathing problems, Cosmetics 2020, 7, 41; doi:10.3390/cosmetics7020041 www.mdpi.com/journal/cosmetics. It should be noted that the occurrence of an allergic reaction to cosmetics is found to be caused more frequently by preservatives [5,6,7,8,9]. Lindberg et al (2004) discovered a significant difference between DMDM hydantoin (formaldehyde releaser, a preservative that was commonly used) with females who reported previous or present adverse reactions that had positive patch tests in the study [10]

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Conclusion