Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Cosmetics have become a part of the daily grooming routine. The majority of women utilize cosmetics to some extent without much knowledge about their side effects. Adverse reactions can occur immediately after the application of the product or during their long-term usage. Adverse reactions related to cosmetics go unnoticed and under-reported. Women are most likely affected by adverse reactions compared with men. This study aimed to analyze the awareness level among Indian women regarding adverse reactions caused by cosmetic products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among South Indian women from March 2021 to July 2022. A sample of 400 each, working women (WW) and nonworking women (NW), was selected using the snowball technique, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire through Google Forms. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: In total, 791 (98.8%) participants used various cosmetic products. A total of 163 (41.1%) WW and 139 (35.1%) NW experienced adverse effects due to the use of cosmetic products. Skincare products cause more adverse reactions compared with other cosmetic products. The primarily affected body site was the face. The majority of respondents solved their adverse reactions problem by adopting self- medication. CONCLUSION: A significant percentage of the respondents experienced adverse side effects due to the usage of cosmetics. Awareness regarding the possibility of cosmetic-induced adverse effects, as well as the proper use of cosmetics to reduce these adverse effects is imperative. Implementation and appropriate application of cosmetovigilance can aid in limiting or eliminating the presence of dangerous substances in cosmetics and also helps in decreasing adverse events.