Cosmetics and Their Associated Adverse Effects: A Review

Abstract

The word 'cosmetics' is taken from a Greek word "kosmeticos" which means to adorn. Since early days materials used for beautification or improvement of appearance comes under the category of cosmetics. People want to look beautiful and the concept of cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization. The urge to beautify one's own body and look beautiful has been an urge in the human race since the tribal days. Assorted beauty products such as skincare products, hair products, fragrances, oral hygiene, and nail products, which may contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to health are used especially by women. Since long time cosmetics have been known to enhance the appearance of the human body. In a society obsessed with beauty, people are lured to fake their appearance as a cure for their insecurities. The estimated value of cosmetic industry today is around 20 billion dollar globally. As a consumer, we are constantly attracted in using beauty and personal care products. But these products, which are supposed to make us feel healthy and look beautiful, have a deep dark side. Various toxic ingredients and hazardous chemicals used in cosmetics are incorporated in beyond acceptable limits. These chemicals may cause serious ill effects on skin and may also enter skin and other organs causing carcinogenicity. Cosmetics have not only seeped into the fashion world but are also playing a prominent role in one's day-to-day life. Thus, it becomes a necessity to make people aware of various harmful effects of cosmetics and chemicals used in cosmetics.

Global Trends in Cosmetics Use-Related Adverse Effects: A Bibliometric Analysis of Literature Published during 1957–2021

“…The global cosmetic industry is estimated to be worth about $20 billion dollars today [12]. The cosmetic industry has seen tremendous growth in the last 20 years, resulting in a wide variety of products to protect and moisturise skin, as well as fight inflammation and signs of ageing [13].…”

“…Innovation is one of the basic principles in this field. Women, in particular, use beauty products that may contain harmful cosmetic ingredients [12].…”

The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics

“…Cyclotetrasiloxane is a type of endocrine disruptor that interferes with human hormone function. As a possible reproductive toxicant, it may also impair human fertility [159].…”

Paper spray tandem mass spectrometry: A rapid approach for the assay of parabens in cosmetics and drugs

“…Parabens are a group of p ‐hydroxybenzoic acid alkyl esters, which differ in the alkoxy moiety whose number of carbon atoms ranges from 1 to 4. Because of their antimicrobial properties, chemical stability, and good solubility, 1,2 these compounds are widely used, individually or in combination, as preservatives in pharmaceuticals, cosmetic preparations, and food industry 3–6 …”