Cosmetics are the articles that someone applies to, sprinkles on or rubs into their body to cleanse, beautify or promote attractiveness or alter their appearance; the product must not normally harm body function or structure. The examples of cosmetics of daily use are creams, gels, powders, lotions, perfumery items, oils, dyes, lipsticks, bindi, eye cosmetics, etc. These cosmetics show dermatological problems.
Bhaduria (1998) reviewed the cosmetics and allergy caused by them.
The causes of allergies are:
(a) The quality products of cosmetics,
(b) Spoilage of cosmetics by microorganisms viz., E.coli, Aerobacter aerogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Candida, Torula, Trichoderma, etc.,
(c) Secretion of toxins by microorganisms,
(d) Chemical ingredients of cosmetics,
(e) Inadequate preservative system,
(f) Packaging materials, and
(g) Mode of use.
Pasricha (1988) has reported a confirmed diagnosis and the cause of contact dermatitis by performing Patch test as below:
Hair dyes:
The most common cause of contact dermatitis among the cosmetics. The paraphenylenediamine present in hair dyes is the most common sensitizer and gave positive patch test.
Hair oils:
Mustard oil gave positive patch test.
Shampoos:
Selson Shampoo (containing selenium sulphide and cetavlon) gave positive patch test.
Lipsticks:
Dye used for colour causes contact dermatitis; eosin is a potent photo contact sensitizer.
Bindi:
PVC disc used in bindi gave positive patch test. Adhesive material of bindi contains 70-80% paratertiary-butyl phenol which is a causal factor of contact dermatitis and other skin allergies after constant use of bindis.
Tooth pastes:
Foaming agent is known to be chief cause of contact dermatitis.
Hair-removers:
Barium sulphide in hair creams/lotions is a strong cauterizing agent for the skin. It can damage the skin if left in contact for a long time.