Abstract:
Objectives To know the situation of using preservatives in cosmetics, and to ensure cosmetic products being safe and healthy for consumers.
Methods The different usage, kinds and frequency of using preservatives in 702 cosmetics samples were investigated.
Results A total of 26 kinds of preservatives have been used and 13 kinds of them were most popular in 702 cosmetics samples.The frequency of using 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (including its salts and esters) and phenoxyethanol as preservatives in cosmetics was more than 37%; which was different in different kinds of cosmetics.
Conclusions Some preservatives are harmful to human health.It is necessary to increase the safety awareness of comumers, to strengthen supervision and to develop standard test methods for the preservatives in cometics.