Adverse reactions to cosmetics reported to the Chongqing adverse drug reaction monitoring centre system in China

Background: Cosmetic adverse reactions (CARs) are becoming widespread in China. However, a comprehensive analysis of data is lacking. Objective: To analyse the clinical characteristics of patients with reported adverse reactions to cosmetics in Chongqing, China. Methods: Cases with CARs reported to the Chongqing Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre System from 2017 to 2021 were analysed. Results: A total of 23 245 cases were identified, of which 94.5% were women. Contact dermatitis (84.3%) was the most common diagnosis of CARs, followed by acne (3.1%). The most frequently reported clinical signs were erythema (70.1%), followed by papules (35.5%). The majority of CARs were reported to be due to ordinary cosmetics (87.9%), of which 81.0% were skin care products and 7.1% were makeup products. Cosmetics with special functions constituted 12.2%, of these, skin whitening (54.0%) and sunscreen (28.0%) products were most frequently reported. Conclusion: Our results suggest that adverse reactions to cosmetics are of concern in China, and dermatologists should actively identify and diagnose CARs. In addition, we should establish a convenient and effective model for collecting, reporting, and evaluating CARs.