Introduction

When any chemical comes into contact with the human body, through whatever route, the possibility exists of chemical or physicochemical interactions with the body resulting in a toxic effect. The science of toxicology is concerned with studying these interactions and predicting the extent to which any toxic effects manifested by a chemical or mixture of chemicals are likely to be a problem in humans exposed to anticipated levels. A cosmetic or toiletry product can of course be regarded as a mixture of chemicals and the principles of toxicology to be applied are the same as those required in other industries such as pharmaceuticals, foods, agrochemicals or general chemicals. The problems of cosmetics and toiletries differ in emphasis from those in other industries in that in no other industry, apart from foods, is the product likely to be deliberately applied to the body by millions of people every day over periods of many years.

Cosmetics are very often mixtures, and frequently contain complex natural ingredients such as essential oils. It is misleading to consider these naturals as single substances. Rather, they are multi-constituent ‘mixtures within mixtures’, potentially adding numerous chemicals to the overall cosmetic ‘makeup’. In addition, cosmetics often include substances with properties requiring specific toxicological consideration, e.g. polymers and nanomaterials. The testing of cosmetics on animals is also subject to legal and ethical restrictions. All of this means that safety assessors need to think outside the box when evaluating the safety of these materials, including the use of techniques such as read-across and (Q)SAR.

Cosmetic industry

The cosmetic industry is much less closely controlled. This situation has obvious advantages for the industry, but does bring with it a responsibility for the industry to ensure that its products are as safe as possible within the limits of current toxicological knowledge. When one considers the degree of exposure of the population to cosmetics and toiletries it is perhaps remarkable that there have not been more problems of toxicity in the past. The small number of known instances of toxic effects attributable to cosmetics and toiletries testifies to the generally safe nature of the ingredients used.

Cosmetic products made up of mixtures of ingredients used by all age group of person to keep their skin healthier and fresh. Occasionally, undesirable side effect both local and systemic may occur with the use of cosmetics. Claimed effects and safety of cosmetic products depends upon the ingredients incorporated. Study of risk assessment associated with ingredients is the best way to avoid future problems. By adopting proper methodologies and techniques risk factors of ingredients incorporated in cosmetics can be determined and managed at safety level. This paper enlightened the toxic effects associated with some of the cosmetic ingredients, with the tool used for risk analysis and management procedure. This review encourage the industrialist, cosmeticians, pharmacist and researchers to carry and publish more cosmetic toxicity studies, which would help to explore the myth of cosmetics in front of consumers that will beneficial in terms of human health.

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Regards,

Mary Wilson,

Editorial office,

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com