Consumer-driven cosmetovigilance: A cross-sectional survey on risk perceptions and public health implications in the United Arab Emirates
Haea Amar Alkoud, Huda Ahmed Jaber, Sathvik Belagodu Sridhar, Javedh Shareef, Syed Arman RabbaniBACKGROUND:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents one of the fastest-growing cosmetics markets in the Middle East, yet little is known about consumer awareness of cosmetic safety and cosmetovigilance practices. This study aims to evaluate cosmetic use, safety awareness, adverse effects, and perceptions of cosmetovigilance among the general population in the northern emirates of the UAE.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 among 615 residents of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Data were collected using a validated bilingual questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and cosmetic knowledge.
RESULTS:
Of 615 participants, 62.6% were female, and the median age was 35 years. The most frequently used products were creams (52.8%) and deodorants/perfumes (48.7%). Reported adverse effects included itching (32.0%, n = 197), headaches (19.2%, n = 118), rashes (11.5%, n = 71), and hair loss (11.5%, n = 71). Only 33.0% (n = 203) of respondents reported reading ingredient labels, and 70.0% (n = 431) had never performed an allergy test. The internet (31.9%, n = 196) and advertisements (28.4%, n = 175) were the most common information sources, while pharmacists were consulted by only 20.8% (n = 128). Logistic regression analysis identified gender and age as significant predictors of knowledge (
CONCLUSION:
Cosmetic use is widespread in the UAE, but awareness of safety practices remains limited, with significant demographic influences. These findings underscore the need for improved consumer education, pharmacist-led interventions, and stronger regulatory enforcement to strengthen cosmetovigilance in the UAE.