The role of cosmetics: excipients and preservatives

Authors:

Madurga Sanz M^a

^aFarmacéutico y Farmacoepidemiólogo. Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS). Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo. Madrid. España.

Correspondence: M Madurga. Email: mmadurga@agemed.es

Reference of this article.:

Madurga Sanz M. El papel de la cosmética: excipientes y conservantes. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2009;11 Supl 15:s81-s100.

Published in Internet: 30/06/2009

Abstract:

This paper presents the norms applying to cosmetics, according to the Spanish rules inside the European regulatory framework. Particularly we put forward the using criteria of excipients in these manufactured products, specifically artificial colourings and preservatives. They can be risk factors for atopic dermatitis’ exacerbations due to their allergenic power. Surveillance of the cosmetics’ adverse effects (cosmetovigilance) should have a wider implementation.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis. Cosmetics. Colouring. Preservatives. Cosmetovigilance.