Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Preparation of Keratin Hydrolysate from Chicken Feathers and Its Application in Cosmetics
Published on: November 27, 2017
Adverse effects of cosmetics and toiletries: a retrospective study in the general population
A C Groot1, J P Nater, R Lender
1Department of Dermatology, Carolus Hospital & Willem-Alexander Hospital, P.O. Box 90152, 5200 MD's-Hertogenbosch;
Abstract:
Synopsis Of 1609 individuals who were interviewed and asked whether they had experienced adverse reactions to cosmetics or toiletry products in the preceding 5 years, 196 (12.2%) claimed to have experienced some such reaction. Females (n= 124) mostly attributed their complaints to soap (41%), facial creams (33%), deodorant (25%), shampoo (16%) and eye shadow (11%). Men (n= 72) complained about adverse effects from soap (49%), aftershave (22%), deodorant (19%) and shower foam (12%). Both in women and in men, most reactions were localized on the face (60% resp. 33%), followed by the hands (19% resp. 21%) and the axillae (18% resp. 14%). The majority of patients could solve the problem by stopping the use of the suspected product and purchasing a different brand. Nevertheless, medical consultation was sought by more than 30% of all patients. Presumably, the majority of all adverse effects were caused by irritation; contact allergic reactions are infrequent.
Related Concept Videos
Effects of Chemicals: Overview
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors

