Exposure Data of Cosmetic Products for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Dermo-cosmetics play a major role in the management of cutaneous side effects due to cancer treatments. Before marketing cosmetic products, a safety assessment using realistic exposure data must be performed. However, limited data are available for patients undergoing cancer treatments.

To obtain information about consumption habits and cosmetic product quantities applied by this specific population.

196 participants, between 31 and 86 years old, who have had cancer, were recruited to compose a skincare (N = 150) and a makeup panel (N = 46). Participants completed a questionnaire inquiring about their cancer, treatments, and associated side effects. Frequencies of use of 31 cosmetic and 11 makeup products during and after treatment and changes in consumer behavior were collected. Quantities of five skincare and 10 makeup products were obtained, respectively, through a one-week consumption follow-up and a makeup workshop.

88% of the panel have had breast cancer and 98% reported at least one cutaneous side effect due to their oncological treatment. More than 80% of the participants have modified their cosmetic consumption since the beginning of their treatment. For 22 products, statistically significant differences between frequency of use during treatment and post-treatment were highlighted. Differences between quantities from this study and already published data were emphasized. For example, participants applied a higher quantity of body balm than the general population.

This study provides information on cosmetic consumption habits and quantity data for patients undergoing cancer treatment. These results will allow a more specific exposure and safety assessment for this population.