Cosmetic Product Use Behaviors, Health Risk Perceptions, and Adverse Effect Experiences Among Adolescents in Türkiye

Cosmetic product use has become increasingly common among adolescents due to aesthetic concerns, self-expression, and social influences. Although previous studies have examined isolated aspects such as cosmetic use frequency or adverse effects, comprehensive evidence integrating usage patterns, motivations, safe use behaviors, adverse effect experiences, and health risk perceptions among adolescents remains limited, particularly in Türkiye. This study aimed to evaluate cosmetic product use behaviors, health risk perceptions, and adverse effect experiences among adolescents, and to identify factors associated with adverse effect experiences and predictors of hormonal disruption risk perception. This descriptive, web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 12-18 years in Türkiye between June and August 2021. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 29-item questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, cosmetic product use patterns, health risk perceptions, safe cosmetic use behaviors, and adverse effect experiences. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test, Yates correction, Fisher's exact test, or exact methods, as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of hormonal disruption risk perception. A total of 248 adolescents participated, of whom 59.3% were female and 87.1% were aged 16-18 years. The most frequently used cosmetic products were shampoo/conditioner (95.9%), oral care products (95.5%), perfume/deodorant (89.8%), and shower gel (80.9%). Female adolescents reported significantly higher use of several skincare and decorative cosmetic products than males (p < 0.05). The most common motivation for cosmetic product use was to look well-groomed (68.6%). Most participants believed that cosmetic product ingredients could be harmful to the body (88.3%), cause cancer (79.9%), or cause hormonal disruption (64.3%). Although several safe cosmetic use behaviors were commonly reported, only 18.0% of participants performed an allergy test before product use. Adverse effects related to cosmetic product use were reported by 26.5% of participants and were significantly associated with recent cosmetic use and the use of hair dye, eye cosmetics, facial care products, acne treatment products, facial makeup products, lip cosmetics, and foot care products (all p < 0.05). Performing an allergy test (OR = 0.268, 95% CI 0.082-0.873), believing that cosmetics may cause cancer (OR = 0.108, 95% CI 0.044-0.266), and reading packaging information (OR = 0.396, 95% CI 0.177-0.883) were independently associated with higher hormonal disruption risk perception. Cosmetic product use is highly prevalent among adolescents, with notable gender differences in usage patterns. Although awareness of cosmetic-related health risks was high, this awareness did not consistently translate into safe cosmetic use behaviors. Targeted educational interventions and adolescent-friendly risk communication strategies may improve safe cosmetic practices and reduce preventable adverse effects.