Prevalence of Suspected Cosmetic Products Containing Prohibited Substances in Border Districts of the 10th Public Health Region

Abstract

Objectives: To determine 1) prevalence of suspected cosmetic products containing three prohibited substances i.e., ammoniated mercury, hydroquinone and retinoic acid in border districts of the 10^th Public Health Region 2) knowledge and behavior in cosmetic selling among suppliers 3) factors affecting the selection of cosmetics for sale and their channels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting samples of cosmetics suspected in their safety and not being in the list of dangerous cosmetics on the website of the FDA during May to July 2018. The samples were collected from grocery stores, flea markets, checkpoint for border trade in 4 border provinces including Ubon ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen and Mukdahan. Suspected cosmetic products were tested using test kit, and questionnaire was used to interview suppliers. Results: The inspection of 39 cosmetic stores found 69 suspected items. Thirty-one items (44.9%) were positive for at least one prohibited substances. Twenty-six products were contaminated with ammoniated mercury (37.7%), 10 with retinoic acid (14.5%), and 1 with hydroquinone (1.4%). Forty-four products (63.8%) showed registration numbers, and 2 of those were invalid (4.5%). Most of sellers sold their products in shops and grocery stores (64.1%). Most cosmetics products were purchased from wholesale stores (61.5%). Cosmetics suppliers selected the products by giving priority to product effectiveness (4.33±0.71 out of full score of five), followed by credibility of the purchased sources (4.31±0.69). Conclusions: Prevalence of prohibited substances in suspected cosmetics in the northeastern border is high. The relevant provincial health officers need surveillance in cosmetics even with correct registration number because some of them still contain prohibited substances. Suppliers’ knowledge should be improved to raise awareness of selling the legal cosmetics which may help reduce the distribution of harmful cosmetic products to consumers.