Prevalence of Illegal Labeling and Contamination of Prohibited Substances among Cosmetic Registered through E-submission System in Chiang Mai

Abstract

Objectives: To study the prevalence of illegal labeling and contamination with prohibited substances of cosmetic products registered via the E-submission system in Chiang Mai. Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted by examining the applications for cosmetic registration that required the applicants to attach pictures of cosmetic labels, and to deliver products for checking the contamination with 4 prohibited substances using test kits. The study assessed the applicants’ knowledge of legitimate labeling and contamination with prohibited substances by sending them a questionnaire in Google Forms via Line official. Results: The total number of applications for cosmetic registration approved through the E-submission system in Chiang Mai province in fiscal year 2022 was 1,282 with 216 high-risk products (16.85%), and 1,066 low-risk products (83.15%). Of the 127 cosmetic labels, 97 (76.38%) were found to be illegal. The applications for imported products revealed a significantly higher proportion of illegal labels than those for products manufactured in the country (100% and 73.45%, respectively, P= 0.039). Prohibited substances were found in 9 of 68 examined cosmetic products (13.24%). The proportion of illegal labeling among cosmetic products contaminated with hydroquinone was significantly smaller than that of uncontaminated products (33.33% and 75.80% respectively, P= 0.047). Assessment of knowledge on legal labeling and prohibited substances among 36 entrepreneurs showed an average score of 13.81 ± 2.65 points (full score of 20 points). Conclusion: The applications for cosmetic registration via the E-submission system involved low-risk products rather than high-risk products. The presence of illegal labelling was higher in the imported cosmetics, and those not contaminated with hydroquinone. Prohibited substances may be found in legally labeled products. The results of the study may be used as preliminary information for planning the surveillance process and to follow up on cosmetic products registered through E-submission to further reduce the risks to consumers.