Consumer-driven cosmetovigilance: A cross-sectional survey on risk perceptions and public health implications in the United Arab Emirates.
- 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
- 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Dubai Medical University, Dubai.
Abstract
Background
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents one of the fastest-growing cosmetics markets in the Middle East, yet little is known about consumer awareness of cosmetic safety and cosmetovigilance practices. This study aims to evaluate cosmetic use, safety awareness, adverse effects, and perceptions of cosmetovigilance among the general population in the northern emirates of the UAE.Materials and methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 among 615 residents of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Data were collected using a validated bilingual questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and cosmetic knowledge.Results
Of 615 participants, 62.6% were female, and the median age was 35 years. The most frequently used products were creams (52.8%) and deodorants/perfumes (48.7%). Reported adverse effects included itching (32.0%, n = 197), headaches (19.2%, n = 118), rashes (11.5%, n = 71), and hair loss (11.5%, n = 71). Only 33.0% (n = 203) of respondents reported reading ingredient labels, and 70.0% (n = 431) had never performed an allergy test. The internet (31.9%, n = 196) and advertisements (28.4%, n = 175) were the most common information sources, while pharmacists were consulted by only 20.8% (n = 128). Logistic regression analysis identified gender and age as significant predictors of knowledge (P < 0.05).Conclusion
Cosmetic use is widespread in the UAE, but awareness of safety practices remains limited, with significant demographic influences. These findings underscore the need for improved consumer education, pharmacist-led interventions, and stronger regulatory enforcement to strengthen cosmetovigilance in the UAE.
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BibTeX
@article{alkoud2026consumerdriven,
title = {{Consumer-driven cosmetovigilance: A cross-sectional survey on risk perceptions and public health implications in the United Arab Emirates.}},
author = {Haea Amar Alkoud and Huda Ahmed Jaber and Sathvik Belagodu Sridhar and Javedh Shareef and Syed Arman Rabbani},
journal = {Journal of education and health promotion},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.4103/jehp.jehp_1688_25},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42923881},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Consumer-driven cosmetovigilance: A cross-sectional survey on risk perceptions and public health implications in the United Arab Emirates.
AU - Haea Amar Alkoud
AU - Huda Ahmed Jaber
AU - Sathvik Belagodu Sridhar
AU - Javedh Shareef
AU - Syed Arman Rabbani
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/30
JO - Journal of education and health promotion
DO - 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1688_25
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42923881
AB - Background The United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents one of the fastest-growing cosmetics markets in the Middle East, yet little is known about consumer awareness of cosmetic safety and cosmetovigilance practices. This study aims to evaluate cosmetic use, safety awareness, adverse effects, and perceptions of cosmetovigilance among the general population in the northern emirates of the UAE.Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 among 615 residents of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Data were collected using a validated bilingual questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and cosmetic knowledge.Results Of 615 participants, 62.6% were female, and the median age was 35 years. The most frequently used products were creams (52.8%) and deodorants/perfumes (48.7%). Reported adverse effects included itching (32.0%, n = 197), headaches (19.2%, n = 118), rashes (11.5%, n = 71), and hair loss (11.5%, n = 71). Only 33.0% (n = 203) of respondents reported reading ingredient labels, and 70.0% (n = 431) had never performed an allergy test. The internet (31.9%, n = 196) and advertisements (28.4%, n = 175) were the most common information sources, while pharmacists were consulted by only 20.8% (n = 128). Logistic regression analysis identified gender and age as significant predictors of knowledge (P < 0.05).Conclusion Cosmetic use is widespread in the UAE, but awareness of safety practices remains limited, with significant demographic influences. These findings underscore the need for improved consumer education, pharmacist-led interventions, and stronger regulatory enforcement to strengthen cosmetovigilance in the UAE.
SN - 2277-9531
SN - 2319-6440
ER -