[Role of cosmetics in environmental carcinogenesis].
Cosmetics, which have been used for millenaries, have undergone a dramatic development since the last war. Conjointly with this development, cosmetology has entered a new, scientific, phase. A few facts will enable us to define the role of carcinogens in environmental carcinogenesis: first, by trying to determine what protection is given to the consumer against the carcinogenic risk; then, by delineating the protection provided by sunscreen agents against skin carcinomas induced by sun. Protection provided to consumers: physicochemical characteristics; Ames test for screening; animal experimentation; epidemiological studies; follow-up of products. Prevention of UV-dependent skin cancer; induction of skin tumors by sun; prevention. Individual factors which modulate these risks: Two examples: permeability of the psoriatic skin; morphotypes and sun.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the present state of our knowledge, it seems inconceivable to achieve stricter scientific standards before marketing a product. One step is, and always will be, lacking for the evaluation of the noxiousness of a substance, i.e. its large scale, longterm evaluation in man, with allowances for biologic inequalities. This underscores the value of producer's daily vigilance, a vigilance which in fact concerns both the producer and the consumer.
D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004285:Dogs; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D051381:Rats; D012306:Risk; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D003358:Cosmetics
Place des cosmétiques dans la carcinogenèse environnementale.