title: Results of a cosmetovigilance survey in The Netherlands.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cosmetic products contribute considerably to the incidence of contact dermatitis. In response to a resolution of the Council of Europe, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in The Netherlands set up a pilot project to report undesirable effects attributed to cosmetic products.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of undesirable effects attributed to cosmetic products and to identify the ingredients involved. The information could contribute to the assessment of whether current EU legislation on cosmetics provides adequate protection.
  
  
  METHODS
  General practitioners, dermatologists and consumers in The Netherlands completed questionnaires on reported undesirable effects of cosmetics. Dermatologists also carried out patch tests and, where necessary, tests with specific batch ingredients of the associated cosmetic product. A website and a public awareness campaign were launched to encourage consumers to report undesirable effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between July 2009 and May 2011, the RIVM received more than 1600 reports. Severe undesirable effects were claimed in 1-4% of the cases. The most frequently reported cosmetic products were make-up and moisturisers, and the most frequently identified allergens were isothiazolinones and fragrance ingredients. Three patients tested positive for co-polymers/cross-polymers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further investigations are recommended on the prevalence of isothiazolinone-induced allergic contact dermatitis and the allergenic potential of co-polymers/cross-polymers.
authors: Centre for Substances and Integrated Risk Assessment (SIR), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. joanne.salverda@rivm.nl
authors: Joanne G W
authors: JG
authors: Salverda
authors: Peter J C
authors: PJ
authors: Bragt
authors: Lianne
authors: L
authors: de Wit-Bos
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Rustemeyer
authors: Pieter Jan
authors: PJ
authors: Coenraads
authors: Ron A
authors: RA
authors: Tupker
authors: Lia C M
authors: LC
authors: Kunkeler
authors: Anna-Marijke
authors: AM
authors: Laheij-de Boer
authors: Harma J
authors: HJ
authors: Stenveld
authors: Cees J W
authors: CJ
authors: van Ginkel
authors: Myrna W
authors: MW
authors: Kooi
authors: François C
authors: FC
authors: Bourgeois
authors: Teetske F
authors: TF
authors: van Gorcum
authors: Jacqueline G M
authors: JG
authors: van Engelen
authors: Remmelt
authors: R
authors: van Dijk
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: de Graaf
authors: Gé A
authors: GA
authors: Donker
authors: Cees
authors: C
authors: de Heer
authors: Derk
authors: D
authors: Bruynzeel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics