title: Cosmetic preservative labelling on the Thai market.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preservatives are added to cosmetics and other consumer products to prevent microbial growth and product degradation. Many cosmetic preservatives are skin sensitizers and frequent causes of contact dermatitis. The use of preservatives may vary by country and/or region, according to legislation, and may be reflected in differences in the prevalence rates of preservative allergy worldwide.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the type and frequency of preservative use in cosmetics sold in Thai markets in metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preservatives contained in 1000 different cosmetics sold in Thai markets were documented and analysed, based on the labelling of ingredients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of the cosmetic and skincare products sold in Thai markets were international brands, with only a small proportion of cosmetic products being produced in Thailand. International brand cosmetics were more likely to contain non-formaldehyde-releasing preservatives than domestically produced brands. Isothiazolinone-based preservatives, which are responsible for the current increase in the prevalence of contact allergy, were found at a significant frequency in domestically produced, leave-on cosmetic products.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preservatives in cosmetics were significantly different according to source of production and type of cosmetics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
authors.forename: Monthathip
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bunyavaree
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
authors.forename: Pranee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kasemsarn
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
authors.forename: Waranya
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Boonchai
mesh_terms: D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D006203:Hair Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D010226:Parabens / Q000032:analysis; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D011356:Product Labeling; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013785:Thailand; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D006203:Hair Preparations; D010226:Parabens; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D013844:Thiazoles; D005557:Formaldehyde
keywords: contact allergy; cosmetics; ingredient label; preservatives; skin care products