Issues Concerning Safety of Topical Cosmetics and Nutraceuticals

Abstract

There are hundreds of cosmetics and orally taken products not included as drugs in the market, even those that promise an additional therapeutic effect as lightening the skin, improving acne, and smoothing rhytides. The list of nutraceuticals is even greater especially when the so-called dietary supplements are included. There are numbers of papers and health alerts referring dangerous substances that are added to these products; some were exclusive from a specific country, but the globalization led to a mixture of all kinds of them being commercialized all around the world. Alerts should be taken seriously and the population should be also notified about this serious matter. We try to discuss about them, and although the list of substances is enormous and some adverse events yet to be described, it could be of interest to alert the patients about their choice. Each country has a list of forbidden formulations and chemicals; some are very rigorous and others still tolerant. We talk in this chapter the majority of them, but some of the regulatory issues are based in Brazilian ANVISA (National Health Department).