Adverse reactions to cosmetics on the rise

More than 1,700 cases of adverse reactions to cosmetic products were recorded in Shanghai last year, a surge of 41.6 percent from 2017, with almost half involving online sales, the city's drug watchdog has reported.

Among the 1,706 cases reported by medical institutions and manufacturers, two were serious adverse reactions, according to the Shanghai Drug Administration.

A total of 1,583 cases, or 92.79 percent, involved women, while the age of patients ranged between 1 and 92 years old, with the majority between 20 and 50 years old.

These cases involved 2,049 products, with majority intended for skin care. Other products included beauty treatments, deodorants, anti-freckle cream, perfumes, hair dye and sunscreen.

Of these items, 76.67 percent had known sources. In total, 43 percent came from online sellers and another 29.48 percent were from physical stores. Four percent were from beauty treatment and hairdressing parlors.

Contact dermatitis accounted for 94 percent of these cases, followed by acne.

There was one case of nail damage induced by cosmetics, and another was hives.

The majority of the adverse reactions were on the face, followed by neck, scalp and ears.

Erythema, papula and edema were major symptoms. The Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital treated 593 cases.