On 3 May, Portalfarma, the website of the General Council of Official Associations of Pharmacists, published the press release “Pharmacies are helping to identify adverse reactions to cosmetics”. The press release discusses an initiative by the committees of Dermopharmacy to improve training on the effects of cosmetics and the cosmetovigilance.
On the one hand, this public health initiative focuses on improving the public’s knowledge, whilst also providing them with guidance on what to do in the event of an adverse reaction to a cosmetic product, and emphasises the importance of “telling your pharmacist about any problems you may experience when using cosmetics”. On the other hand, it provides training for pharmacy professionals on the effects of cosmetics and the activities carried out in the field of cosmetovigilance.
In addition, Portalfarma has set up two information platforms, one aimed at citizens and another for pharmacists, where you can access all sorts of information relating to the safety of cosmetics and adverse reactions.
We at GTF would like to thank the dermopharmacy committees for their efforts to improve cosmetovigilance, and we encourage members of the public and professionals to take part in this initiative by consulting information on Portalfarma and reporting adverse reactions at their local pharmacy.
The press release The Council’s guide concludes with some basic advice on the use of cosmetics:
- All products may cause intolerance or allergies
- Fragrances and preservatives cause the majority of reactions
- Natural cosmetics are not necessarily safer
- It is important to read the labels on cosmetics
- Some drug treatments can make us more prone to skin sensitivity.