PESHAWAR, Jan 7: Like other developing countries, legislation is also required in Pakistan to regulate cosmetic industry, which like pharmaceutical products also produce reactions and side effects.

“There are certain checks in the developed countries, but the manufacturers of cosmetics are at liberty in countries like Pakistan,” observed Network, an NGO working for consumers protection in Pakistan, in its Drug Bulletin.

Besides, lack of awareness among the consumers-customers is an added factor due to which the companies feel free to sell even unsafe products containing restricted medicinal ingredients in cosmetics, says the bulletin.

In developing countries, it continued, all kinds of cosmetic products are available from original to substandard and even dangerous and banned items. However, choosing the right one can be a tedious job.

Adding that a variety of cosmetics available here are being used knowingly or unknowingly for therapeutic purposes. Even doctors are confused over their potential usefulness or harm. Therefore, there is an ever more need to understand that cosmetics and drugs cannot be used interchangeably. They differ in their purpose and each requires adequate caution in its intended use, it stressed.

Cosmetics are ever flourishing business preposition and the industry exploits people’s weaknesses using all unethical means and tools of promotion.

The cosmetics industry creates an unending desire predominately in women consumers to have fair skin, thus motivating them to use skin fairness creams.

This leads towards the permanent status of being consumer-forced consumership.

The cosmetic industry has no criteria for measurement of effectiveness and scientific data to support its unchecked and lofty claims.

This industry is prone to make lofty claims. Basically, it grows on tall claims. Every skin product is considered a miracle product that can make one’s skin flawless and younger.

The Network also advised the consumers to avoid unnecessary use of cosmetics or if they have some problem they should consult a doctor or dermatologist.

Besides, the consumers should not rely on information provided by the manufacturers. They (manufacturers) only exploit the dominant trends prevailing in the region or country.

Using a few basic principles of personal hygiene, quality products and not sharing cosmetics can avert the adverse drug reactions caused by cosmetics.—APP