A Review on the Status of Using Cosmetics and Its Side Effects on Iranian Women

Background: Using cosmetics is common in different groups, especially women in Iran. Considering the importance of the usage rate and the possibility of confronting its unsought effects, the cosmetics usage rate by women is studied as the aim of this review. Methods: This is a non-systematic review study. Data were collected from international databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and Pub Med, and local databases including Civilica, Medline Iran Medex, SID, and Scirus, without language and time limitations and by using keywords. In the initial search, 187 articles were retrieved. Then, after omitting the irrelevant and unrelated articles, 51 articles were chosen for the final review. Results: The highest rate of permanent use of cosmetics is observed in women aged 20-29 year, while the lowest rate belongs to the age group of 50 years and older. Media are very effective in the rate of using cosmetics. The permanent use of cosmetics is related to social, economic, and cultural factors. Using cosmetics causes allergy in 1/3 of women. Conclusion: Age, economic-social status, education, and social media are effective factors in the use of cosmetics. Enhancing beauty and being seen are the major reasons for using cosmetics among women. Skin allergies are the unsought effects of drug development and cosmetics.