Abstract
Cosmetic care product are used for skin, hair and nail caring practices. The cosmetic product regulations in Sri Lankan regulatory authorities is not properly implemented for importing and marketing thus it is needed to prevent the misuse and related adverse events. As an initiative, our team investigated data on knowledge of cosmetic care, and the practicing methods of the participants in western province in Sri Lanka as a phase 1 study. It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey and participants aged from 18 to 70+ years were openly invited. Informed consent was included in the self-administered questionnaire, validated before proper research. It includes questions on knowledge, attitudes, and practice of cosmetic usage. Our data showed that majority were female (71%), age group of 18-39 yrs (93%). 92% of them are Sinhalese, and 17% of Musilms. 93% of participants were aware reasons for using cosmetic product and 68% of them were aware composition of and adverse effects. 93% of them were aware about risk of allergy and 89% of them uses skin and body products. Average using time was more than 5 years by 39% and 31% used it for 1-5 years, rest of them less than one year respectively. Use of cosmetic is mainly for minor skin abnormalities (24%) and to enhance the appearance (16%) others included both reasons (60%). Majority had used both herbal and cosmetic products (63%). 61% of them preferred both local and international products. Most of them had referred social media for the selection of the product. We concluded that participants from western province showing expected personal knowledge on composition, indications, and potential adverse effects. This data is important to consider for preparing cosmetic rules and regulations and also recommend proper scientific based audio and visual educational program in selection process.