Go ahead and doll up: cosmetic products sold in Singapore are safe.

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association of Singapore (CTFAS) works closely with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to ensure that chemicals used in such products are up to Asean's stringent levels of safety.

Many cosmetic products share common approved ingredients such as talc, mineral oils, glycerin, dimethicone (a type of silicone oil), colorants, fragrances and preservatives.

These ingredients have been verified to be safe for their intended use. "The maximum risk one can be exposed to in using any cosmetic product is a transient, light skin irritation which does not present any health hazard," said Dr Alain Khaiat, president of CTFAS.

The HSA said that although there have been some reports of harm arising from commonly used ingredients like petrolatum - which is used in body lotions - and phthalates found in soap, these ingredients are permitted provided their amounts stay within the allowed limit.

"To date, there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish that they cause any health risk," said a spokesman for HSA.

As a result of Singapore's stringent cosmetic laws, cosmetics from reputable companies do not contain harmful ingredients. The only commonly encountered skin problem is skin irritation.

Companies bringing in new products have to notify the HSA of the products before these can be put on the shelves. HSA will also conduct routine checks on cosmetic products after they have been released in the market.

Contrary to popular belief, a decision to discontinue a cosmetic product is seldom because of its ingredients. "It is essentially due to the launch of new products with added ingredients or an improved formula," said a spokesman for L'Oreal Singapore.

Dr Joyce Lim, a dermatologist at Joyce Lim Skin and Laser Clinic, said that even if you do use several products on a particular area at one time - like eyeliner, eye shadow and mascara - it is unlikely that you will develop any negative reaction as a result of using all of them.

If a product does not cause problems on its own, it will rarely cause problems when used together with other products, she said.

Still, those with a history of atopic eczema, asthma or allergic rhinitis are more prone to irritation from cosmetics as their skin is sensitive, said Dr Leow Yung Hian, a senior consultant dermatologist at the National Skin Centre.

"The irritation usually shows up as dry or red skin and, in more severe cases, as itchy red patches or swelling," she said. Dr Patricia Yuen, a dermatologist at Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre, said that if a person's skin starts to itch and becomes red and dry, it is a sign that the person should stop using that particular product.

However, even if some products contain ingredients that are known to cause irritation for some people, there is no need to stop using them unless one knows for sure that one is allergic to them.

"You can still use them but start at a lower dose," said Dr Lim. Her advice, when it comes to buying a new product, is to check the ingredients and ensure that it does not contain anything that one is allergic to.

Consumers should then test the product on their arms for about two nights. If the product is to be used on the face, start slowly by using it only on alternate days for two weeks.

For consumers considering switching to natural make-up, Dr Lim said that it is not necessarily better as such products contain chemicals as well.

In addition, the HSA website states that natural cosmetics contain plant ingredients which are conducive to bacterial growth. These plant ingredients can also cause allergies in some people.

The same regulatory checks are imposed by HSA on natural make-up before they are allowed to enter Singapore.

staceyc@sph.com.sg

How to use cosmetics safely

Although cosmetics sold here are generally safe, the Health Sciences Authority website has some tips for added precaution:

Before using a product, test it on a small area of your skin. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, it should be safe to use.

Monitor changes in the product's colour, odour and texture. Stop using it if there are changes or if you develop an adverse reaction.

Wash your hands before using your cosmetics so that bacteria is not transferred to your face.
Do not dilute cosmetics with water when they dry up as moisture will encourage bacteria growth.
Do not use cosmetics other than for their intended purposes. For example, do not use a lip pencil as an eyeliner as the lip pencil may contain ingredients that can irritate your eyes.
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.