The role of cosmetics: excipients and preservatives

This paper presents the norms applying to cosmetics, according to the Spanish rules inside the European regulatory framework. Particularly we put forward the using criteria of excipients in these manufactured products, specifically artificial colourings and preservatives. They can be risk factors for atopic dermatitis’ exacerbations due to their allergenic power. Surveillance of the cosmetics’ adverse effects (cosmetovigilance) should have a wider implementation.