The identification and analysis of adverse effects related to cosmetic products is a process that is currently still, to a large extent, industry driven.
It is the responsibility of manufacturers to determine that products and ingredients are safe before they are marketed, and then to collect reports of adverse reactions.
[4] This 1976 directive requires that cosmetic products 'must not cause damage to human health when applied under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use'.
The European legislation defines "adverse effect" as a negative impact on human health, which is attributable to the normal or reasonably foreseeable use of a cosmetic product.
A "serious adverse effect" resulting in temporary or permanent functional incapacity, disability, hospitalization, congenital anomalies or an immediate danger to life or death.