COSMETICS are substances applied to the human body to enhance appearance and promote attractiveness. Typically used on the skin for beautification, these products aim to improve how people look and feel.

They are often mixtures of chemical compounds—some derived from natural sources, others synthetically produced. Common examples include makeup, skincare products, perfumes and hair care items, with women being the primary users.

Despite their widespread use and appeal, cosmetic products have two distinct effects on the human body. While they possess the power to adorn and enhance skin complexion—particularly among women—they also have a darker side. Though intended purely for aesthetic improvement, many products may cause harm.

Some cosmetics fail to meet proper standards and may negatively affect human skin, leading to reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe allergies. 

Adverse effects include contact dermatitis, acne, and changes in skin pigmentation. Common cosmetic products include concealers, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, lip gloss, brow pencils, complexion creams, and setting powders. These are largely manufactured abroad and later imported for use in countries including Tanzania.

Ensuring the safety of these products is the responsibility of quality control authorities. Regulatory bodies must assess products before allowing them into local markets to protect users from health risks. 

Investigations have shown that many cosmetics contain hazardous additives like parabens, phthalates, polyethylene glycol, hydroquinone, and resorcinol. These chemicals pose various health risks, including neurotoxicity, kidney damage, cancer, hormonal disruptions, and reproductive issues.

Health officers and researchers emphasize the importance of raising public awareness about harmful cosmetic ingredients. Reported adverse effects include irritation, allergies, acne, phototoxic reactions, sensitivity to light, anaphylactic shock, and itching. 

Some of the most concerning substances in cosmetics are endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with hormones and can lead to long-term health complications.

Toxic cosmetic ingredients, when inhaled, can damage lung tissue. Ingredients in makeup have been linked to allergies and respiratory infections. Prolonged exposure to harmful skincare chemicals, such as formaldehyde, can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

To control cosmetic use and ensure safety, several steps are essential. Consumers should read labels carefully and follow usage instructions, especially for skincare and makeup. Understanding the proper order of application is important for effectiveness and avoiding skin irritation. 

Meanwhile, manufacturers must adopt responsible production processes, quality control, regulatory compliance and safe packaging.

Recently, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) issued an extensive list of banned cosmetic products due to the presence of hazardous ingredients such as hydroquinone, mercury, lead, steroids, and other prohibited substances. 

These ingredients have been linked to skin disorders, cancer, and organ toxicity. The ban is part of the government’s broader initiative to protect consumers from dangerous skin-lightening and beauty products.

The list includes over 100 banned cosmetic products, ranging from creams and lotions to soaps, gels, and serums. Dr Ashura Katunzi, Director General of TBS, explained that many of these products contain hydroquinone, a common ingredient in skin-lightening products. 

Hydroquinone is associated with skin cancer, ochronosis (a condition causing permanent discoloration), and internal toxicity.

Skin-lightening products have long been controversial in Tanzania and other African countries, where lighter skin tones are often favored by societal beauty standards. Despite awareness campaigns and regulations, these products remain widely used, especially among young women.

Doctors warn that mercury-based products, which are also included in the ban, pose serious risks such as kidney damage, neurological disorders, and birth defects. 

Additionally, some products contain steroids and hormones that can lead to extreme skin thinning, increased susceptibility to infections, and hormonal imbalances.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa recently directed TBS officials to prevent the import and circulation of substandard cosmetic products. He emphasized the need for early intervention and factory-level monitoring to stop harmful products before they reach the public. 

Speaking in Dodoma while laying the foundation stone for construction of the new TBS headquarters, the Premier called on leaders not to be complacent, urging strict oversight and immediate destruction of any identified banned products.

In line with the directive, the TBS Communication Unit urged both businesses and consumers to comply with the ban. Retailers were given a deadline to remove prohibited items from shelves, while the public was encouraged to report violations. 

TBS, in collaboration with law enforcement, has intensified efforts to eliminate dangerous cosmetics from the market.

The government hopes this crackdown will raise awareness about the health risks of unregulated cosmetic products and foster a shift toward safer beauty practices. Authorities are also considering stricter import rules to prevent the re-entry of banned products through unofficial channels.

TBS continues to play a vital role in setting, promoting, and enforcing quality standards to ensure the safety of products and services in Tanzania.

To support safe cosmetic use, both consumers and manufacturers have key roles. Several dermatologists practicing in Tanzania—including Dr Kamal Merali, Dr Mukesh Kumar Jha, and Dr Naresh Suman—specialize in treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Their expertise spans medical issues like skin cancer, eczema, and acne, as well as cosmetic concerns such as wrinkles and unwanted hair.

According to these dermatologists, the safe use of cosmetics is crucial for health. They recommend reading labels and following usage instructions carefully. Users should always wash their hands before application to avoid bacterial contamination and should never share makeup products, which can spread infections. 

Cosmetics should be kept sealed and protected from extreme temperatures, and any product that changes in color, smell, or texture should be discarded.

For optimal skincare, products should be applied in a recommended order: cleansing, toning, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Manufacturers, for their part, must implement strong quality control measures, comply with regulations, and use safe packaging materials. Cosmetic products should undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness before being introduced to the market.

With collective efforts from consumers, health professionals, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies, the safe use of cosmetics can be ensured—protecting health without sacrificing beauty.