Background: Concern regarding the potential for health risks associated with chemicals used in
cosmetic products is well documented. Cosmetics are commonly used by women. Cosmetics may
have allergic, irritating, and harmful effects on human health. Aim of the study: The present study
aims to estimate the point prevalence and to identify determinant and adverse events of cosmetics
use among female students at Mansoura University. Subjects & Methods: The study was
conducted among 790 female students selected from Mansoura university through stratified cluster
sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected through self-administered structured
questionnaire. Results: Overall prevalence of cosmetic product use was 87.5%. Student age,
residence, family size and income were found to be statistically significant predictors for cosmetic
use. About 61% of the students used cosmetics for beautification purpose, while only 26.5% used it
for disinfection and 21.1% for treatment. Only 21.9% checked whether cosmetic they used was
tested on animals or not and 46.7% of them tested cosmetic for allergic reaction. From 691 cosmetic
users, 84.7% self-reported ever experience of at least one adverse event due to cosmetic products.
About half of them attained cosmetics from local shops. Conclusion: Overall prevalence and self
reported adverse reaction of cosmetic product use were high among university female students.
Recommendation: The development of educational intervention to raise female awareness about
harmful effects of the chemicals contained in cosmetics after prolonged use is important.