Background: The possibility that cosmetic products may act as vehicles for pathogen transfer is a major health concern. The risk of this occurring is higher with COSMETICS used around EYEs, which could be responsible for a number of infectious diseases. This study was performed to evaluate the bacteriological quality of these products in Iran and also to study factors that predispose to bacterial contamination. Materials and methods: We examined a total of 290 samples, including 145 EYE mascara lashes and 145 EYE marker, for bacterial contamination. The products were then used by volunteers under actual in-use conditions for 4 weeks. Before, during and after use, the products were evaluated for microbial contamination by using standard methods for identification.Results: More than 14.5% of the unused EYE mascara were contaminated while about 2.7% of EYE markers showed contamination before use. Bacillus spp. and coagulase negative staphylococci were the most commonly recovered bacteria. Contaminations of in-use samples were significantly higher than unused samples.Conclusion: Contamination was relatively common and presents a potential health hazard. The high level of microbial contamination among unused samples emphasizes quality control during manufacture, packing, and preservation.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in lipstick and EYE pencil COSMETICS of different grades in the markets of Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Ahvaz city in 2018. Sixty different samples of lipstick and EYE pencil of three common brands were selected and analyzed using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and the results were compared with standard values recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The analysis of lipsticks was based on producer country and colors and producer country only for EYE pencil. Results: The mean concentrations of Pb and Cd were 41. 86 and 53. 42 μ g/g, respectively. Concentrations of lead were higher than those of Cd in lipsticks, while for EYE pencil, Cd showed higher concentrations. The overall results indicated that in all brands and colors of lipsticks, only 33% of the samples had Pb content less than the FDA limit, and among lipstick samples, 44% had Cd concentration less than the FDA limit of 3 μ g/g, however, in 100% of the EYE pencil samples, the concentration of Cd was higher than the recommended value of 3 μ g/g. Conclusion: Given the health risks of exposure to heavy metals and in order to increase community awareness about the harmful effects of COSMETICS, it is necessary to monitor the concentration of these toxic elements in these products and encourage the manufactures to meet the FDA standards.

COSMETICS is as old as the history of human being. It has been present in human life since the times of the most ancient civilizations. Perfumery is one of the oldest branches of COSMETICS. Valerian perfumes found from the Pharaohs’ pyramids, had maintained their aroma. Coriander, Mace oil, cardamom, cinnamon, and juniper were also the favorite materials used for perfumery in ancient Egyptian civilization. Perfumes were very popular in ancient Persian civilization (from more than 2500 years ago). Some animal-origin perfumes such as amber and musk, and also perfumes made from flowers such as rose, jasmine, and narcissus were favorites of those people. Various flower perfumes were among their exported materials in that era. Perfumes were also very popular in other ancient civilizations such as the ancient Greek, Rome, and Indian civilizations. From 1900 onwards, analysis of the natural perfumes found the fragrant components, and some synthetic fragrances were discovered and used in perfumery industry. At present, many old fragrances are still used at least as imitation synthetic fragrances. Even fighting the face wrinkles dates back to the ancient times. In ancient Egypt, there was a facemask made from Nile-mud and Alum, which was used for diminishing the wrinkles. A combination of wax, olive oil, and fresh milk was also used against wrinkles. Ancient Greeks used an ointment made of bread, milk, baked beans, and butter for diminishing the wrinkles. Today, discovering the mechanisms involved in skin aging has helped making modern anti-wrinkle products (some with herbal extracts) with a deep and real effect in fighting wrinkles. Todays modernized COSMETICS is the natural progression of the ancient COSMETICS throughout the years. It has made innovations by introducing new active materials, as well as novel cosmetic delivery systems (e.g. liposomal forms) for the new and traditional raw materials.

COSMETICS used in the EYEs are of special importance due to the sensitivity of this area and the high probability of transmission of different contaminations and its dangers. Thus safety issues should be considered more tightly. Accordingly, this study qualitatively, examines the label claim regarding the contents of several domestic and foreign products available in the Iran`s market. Legal aspects were carried out in accordance with European standards. In this study, 14 samples of EYE cosmetic products, including mascara sample, EYEliner sample and pencil sample were examined. After preparing a list of all the components of each sample and presenting them in the tables, each component was evaluate individually according to CosIng site. Finally the role of components and limitations if any and the range of permissible or unauthorized concentration of each were recorded and discussed. In the studied products, the role of components and their performance in the product were consistent and no prohibited item was identified.

Beauty and make-up are firmly associated with gender in contemporary societies. On this basis, the majority of feminist thinkers have designated part of their rhetorical efforts to this issue. Given the significance of this issue, this article provides a brief investigation of the concept of beauty and then deals with plastic surgery and make-up and provides a history of these two in Iran and the world. Moreover, it proves that it is believed by the public that beauty can be achieved by money and individual effort. The article has investigated the role of the media and the press in Iran in allowing western culture of beauty to infiltrate while giving statistics on the consumption of COSMETICS and on plastic surgeries in Iran and the globe.Three approaches with respect to the culture of consumption of COSMETICS are also presented. The viewpoints of feminist opponents and proponents of the cosmetic surgery have been offered, too, together with a conclusion of the study.