Cosmetics used to enhance personal appearance can pose risks to human health due to toxic substances they may contain. Therefore, monitoring the quality and safety of cosmetics after marketing is essential. Unsafe cosmetics are recalled from the market, and regulatory authorities worldwide apply standards and sanctions to ensure product safety. This study retrospectively analyzed cosmetic recalls between 2014 and 2024, as reported on the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency website. A total of 460 products from 18 different countries were recalled in Türkiye during this period. Hair care products, particularly soap and shampoo products, were the most frequently recalled, representing 46.15% of all recalls. Other notable categories included hand-body lotions (13.25%), perfumes and deodorants (7.69%), and nail care products (7.05%). The main reasons for recalls were non-compliance with regulations, poor product quality, presence of substances above legal limits, and safety concerns. Commonly applied sanctions included administrative fines, prohibition of market supply, product destruction, and mandatory recalls. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and strict regulatory enforcement to ensure the safety of cosmetics in Türkiye.
Tolgay Ercan (Wed,) studied this question.