Title: Advances in the assessment of skin irritants in dermocosmetology
Abstract: Cosmetics are widely used products, and some, such as detergents for personal hygiene, can be considered indispensable. For this reason, they should not be toxic or irritating. Much attention has been devoted to research into surfactants, the major component of personal hygiene and domestic cleaning products. Although the latter are not cosmetics, they are similar to personal hygiene products and constitute a large class of potential irritants.Tolerance of irritants depends on many factors, which are not yet completely under-stood. Subjects with so-called sensitive skin may have variable reactivity, and clinical experience, as well as knowledge of skin biology, are necessary to recognize such indi-viduals. Dermatologists have a fundamental role in identifying individuals at risk for skin irritation and providing information useful to develop mild products.