Perceptions of Product Safety as Influenced by Product Labels for Cosmetics

Abstract

The average consumer may depend on keywords located on the product's label to indicate the relative safety of the cosmetic product. To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the perception of safety of cosmetic products based on the presence of specific keywords on the product's label between age groups and education levels a chi-square analysis was performed. This study found that there were no significant differences. A large majority of all respondents misunderstand the fact that the keywords presented have no real definition accepted by the FDA. However, this same majority also indicate that the simple presence of these keywords on a cosmetic product's label does not necessarily indicate a safer product. It is imperative that education be widespread and diverse in order to reach all age groups and education levels regarding this issue.