Awareness of Ovotoxic Cosmetic and Personal Care Products Among Women in KSA

Abstract

Background: Attention to ovotoxic chemicals in cosmetics has increased worldwide and emerging evidence shows these substances can damage female reproductive health. This study aimed to examine Saudi women’s knowledge about ovotoxic chemicals in cosmetic and personal care products that indicates their daily habits and possible links with reproductive problems. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was carried out in Saudi Arabia that included 568 women. The questionnaire had five parts that showed demographics, product use, knowledge of harmful chemicals, reproductive health history, and attitudes toward safety. Results were analysed with suitable statistics. Results: Daily makeup use was reported by 48.2% of women which indicates lip products were used by 81.5% and mascara by 71.1%. Awareness of harmful chemicals reached 52.5% that showed parabens were known by 42.6% and phthalates by 31.5%, yet only 25% usually read ingredient lists. A total of 33.1% believed cosmetics caused reproductive problems that showed irregular periods in 26.8%. Support for stricter laws was expressed by 85.2% which indicates 80.1% wanted educational information and 62.1% would change to safer brands. Higher education strongly predicted knowledge that showed 72.1% of postgraduate women knew harmful chemicals compared to 32.6% of high-school graduates (p<0.001). Age also mattered (p=0.003) that showed married women less often linked cosmetics to fertility risk (38.2% vs. 45.6% single, p=0.011). Women who already had reproductive disorders gave stronger support for regulation (93.1% vs. 83.8%, p=0.003). Conclusion: The survey indicated moderate knowledge of ovotoxic chemicals among Saudi women that shows a clear gap between knowing and doing something about it. The high demand for teaching programs and better rules underlines the need for focused public health efforts.