Unmasking the Risks: A Population-Based Cross Sectional Survey on NonPrescribed Face Cream Usage and Associated Adverse Reactions

Introduction: Non-prescribed face cream use has increased substantially due to easy availability, social media influence, and over-the-counter access. Many such products may contain harmful ingredients including topical steroids, hydroquinone, and heavy metals, leading to preventable dermatological adverse effects. Populationlevel data on usage patterns and associated reactions remain limited. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to non-prescribed face cream usage and to evaluate the pattern of associated adverse reactions in the community. Materials and Methods: A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted in India from July to December 2025 among adults aged ≥18 years using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and adverse effects related to non-prescribed face creams. Participants with face cream use in the previous 12 months were included. The minimum calculated sample size was 300. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests; p