Over-the-counter cosmeceuticals: Exploring usage patterns and attitudes among Indians

Abstract

The study’s objectives were to find the prevalence of over-the-counter (OTC) usage of skin, nail, and hair care products and to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of the Indian population presenting to a non-dermatology outpatient department (OPD) for various indications concerning this usage. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, conducted over a year, in which 668 consenting Indians aged 18–60 years, representing various socioeconomic backgrounds were surveyed through Google Forms regarding the OTC cosmeceutical usage in a non-dermatology OPD. This KAP study was conducted on 668 participants, of whom the majority were middle-aged males (481 [72.01%]), with a diverse socioeconomic range, with the upper-middle class making up the largest segment (264 [39.52%]). Allopathy was the primary treatment choice for 347 (51.95%) of participants, with 566 (84.73%) preferring professional healthcare over self-medication. Social media was a significant source of skincare information, with Google Ads (279 [41.8%]) and Instagram (84 [12.6%]) being popular platforms. While doctors’ advice influenced 270 (40.4%) of participants in their skincare choices, word-of-mouth played a role, with 251 (37.57%) agreeing it was helpful. OTC usage was found to vary by socioeconomic class and treatment type. Oral OTC products were preferred for skin health, especially in the upper class, while fairness creams were more common among the lower class. Despite the growing reliance on social media for skincare information, traditional sources such as word-of-mouth and TV still hold sway, indicating a mix of modern and conventional influences. The frequency and type of OTC product usage varied across socioeconomic classes, with oral products like vitamin supplements leading in the upper class and fairness creams leading in the lower class, reflecting the societal pressure for a fair complexion in this subset.