Regulatory Compliance of Cosmetic Products in Kenya: A Narrative Review on Quality and Safety

Abstract

This study reviews the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products in Kenya, with a focus on consumer risks and potential public health impact. A narrative review study design was employed and a literature search was conducted using government reports, publications, academic databases, and other relevant sources. Keywords such as cosmetic industry challenges and cosmetic regulation in Kenya were employed to search the literature for papers. Data focusing on regulatory frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, adverse reactions, and industry challenges was then extracted and discussed in the form of a narration. The growth of the cosmetic industry, fueled by urbanization, a rising middle class, and increased grooming awareness, has attracted both local and international investors, presenting challenges in maintaining product quality and safety standards. Seven cases of adverse reactions related to cosmetics were reported by Pharmacy and Poisons Board between 2018-2023. The current study identifies noteworthy challenges by examining Kenya’s regulatory framework, led by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Kenya Bureau of Standards. Enforcement disparities within international standards, variance in regulations on prohibited ingredients, inconsistent labeling requirements, industry dynamics, and counterfeiting, compounded with the complex nature of safety assessments raise concerns for cosmetic regulators, distributors, and manufacturers. The study highlights existing gaps in regulatory oversight emphasizing the necessity of robust enforcement mechanisms. Compliance assessments by KEBS and PPB encompass the evaluation of ingredients, formulations, microbial contamination, packaging, and labeling. Factors contributing to regulatory noncompliance include poor product quality aggravated by supply chain complexities in the vast and diverse sector. The cosmetic cottage industry inadvertently presents a quality risk to consumers due to limited process and testing capacity. Reported adverse reactions, particularly to mercury-containing skin-lightening products, raise concerns about public health implications. This study advocates for continuous product monitoring and heightened vigilance. The review proposes improvement strategies, emphasizing a dynamic regulatory approach, periodic ingredient reviews, a centralized product approval system, and alignment with global manufacturing standards. Targeted consumer education initiatives focusing on product quality attributes, adverse reaction reporting, label reading, and counterfeit awareness are recommended.