Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Cosmetic Vendors Regarding Their Products, Skin Physiology and Dermatoses in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso: A Cross-Sectional Study

What is known. Cosmetic vendors play a key role in consumer choices. However, in many resource-limited settings, their level of training and commercial practices are poorly regulated, raising concerns about the safety and appropriateness of the advice given.

The question addressed. This study describes the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cosmetic vendors in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso, regarding their products, skin function, and the management of skin problems.

What this study adds. We found  that 95% of the vendors surveyed have no formal training. Their knowledge of product composition is very limited (concordance <30% with labels), and one in five offers custom mixtures. Few of them (20%) refer clients to a doctor for serious skin problems.

Implications. There is an urgent need to act on three fronts: train vendors in the basics of cosmetology and skin risks, regulate the sale of these products more strictly, and create links with health services for effective client referral. This is essential to protect the skin health of populations.

This publication is available in full in  Health Research in Africa