Today, Topicaltopical corticosteroids (TCS) are widely used highly effective compounds in dermatology for the management of various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, in a variety of dosage forms. [1]. Regrettably, many of these drugs are misused in diverse indications such as pigmentation, acne, pruritus, infections, rash, and many other conditions because of their property of lightning and anti-inflammatory effects[2]. TCS possess anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, melanogenic, immunosuppressive and sex hormone like effects on the skin leading to local adverse effects, especially in long termlong-term use[3].
Although TCS are almost safe, they may produce local (usual) and systemic (uncommon) side effects when used wrongly. Highly potent steroids must not be applied on the face, scrotum, eyelids, flexural sites or other parts of denuded skin, especially for long termlong-term periods. Special cautions are needed when these drugs are used under occlusion, in infant and old age patients. [4]. The major problems associated with their abuse was initially leadled to improve the symptoms and give aesthetic and facial glasses appearance combined with whitening and redness facial characteristics,; consequently, these features will be followed by deterioration and tachyphylaxis upon discontinuation leading to the development of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The risk of side effects increases in dose-dependent manner, duration, frequency, and potency of corticosteroids (CS) so its usage should be kept under medical supervision. [5,6].
Cosmetic formulations absolutely should be free of any CS,; however, companies of counterfeit cosmetic products (CCP) had been posted their fake formulations with indications for the treatment of redness, whitening, itchy, lichen planus, anti-wrinkles, seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, etc..., and mention the list of contents as herbal and natural components. Unfortunately, different types of these cosmetics shopped under various trade names without labeling of the real list of ingredients or presentpresence of fake,