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Pharmaceutical antimicrobial

Antibiotics

10

Safety score · 0–100

Avoid

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

Antibiotics are prescription antimicrobial drugs, not cosmetic ingredients. Their unlabelled presence in skincare is illegal in the EU, drives resistance, can sensitize and disrupt the skin microbiome.

Skin benefits

  • Effective against bacterial infections when prescribed medically
  • Can be used in dermatology under prescription for acne and rosacea

Known concerns

  • Generic antibiotics are not permitted as undeclared cosmetic ingredients in the EU
  • Topical use without prescription drives antimicrobial resistance
  • Can trigger allergic and photosensitive reactions
  • Disrupts the skin microbiome with repeated exposure
  • Vague labelling as 'antibiotics' makes risk assessment impossible

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

Check your shelf

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.