Skip to content

Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids)

3

Safety score · 0–100

Avoid

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

Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) is a cosmetic ingredient. Exercise caution due to limited available safety data.

Glucocorticoids such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone are pharmaceutical agents with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex II prohibits their use in cosmetic products. Topical corticosteroid misuse in cosmetics can cause skin thinning (atrophy), striae formation, telangiectasia, perioral dermatitis, and systemic absorption leading to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. Long-term cosmetic use could lead to steroid dependence and rebound dermatitis upon discontinuation.

Known concerns

  • EU Annex II banned - pharmaceutical agents
  • Skin atrophy with prolonged use
  • Systemic absorption and HPA axis suppression
  • Steroid dependence and rebound dermatitis
  • Perioral dermatitis risk

References

EU

EU CosIng database

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

Check your shelf

Find Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids) in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids) and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

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.