[Compatibility of cosmetics and toiletries].

In West Germany, cosmetics and toiletries are covered by the law on foodstuff and commodities. The German Cosmetic Ordinance--an adoption of the EEC directive on cosmetics--lists 384 forbidden substances and 65 substances restricted in use. Colorants, preservatives and UV filters are registered in positive lists. The German Public Health Office and the EEC Scientific Committee for Cosmetology have laid down a code of standards regarding the toxicologic and dermatologic/allergologic testing of cosmetics and the raw materials they contain. Full declaration of the components, which is still voluntary in Germany, is based on the customary method practiced in the USA. Intolerance reactions caused by cosmetics or toiletries vary between 1% and 4% of all the complaints recently published.