Survey of Undergraduates' Perceptions of Cosmetics Use and Microbial Safety: An In-Depth Analysis in Xiamen Medical College, China

This questionnaire survey aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of students' perceptions and attitudes toward cosmetic use and the microbial safety of cosmetics. The survey sought to assess students' awareness of microbial contamination during cosmetic use, their purchasing habits, and their demand for related education. A total of 1,357 valid responses were collected, with a higher proportion of female participants, reflecting a greater interest in cosmetics among females. This trend was also noticeable among students who had taken microbiology-related courses, as females demonstrated a higher awareness of cosmetic contamination than males. Possibly due to financial constraints, over half of the students reported spending no more than 500 RMB annually on cosmetics, with most replacing products only after fully using them up, which may increase the risk of contamination. Interestingly, students with higher cosmetic expenditures also showed greater awareness of contamination risks. In conclusion, the survey indicated that while cosmetic use was widespread among students, there remained a need to strengthen education and awareness around microbiological safety and related hygiene practices.