The aim of this focal action was to check cosmetic products manufactured by pharmacies themselves or produced by contract manufacturers but sold under the pharmacy's name. Cosmetics produced by pharmaceutical companies especially for pharmacies were also checked.

62 samples in pharmacies from all over Austria were examined. Ten samples were objected to, in some cases several times:

• in two samples, the maximum levels for methyl eugenol were exceeded
• in one sample, benzyl alcohol was used as a preservative in excess of the maximum permissible concentration
• seven samples were rejected due to missing or inadequate labeling
• one cosmetic product was advertised as "without preservatives" although it contained two multifunctional substances with antibacterial effect
• one sample was objected to because it was inadmissibly advertised as "organic" although the product had not been certified by an inspection body
• one sample was rejected due to the lack of notification
• two products were classified as medicinal products by the Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG).

Pharmacies sell not only medicines and special products for skin diseases, but also cosmetics. The assortment includes, among others, exclusive cosmetic brands or creams produced in-house. In some cases, these products also contain substances that are actually reserved for pharmaceuticals, or products are advertised with disease-related claims (e.g. healing and soothing). However, the same cosmetics law requirements apply regardless of whether they are sold in pharmacies, supermarkets or drugstores.