Hamburg - Natural cosmetics can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions similar to ordinary cosmetic products, dermatologists say.

Consumers should thus be careful when selecting a new product, said dermatologist Antje-Ulrike Wagner in an article published in the November edition of a German pharmacy magazine. Generally, contact allergies to herbal ingredients seldom occur, but people with sensitive skin should test a cream on the inside of the arm for three days before using the new product on the face.

As natural products are entirely without preservatives, they are particularly susceptible to fungi and germs, said Wagner. Consumers therefore should ensure their fingers are clean before putting them into the jar or buying products available in tubes. (dpa)