Topical corticosteroids (TC) are generally safe when used rationally which otherwise mayrncause significant morbidity among people. Over-the-counter (OTC) use of TC is prevalentrnworldwide and is found to cause undesirable adverse effects. Particularly its use for cosmeticrnpurpose is a very common practice in Africa including in Ethiopia. The purpose of this studyrnwas to assess the extent of OTC use of TC, identify factors contributed for the same, the mostrncommon types of facial dermatoses noted among the dermatology outpatient departmentrnattendees of the selected health facilities, and also to assess the extent of availability of TC inrnselected cosmetics shops of Addis Ababa. A cross sectional study was carried out in therndermatology OPD attendees of Alert Hospital and Rank clinic, and also in selected cosmeticsrnshops of Addis Ababa from February 10 to March 10, 2015. Data was collected by usingrnscreening question format, pretested questionnaires, observation check list and key informantrninterview. A total of 927 patients with facial dermatoses were screened; of those 200 (21.6%)rnreported to have used TC on their face. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 65 yearsrnwith mean age of 29.96 years (SD=8.56 years). Of the 200 patients who had used TC on theirrnface, 158 (79.0%) obtained the drug as OTC. More females reported OTC use of TC asrncompared to males (p = 0.049). The types of facial dermatoses noted in majority 46 (29.1%)rnof the patients was found to be Acne, followed by Melasma in 32 (20.3%) and Rosacea in 23rn(14.6%). Community pharmacies for 78 (49.4%) of the patients and cosmetics shops for 50rn(31.6%) were the commonest drug sources. Out of the total 9 cosmetics shops surveyed; TCrncontaining preparations were available in 7 cosmetics shops. The easy access as OTC, thernunregulated sales and use of TC for cosmetics purpose are the contributing factors identifiedrnfor misuse of these groups of drugs. Public education, proper regulation of sales practice ofrnTC and the introduction of a continuing medical education programme or training for healthrnprofessionals are critical to reduce irrational use of TC.rnKeywords: Topical corticosteroids, OTC, drug retail outlets, facial dermatoses