On Tuesday, consumer watchdog in Hong Kong revealed they had found 42 facial exfoliating and peeling products being sold in the city to contain ingredients that may be harmful to consumers, potentially causing allergic reactions.
There are 60 items from different brands studied by the Consumer Council. They found seven brands likely have elements (MIT or CMIT/MIT preservatives) that could put the consumer at a "relatively higher risk" of skin allergies.
Also, they found 29 brands indicated that their products contain fragrance allergens, while six items have an established contact allergen BMHCA - a fragrance ingredient.
"People with sensitive skin should carefully read the ingredients lists to reduce the risk of allergic reactions after use," said Dr. Karen Shum Hau-yan, who is also the council's research and testing committee chairwoman.
According to the South China Morning Post, Some of the seven products that contained MIT or CMIT/MIT preservatives from popular brands include: H2O+ Elements Restore the Glow Exfoliator, Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, and Clinique Exfoliating Scrub.
The supplier of Aesop told the Consumer Council that the product's new formula does not CMIT/MIT preservatives, in which the new item will likely be available in Hong Kong within six months.
There are also nine products that were found to have alcohol. The watchdog pointed out that when the skin has been in contact with alcohol of a high concentration for a longer period or frequent use, it can cause skin dryness. Additionally, over-exfoliation may cause skin damage, could reduce its natural hydration protection, and may also cause dryness as well as other skin problems.
"When problems occur and you need to receive treatment gradually. It cannot be recovered during a short period of time, so the public should be careful," Gilly Wong Fung-han warned, who is the chief executive of the council.
"It's important to read [the details] carefully about how to use it and trust your skin's feelings."
The findings showed that 15 brands, or 25 percent of studied products, were not labeled with detailed ingredient information in English and most of them were from Japan, while 10 items have no indicated expiry date.
The Consumer Council urged manufacturers to improve disclosure of both expiry period and production period in the labels so that consumers will be aware and they could choose fresher products and finish using them before expiry.
Just recently, the council also found almost 30 types of essential oils being sold in the city contain at least two fragrance allergens that can trigger reactions in users but these details are not listed on the bottles.
