Advertisement
Consumer protection in Hong Kong
Hong KongHong Kong Economy

Some lip balms on sale in Hong Kong can damage your health, consumer safety watchdog says

  • Some offerings contain potentially carcinogenic substances, while others have ingredients that can be associated with internal organ inflammation, tests find
  • Parents warned that children could overuse flavoured or scented products

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0
Hong Kong’s Consumer Council found a range of health concerns in lip balms it tested. Photo: Consumer Council
Cannix Yau

More of half of lip balm models sold in Hong Kong contained potentially carcinogenic substances, while 80 per cent included mineral oil ingredients that could inflame internal organs, the Consumer Council said on Monday.

The watchdog called on cosmetics manufacturers to review the ingredients in their lip balms and how they are made to reduce the amount of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH).

The council tested 45 models, priced between HK$13 and HK$505, and found 23 had MOAH mixtures, with Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Essence (Advanced) containing the highest concentration, at 4.5 per cent.

Some overseas consumer organisations had suggested people minimise exposure to MOAH substances as much as possible, said Dr Lui Wing-cheong, vice-chairman of the council’s research and testing committee.
Some of the models that underwent testing. Photo: Consumer Council
Some of the models that underwent testing. Photo: Consumer Council

The manufacturer of Vaseline said its production process included removing all carcinogens from MOAH mixtures, rendering them harmless.

The Consumer Council said 36 models, or 80 per cent of those tested, contained potentially harmful MOSH, including all that claimed to offer sunscreen protection.

Advertisement