75% of nappy creams tested by Hong Kong consumer watchdog can irritate skin
Report by Consumer Council reveals 12 of 16 nappy creams contained one or two categories of ingredients that were of concern
Three-quarters of the 16 nappy creams tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog have been found to contain ingredients that may irritate babies’ sensitive skin or worsen diaper rash.
The Consumer Council’s latest report, released on Monday, revealed that 75 per cent of the tested products contained one or two categories of ingredients such as fragrances, essential oils or plant extracts that could contain terpenes, preservatives and propylene glycol, all of which were of concern.
“Fragrances and fragrance allergens can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and frequent or repeated exposure could increase the chance of allergic reactions,” the council said.
The products were priced between HK$52 (US$7) and HK$218.
The watchdog noted that infants were particularly vulnerable due to their thinner skin and higher body surface area to weight ratio.
Among the 16 products, Weleda Baby’s Nappy Change Cream (Calendula) from Germany contained the highest number of fragrances and fragrance allergens, including parfum, limonene, linalool, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, geraniol and farnesol.