'Non-rinse' make-up removers on sale in Hong Kong contain chemicals due to be banned in Europe

If you entrust your face to make-up removers that proclaim no rinsing is needed after use, the Consumer Council would like you to think again.

In its latest finding yesterday, the council revealed that some of the "non-rinse" make-up removers sold in Hong Kong contained allergy-causing chemicals which are to be banned in Europe.

"In other words, it is advisable to rinse off the product with water after use to remove residue from facial skin," said professor Michael Hui King-man, chairman of the council's publicity and community relations committee.

The council yesterday announced the results of a study covering 46 models of make-up remover, of which 41 had claimed rinsing was unnecessary. The products varied from cleansing water to wipes.

Of the 41, nine contained methylisothiazolinone (MIT) or methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), which are allergy-inducing chemicals.

"In some people, MIT may cause allergic contact dermatitis, developing skin redness, dryness, swelling, blisters or a burning or stinging sensation," Hui said.