Fragrance allergens found in almost half of 30 stretch mark products tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog, with 4 containing harmful chemicals
- Prolonged exposure to anti-stretch mark creams and oils with harmful irritants could possibly affect unborn babies and infants, says Professor Nora Tam
- Potentially dangerous substances, such as synthetic musk, were detected in four of the tested products
A Hong Kong Consumer Council study has found that more than 40 per cent of 30 anti-stretch mark products for pregnant and postnatal women contain fragrance allergens, while four have potentially harmful substances which could affect unborn babies.
The watchdog revealed the results of the study on Monday, but said more research was needed to determine the long-term effects of the irritants found in the oils and creams.
Basing its tests on the EU Cosmetics Regulation, the council found that 14 out of the 30 products contained different types of fragrance allergens at varying concentrations, ranging from about 0.001 per cent to 1.43 per cent.
According to the study, the product with the highest amount of fragrance was Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. The Post has contacted the brand for comment.
Among the 14 products, three or more types of fragrance allergens were found in six of them, with nine detected in Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, while Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil and Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend were found to have five and seven types, respectively. Substances detected in the products include limonene, linalool and geraniol.