Hong Kong Consumer Council Evaluated 30 Lipstick Brands, More Than Half Contain Allergens

The Consumer Council evaluated 30 lipstick models, lip tints or liquid lipsticks and found that more than half of the samples contained heavy metals with potential allergenic risks, and seven models were found to contain fragrance allergens. (Bill Cox/The Epoch Times)

The Hong Kong Consumer Council (HKCC) recently evaluated 30 lipstick brands, lip tints, or liquid lipsticks from world-renowned brands and found that more than half of them contained heavy metals with potential allergenic risks, and seven models were found to contain fragrance allergens.

Moreover, 24 samples were detected with mineral oil-saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) mixtures and their analogous that could accumulate in the human body.

The report was published in the latest issue of its monthly magazine “Choice.”

The test covered 23 traditional lipstick brands in tubular form and seven lip tints or liquid lipsticks, ranging in price from HK$65 to HK$505 (US$9-US$65) each.

Among the 30 samples, 2 received the highest overall score of 5 points, namely “DIOR Rouge/ DIOR Couture Color Lipstick,” and “CLIO Crystal Glam Tint.”

Among the 30 samples, 24 were detected with MOSH mixtures and their analogous, with the total amount ranging from 1.14 percent to 24 percent. These substances may accumulate in the human body. Only samples of DIOR Addict, Tom Ford, Clé de Peau Beauté, NARS, Excel, and Charlotte Tilbury Cosmetics were tested free from MOSH.

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The Consumer Council stated that MOSH mixtures and their analogous can be divided according to their respective chain length ranges. According to an opinion paper issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2012, long-chain MOSH mixtures with carbon molecular weights from C16 to C35 may be present in the human body. They could accumulate in adipose tissue, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and other tissues. Their accumulation may be related to the formation of lipogranuloma, but the long-term impact on the human body remains to be seen.

Tests by the Consumer Council found that four lipstick samples contained high levels of long-chain MOSH mixtures and their analogous, including OPERA (20.48 percent), GUCCI (18 percent), CHANEL (11.4 percent), and MAC (11.69 percent), all of which fail to meet the safety limit (10 percent ) as recommended by the European Consumer Organization. In addition, more than 70 percent of the samples (23) were detected with short-chain MOSH mixtures and their analogous, and such short-chain MOSH mixtures are more likely to accumulate in the liver.

The Hong Kong Consumer Council evaluated thirty international brands of lipsticks, lip tints, or liquid lipsticks. (Courtesy of Hong Kong Consumer Council)

8 Found to Contain Allergenic Heavy Metals Exceeding Recommended Level

The test also found that nickel was detected in 12 samples, with the amount ranging from 0.82mg/kg to 3.3mg/kg; cobalt was detected in 18 samples, with the amount ranging from 0.11mg/kg to 1.7mg/kg. Chromium was detected in another six samples ranging from 0.89mg/kg to 2.4mg/kg. Two to three allergenic heavy metals were detected in eight samples, with the content being equal to or higher than the 1 mg/kg recommended by overseas scientific literature.

The Consumer Council pointed out that nickel and cobalt are known allergens. Repeated use of nickel-containing products may cause allergic contact cheilitis through skin contact, which may cause dryness, peeling, cracks, fissures, erythema, swelling, burning feeling, and tingling sensation. People who are allergic to nickel are likely to be allergic to cobalt too. Skin contact with chromium can cause irritation and allergic dermatitis.

In this test, only samples from four brands did not contain “lead, nickel, cobalt, and chromium.” They are DIOR, Visée, FASIO, and CANMAKE.

In addition to that, fragrance allergens were detected in seven samples, with the total amount ranging from 0.0030 percent to 0.32 percent. Among them, one had a higher total amount detected, and two had more types detected, reaching four to five types.

8 Samples Did Not Show Ingredient Lists on Labels

The Consumer Council also found that all samples with labels of ingredient lists did indicate the presence of titanium dioxide. This is a substance commonly used as a white pigment in lipstick products. However, the European Union has banned its use as an additive in food since 2022. Therefore there are overseas consumer organizations who also recommend people not to pick lip cosmetics that contain it.

For the product labels, eight samples did not have product ingredient lists. The ingredient lists of some samples were difficult to read as they were blocked or sealed by the outer packaging, were reflective, or had small fonts. In addition, 12 samples did not indicate any information about production, storage, or expiry dates.

Wipe Off Lipstick Before Eating

The Consumer Council reminds consumers that if they have the habit of unconsciously licking their lips, they should pay special attention to the ingredients of lipstick products and avoid products containing mineral oil or synthetic hydrocarbons as major ingredients. Before eating or drinking, they should, if possible, first wipe the lipstick away to reduce the ingestion of lipstick components through eating.

The Consumer Council also published responses from the various brands to its test reports. Most of them stated that the ingredient content complied with international safety standards.