Excessive level of bacteria was detected in some whitening and moisturizing facial masks for skin care in the market.
In a recent test, the Consumer Council has detected two facial masks - out of 40 samples - to have "total bacterial counts" significantly in excess of the hygienic standard.
One sample was detected with a bacterial count of 3.3 million cfu/g (colony forming units per gram) whilst the other 36,000 cfu/g.
Both facial masks exceeded substantially the 1,000 cfu/g limit set in the hygienic standard for cosmetics of the China National Health Inspection.
In addition, the two samples in question were found to have yeasts and moulds counts far exceeding the limit of 100 cfu/g stipulated by the same Chinese hygienic standard. They contained respectively 1.1 million cfu/g and 3,500 cfu/g of yeasts and moulds.
A high level of yeasts and moulds is indicative of the extent of contamination and the general hygiene condition of the product.
Beauty-conscious consumers are cautioned that the use of unhygienic facial masks with excessive bacteria on areas of open wounds or near the eyes could result in higher risk of infection. The more bacteria the facial mask the higher the chances of such an infection.
Some facial masks may contain fluorescent substances. Allegation was received from a consumer who, after using a facial mask, was left with traces of fluorescent substances on her face which shone up under UV lighting much to her embarrassment.
In the test, three samples were detected with migratable fluorescent substances. In other words, when used on the face, these materials might migrate onto the skin and, according to dermatologists, might pose risks of allergic reaction to some users.
After applying the facial masks concerned for 15 minutes and washing with water afterwards, fluorescent effect could still be observed for two of the models.
All three samples had not specified their fluorescent effect after use, nor any indication of the presence of fluorescent substances in their ingredients for the information of consumers.
The samples were also tested for content of mercury, salicylic acid, fecal coliform, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. None was found present in the facial masks.
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