Consumers can put their heart at ease in the use of makeup foundation.
All samples in a test of the Consumer Council were found to be satisfactory in hygiene.
Only trace amount of lead was detected in 6 foundation samples but the amount, in concentration of 0.5 ppm to 1.5 ppm, was not significant enough to pose any risk of safety.
The Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics of the Mainland allows a maximum limit of 40 ppm lead in cosmetics. The amount of lead in the products in question was therefore well within the safety limit.
The samples were also found to be free of any pathogens Fecal coliform, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and of the presence of aerobic bacteria, molds and yeast.
The test was the first by the Council on a total of 30 branded samples sourced from retail stores, to assess their heavy metal content (mercury, lead and arsenic) and microbial content.
While, the safety of the foundation samples was not a matter of concern, the Council, however, is much less satisfied with the lack of comprehensive product information on the label.
Out of the 30 foundation samples, only 3 were labelled clearly with the expiry date; 1 had additionally the production date.
2 other samples were labelled with the production date only, without indication of the expiry date or the shelf life.
The rest (25 out of 30 samples) used code number which is indecipherable to consumers as to their production date.
15 samples were labelled with the Period After Opening (PAO), but although PAO indicates how long the product can be used safely after opening, it may vary anything from 12 months to 2 years.
21 samples, however, were labelled with detailed ingredient list in English which is useful to consumers for making suitable choice, particularly to people with sensitive skin who should try to avoid ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance and preservatives.
Consumers are advised to try out (on the inner wrist) a foundation first before purchase to see if it will cause allergy to them.
Dermatologists also stress the importance of removing makeup with appropriate method. Otherwise, makeup residue may block the pores causing the problem of acnes or worsening of skin condition and appearance.
Removing makeup thoroughly is a time-consuming task, but consumers should have the patience and take the time for the makeup remover to completely dissolve the makeup.
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