Samples of 6 face cream were detected with excessive levels of the toxic heavy metal mercury, posing a severe health risk to their users.
Consumers are strongly advised to cease using these products. And if they feel any discomfort, they should immediately seek medical attention.
Produce the unused portion of the face cream and state the period of time of usage to medical personnel to help facilitate appropriate treatment.
Overdose of mercury may cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms may include: tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, impaired hearing and vision or change in taste. In most severe cases, it may cause renal impairment.
The products in question were identified in a test report in CHOICE published by the Consumer Council in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department.
The samples were among 19 low-cost face creams in the price bracket of $8 to $48 (or $2 to $27 per 10ml or per gram as computed in the test).
These low-cost samples were generally available at smaller stores with beauty products, and outlets specializing in products favoured by minority ethnic groups in Hong Kong.
According to the Mainland's Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics, the safety limit of mercury in cosmetic products, including face cream, is a maximum level of 1ppm.
The test found excessive levels of mercury in 6 of the 19 samples: 5 with mercury reaching a high 3,700ppm to 15,000ppm, while another 1 sample with 2.5ppm just slightly above the limit.
In the worst of the samples, the excessive mercury content was as high as 15,000 times.
Among the 6 samples, 5 were discovered in spot checks conducted by the Customs and Excise Department.
There is, however, no cause for alarm if the beauty-conscious steer clear of these 6 low-cost face cream products.
In another batch of face cream samples in the higher price bracket of $158 to $2,100 (or $30 to $350 per 10ml or per gram as calculated in the test), all face creams were given a clean bill of health in terms of heavy metal content and hygienic condition.
None were detected with any heavy metals of mercury, lead and arsenic. Nor the presence of fecal coliform or the pathogens, Psendomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as aerobic bacterial count, molds and yeast count.
Overall, the safety of these face cream samples was judged satisfactory for use.
The labelling of face cream products, however, left much to be desired. Out of the 49 samples, only about one-third (16) were labeled clearly with the vital information of expiry date.
In general, the situation is confusing to consumers. Instead of an expiry date, some products were labelled with a code number and Period After Opening (PAO).
But to the consumers, the code number is incomprehensible as to the production or expiry date; and the PAO indicates how long the product can be used safely after opening but it may vary anything from 60 days to 2 years depending on the product.
As a precaution to avoid allergy caused by the use of face cream, consumers are advised to try it out first before purchase - on the inner wrist or behind the ear or neck.
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