A Consumer Council test has found a foot care product to contain too high a concentration of acid and too low a pH value in its ingredients.
The product, an exfoliating foot pad, was measured with an AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) concentration of 14%, and a pH value of 2.7.
This calls for caution in its use in light of the levels prescribed by the US Food and Drug Administration or under the Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics in the mainland.
The former, in its guidance for the (cosmetics) industry, stipulates a safety level of AHAs concentration of 10% or less while in the latter the maximum total concentration allowed is 6%.
Its pH value of 2.7 was also lower than both the US guidance and the mainland standard of 3.5 or above.
The product was among 3 over-the-counter exfoliating foot products evaluated in the test for their AHAs concentration and pH value as well as salicylic acid concentration.
Its salicylic acid was measured to reach the maximum concentration permissible in finished cosmetic product of 2%.
The other 2 test models were also found to fall short of the pH value of 3.5 or above, measuring only 2.2 and 2.6 respectively. Their AHAs and salicylic acid contents were within safety levels.
With increasing popularity in the market, these foot care products have all made claims to remove dead foot skin cells and hard cracks naturally.
However, the common side effects in the use of such products are: mild skin irritation, redness and flaking. The severity of the side effects depends on the concentration and the amount of the acids used and the personal susceptibility.
The local agent of the exfoliating foot pad in question has argued that its product is suitable for use on the skin of foot which is "thicker" than the skin on other parts of the body.
And arguably as exfoliating foot product is still a relatively new product in an emerging market, there is as yet no relevant applicable international standard.
The Consumer Council is of the view that due to the prolonged contact of such foot care products with the skin, manufacturers should take reference from what existing safety guidance there is on corresponding ingredients in cosmetics , as far as possible, in order to minimize the risk to consumers.
In general, calluses and chapped foot skin have little effect on one's health. People with serious problem should seek consultation with medical professionals for proper diagnosis and prescription.
The Council has notified the Customs and Excise Department of the test findings for any follow-up action deemed necessary under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance.
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