A test on eye shadows by the Consumer Council revealed that 2 single-colour samples failed to comply with the Mainland Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics, one was found to contain excessive amount of lead while the other with excessive level of bacteria. Consumers are urged to stop using these products.
The test covered 41 models of eye shadows, including 33 single-colour samples and 8 multi-colour samples (4 duo-colour and 4 trio-colour), totalling 53 colours. The prices vary substantially, with single-colour eye shadow prices ranging from HK$10 to HK$260, and multi-colour product prices ranging from HK$10 to $99.
The samples were checked for the heavy metals (lead, arsenic, and mercury) and microbial content. Six models were also selected for identification of prohibited colorants, but none were found from the tested models.
According to the Mainland Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics (2007), lead, arsenic and mercury contents in cosmetic products should not exceed 40ppm, 10ppm and 1ppm respectively, while the aerobic bacterial count and the molds and yeasts count in eye cosmetics products should not exceed 500 CFU/g and 100 CFU/g respectively.
One single-colour sample was detected to contain a high amount of lead, at 400ppm, which substantially exceeded the Mainland standard by 9 times and the Taiwan standard by 19 times. The amount of lead detected in other models ranged from 0.063 to 8.3 ppm. The level of lead detected was far below the set limit of 40ppm by the Mainland standard and 20ppm by the Taiwan standard.
When using eye shadow products which contain lead, consumers may be exposed to the heavy metal through contact with the skin or eye mucous. Prolonged exposure to lead may have adverse effect on health, as the lead could be absorbed and accumulated in the body. It may cause harm to the nervous system, affect the production of red blood cells and impair the normal function of kidney. Children are particularly at higher risk.
Apart from lead content, some of the models were also found to contain traces of heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury. However their content levels were far below the limit set by the Mainland standard.
Heavy metals exist in nature and trace amounts of heavy metals found in the cosmetic products may have come from natural minerals. As long as the level of heavy metals in these products does not exceed the safety limits, the cosmetics should be safe to use.
The eye shadow samples were also checked for microbes. The microbiological test revealed that only 1 single-colour model was found to have an aerobic bacterial count of 820 CFU/g, exceeding the limit specified in the Mainland standard (500 CFU/g). Two models were detected with trace amounts of bacteria which were far below the set limit. The rest of the tested models (38) were not found to contain microbes.
However, there is room for improvement in the labelling of the eye shadow samples. Only 17 models showed the expiry date, manufacture date, shelf-life or period after opening; half of the models provided ingredient list in either Chinese or English.
The Consumer Council urges consumers to stop using the two eye shadows which have been detected with excessive lead and bacterial contents. The test results have been sent to Customs & Excise Department for follow up.
Consumers are advised to choose eye shadow products labelled with clear expiry date, and it is preferable if a 'best before date' and a 'period of time after opening' are provided.
The Council also suggests that the cosmetic industry improve the labelling of the cosmetic products to help the consumers make the informed choice.
When choosing or using eye shadows, consumers are advised to take heeds of the following points:
- When trying out eye shadows at the sales counter, use a new brush or cotton bud to first try them out on hands for its cosmetic effect and texture, and only apply to the eyelids when necessary.
- Do not share eye cosmetics.
- Never apply eye makeup on a moving vehicle, it may cause eye injuries with your fingers, an applicator or a mascara wand.
- Avoid applying eye shadows with your fingers. If necessary, wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics.
- Remove contact lenses before removing eye makeup.
- Check the expiry date before use. Discard old cosmetics. Also beware of the hygienic condition of applicators.
The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE (https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/).