Chemicals that may potentially lead to skin allergy have been found present in the ingredients of some widely-used cleansing waters and cleansing wipes for removing makeup.
The chemicals concerned the preservative MIT (methylisothiazolinone) and a mixture of the preservatives MIT and CMIT (methylchloroisothiazolinone), both of which pose risk of skin allergic reaction in some people.
This caution was issued by the Consumer Council in a survey which examined the product labels of 46 models in the market - and the information verified by the suppliers. Cleansing waters and cleansing wipes are the new forms of makeup removers commonly in use because of their fast action in removing facial makeup.
According to the survey, out of the 46 samples surveyed, 7 were found to contain both MIT and CMIT while 3 others MIT only.
In view of the growing concern over their potential risk to human health, the European Commission (EU) has suggested restricting the use of the mixture CMIT/MIT to rinse-off products only. In other words, it is advisable to rinse off the product with water after use to remove any residue from facial skin.
Further, a number of cosmetics associations overseas have recommended the discontinuation of the use of the preservative MIT in leave-on personal care products on grounds of similar concerns over the risk of allergic reaction.
MIT may cause in some people allergic contact dermatitis developing skin redness, dryness, swelling, blisters or a burning or stinging sensation. Face and areas around the eyes usually have a higher tendency to be affected - probably the most visible and least desirable to the beauty-conscious.
The survey has found that a great majority of the makeup removers made the claims that "no rinse is required" or "no need to rinse" after use, if the products contain allergens, the problem of allergy may be aggravated. Out of the 46 samples surveyed, 41 were non-rinse products. A few including one model with both CMIT and MIT ingredients did suggest rinsing after application.
Understandably such non-rinse claims have the appeal to some users of added convenience as usually makeup remover is used at the end of the day before retiring for the night to rest.
Using the product without rinsing off with water, however, may not be enough to completely cleanse and remove all the dirt, dust, dead skin, bacteria, sebum, sweat and makeup from facial skin.
In general, the most common ingredients in personal care products which cause allergic reactions are preservatives and fragrances. In the survey, 21 samples were identified with fragrance and 10 of them also contained fragrance allergens in their ingredients. People with eczema and skin allergy problem should therefore beware of the presence of fragrance and fragrance allergens in these products.
Formaldehyde-releasing ingredients are another group of preservatives that may trigger allergic skin reactions. 3 samples were labelled to contain such ingredients.
Among the makeup removers covered in the survey were cleansing waters (36 samples) and cleansing wipes (10 samples). The former is usually used with cotton pad while the latter can be readily used. They ranged vastly in price from around $59 to $390 for cleansing waters of various sizes, and about $9 to $70 for cleansing wipes of different quantities.
It is estimated that in the case of the most pricey cleansing water (at $230 for 100 ml) in the survey, it costs approximately $23 per application (assuming use of 10ml for a thorough removal of facial makeup as recommended by a trader) - not a small sum if you consider removing makeup a virtually daily ritual for many a beauty-conscious.
Selection of makeup removers should also consider what kind of makeup products you usually wear as well as skin type. For those who keep makeup removers in damp and humid places like bathrooms, take note of the product usage period after opening.
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- 2014.12.15