More than 90% of hair products sold in Hong Kong have been found to contain harmful substances, some of which may impact sexual functions and reproduction, according to a warning issued by the city’s consumer watchdog.
On Monday, the Consumer Council reported that tests on 50 locally available hair products revealed that 48 contained at least one harmful chemical, including parabens, fragrances, and preservatives. Although most products did not exceed local or international standards, some did contain chemicals in quantities surpassing international limits.
Specifically, the OMG 3.5 Texturizing Wax and OMG 7.0 Volumizing Clay by local brand SHHH, Ida Faddy Waxy Cream, and Deuxer Medium Soft Wax 3 were found to contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), a fragrance allergen. While Hong Kong has no legal limit on this allergen, it is banned in the European Union due to its reproductive toxicity.
“Animal tests have shown clear evidence that sexual functions, fertility, and the developmental systems of offspring could be affected,” said council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han. She added that BMHCA is also an endocrine disruptor and advised children, pregnant women, and those planning to get pregnant to exercise caution.
The Post reached out to Ida for comment, while SHHH’s manufacturer stated they would enhance product labeling to better inform consumers.
The watchdog also discovered that all tested finishing sprays contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals often found in aerosol products that can vaporize, posing health and environmental risks. Among the 14 products tested, VOC levels ranged from 14% to 77%, with Tresemme Ultimate Shine Hairspray at 77%, exceeding Hong Kong’s legal limit of 55%.
The Environmental Protection Department initiated an investigation after receiving the council’s report but declined further comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Importers were reminded of Hong Kong’s VOC regulations, with violations potentially resulting in fines up to HK$200,000 (US$25,615) and six months in prison. The Post also contacted Tresemme for comment.
Several products contained fragrance allergens such as linalool and limonene at levels necessitating warning labels in the EU. Hair waxes were found to contain the highest number of EU-prohibited fragrance allergens and preservatives, with seven products featuring prohibited or restricted preservatives and three containing prohibited fragrance allergens.
Victor Lam Hoi-cheung, chairman of the watchdog’s publicity and community relations committee, urged consumers to check ingredients, usage instructions, and labeling information before purchasing such products, especially those with a history of eczema or sensitive skin. He recommended avoiding direct application of products to the scalp and washing hands after use to minimize allergic reactions.
Lam also advised individuals with sensitive airways or asthma to use aerosol or fragrance-containing products in well-ventilated areas and warned against using “strong hold” styling products to prevent hair breakage or loss when wet combing or styling.
