Staying safe while looking good with cosmetic products

Cosmetic products, Cosmetic products , General safety
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Consumers are advised to be careful and always make wise choices when buying cosmetic products. Ingredients used in cosmetic products may not be suitable for everyone, and may cause undesirable reactions in some.

Do’s and don’ts as a smart consumer

Do’s

Be aware of misleading claims

Statements such as “Endorsed by” or “Approved by HSA” should raise a red flag as cosmetic products do not require approval from HSA before being marketed in Singapore.

Buy products from reputable and reliable sources

Ensure that the products provide adequate labelling information. Always read the instructions on the label, check for ingredients you may be allergic to and use the product according to the instructions.

Sample the product on a small skin area

Be sure to test the product, usually behind your ear or on the inside of your forearm, before use. The product should generally be safe to use if there is no reaction after 24 hours.

Look out for changes in a product’s colour, odour and texture

Stop using the product immediately if you notice any changes in the product, or if you develop an adverse reaction to it. See a doctor if the irritation is severe and does not go away.

Wash your hands before using cosmetic products

This is to prevent the transfer of bacteria from your hands to your face. Make-up brushes and sponges should be kept clean as these tend to trap bacteria and dirt, which can contaminate your make-up and cause skin irritation.

Store cosmetics away from high temperature and sunlight

This is to prevent deterioration of the product, which can then break down the preservatives used to prevent microbial growth. Always follow the storage instructions on the label.

Don'ts

Do not be too quick to believe what you read

Beware of advertisements or labels, even if the claims are made by “scientific experts” or “backed by scientific research”. Sometimes only partial findings from a research or study are profiled, and this information may be too brief for you to make an informed decision. If a product’s claims sound too good to be true, it is most likely to be so.

Do not apply cosmetics to irritated or damaged skin

You do not know how your sensitive or damaged skin will react to cosmetic ingredients, and it may only make things worse.

Do not share make-up

This can expose you to someone else’s bacteria. Each person has different skin bacteria and another person’s bacteria may cause a bad reaction in you.

Do not dilute cosmetics with water when they dry up

The moisture will encourage bacteria growth and contaminate your cosmetics.

Do not use cosmetics for other uses apart from their intended ones

For example, do not use a lip pencil as eyeliner. The lip pencil can contain ingredients that may irritate your eyes.

Common risks and misconceptions linked to cosmetic products

The most common issue linked with the use of cosmetic products is skin sensitivity or allergy to ingredients. An allergy to a product's ingredients can cause your skin to itch, redden, swell, and even blister.

Understanding some of the terms commonly used and misconceptions associated with cosmetics can help to better prevent problems when we use these products.

Common terms Meaning

Hypoallergenic

Product is less (‘hypo') likely to cause allergic reactions.

It does not mean that the product will not cause allergies.

“Natural”, “organic”, “contains no preservatives”, or “100% herbs”

Product may not necessarily be “better” or “safer”.

Some plants and herbs are poisonous and others may cause allergies in some people.

Products that do not have preservatives generally have a shorter shelf life especially if stored in humid environment such as in the bathroom. Consumers should always look out for any visible changes to the products e.g. colour and texture, and do not use them when any anomalies are observed.

Common misconception

Using cosmetics to treat or prevent health conditions in the long-term is often seen as “safer”, as these products typically do not contain potent medicinal ingredients and they are used externally. Hence, consumers may opt to use beauty creams as a substitute to treat serious skin problems such as acne or eczema.

Advisory

Cosmetic products are not made to treat or prevent health issues. Self-treatment using cosmetic products on infected skin may worsen the condition. Always seek a doctor's advice for medical conditions instead.

If you develop an allergic reaction or skin irritation, stop using the product immediately. Consult your doctor if the condition worsens or does not go away.

Consumers should be alert

Consumers should also be alert for products sold with claims in providing miraculous results, such as skin whitening within a short time.

Several alerts have been issued by HSA due to test results indicating the presence of undeclared potent ingredients which are prohibited in skincare products, such as mercury or hydroquinone. Between 2012 and 2017, HSA issued safety advisories on over nine cosmetic products that were adulterated with harmful ingredients.
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