20 out of 37 make-up primers surveyed in Hong Kong may disrupt hormones

Almost 95 per cent of make-up primers surveyed have been found to contain substances which can potentially disrupt the endocrine system, cause allergies or pose risks to environmental pollution, Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has said.

The Consumer Council on Monday urged residents to be cautious when choosing face primers after it found that just two of the 37 brands tested had no ingredients of concern.

“Women trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid products containing potential endocrine disrupters,” it said.

“Instead of pursuing cosmetic products with diverse claims, they are recommended to choose products with simple formulations. Furthermore, adolescents should avoid developing make-up habits too early.”

The council reviewed the ingredient list on the labels of the 37 primer models it bought, with prices ranging from HK$108 (US$14) to $995 each.

Ingredients that could potentially disrupt endocrine were detected in 20 products.