93% of 30 clay masks found to contain heavy metals: Hong Kong consumer watchdog

More than 90 per cent of 30 clay masks sold in Hong Kong have been found to contain heavy metals, with two exceeding safety limits set by mainland China and the US, tests by the consumer watchdog have revealed.

The Consumer Council on Monday called on manufacturers to improve formulations and increase transparency after tests of products priced from HK$79 to HK$610 (US$10 to US$78) showed that heavy metals were commonly present on ingredient lists.

Twenty-eight, or 93.3 per cent, contained at least one heavy metal, with arsenic detected in 22 brands and lead in 28.

“Although the health risks arising from short-term skin contact with heavy metals are low, prolonged exposure or exposure to high concentrations, or contact through wounds or inflamed skin, may increase the risk of heavy metals being absorbed into the body and accumulating over time,” said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council’s committee on research and testing.

Two products – Apivita Express Beauty and Aromatica Tea Tree Pore Purifying Clay Mask – were found to have levels of arsenic and lead that surpassed mainland and US thresholds, with the findings already passed to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up.