The Consumer Council has given a clean bill of health to 25 glues for cosmetic use on formaldehyde content.
None of these glues were found to contain formaldehyde in excess of the safety standard - the maximum limit of free formaldehyde in non-oral use cosmetic products is 0.2% by weight.
Formaldehyde is added in cosmetic products as preservative and has been reportedly found in excessive amount in cosmetic-use adhesives in other markets.
Increasingly popular to young ladies in particular, these glues are being used to apply artificial eyelashes or making "double eyelids".
Consumers are cautioned that skin contact with formaldehyde solution may cause dryness, flaking, cracking, and also allergic contact dermatitis (an itchy skin condition caused by allergic reaction to material in contact with the skin).
Therefore, it is prudent to first apply the glue on skin behind ear or in the inner elbow before use. Do not use if any sign of swelling, burning, itching, redness or inflammation occurs.
In the test, the products were also examined if they bear adequate labelling information for proper use. Applying a glue to your eyes is after all a precision operation not to be taken lightly.
The result was disappointing. Nearly half of the samples bore no user instruction in Chinese or English on their labels.
Further, as some glues may be inflammable or emit flammable gases, consumers should not smoke or stay too close to a fire source when applying the glue. However, only a few samples carried such caution on flammability.
Inadequate labelling information increases the risk of the glue accidentally getting into the eyes or catching fire, manufacturers and suppliers are urged to review the labelling information on their products.
Ophthalmologists have stressed the importance of proper application to prevent the glue getting into the eyes. Instead of reusing the artificial eyelashes, it is more advisable to use a new pair to avoid infection. People with eye infection should avoid wearing contact lens and makeup altogether.
Here are more safety tips for the users:
- Soften the glue with eye makeup remover or warm water prior to tearing off the artificial eyelashes or glue residue, otherwise it may lead to skin loosening and peeling off of the real eyelashes.
- Wear your eye makeup with steadfast hands and never apply eye cosmetics in public transport, otherwise you may hurt your eyes and cornea. Application tools with sharp edges may also easily hurt your eyes.
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