During winter when humidity levels are generally lower, the skin on the feet, which lacks sebum secretion, is prone to dryness and cracking. Consumers may use foot creams to care for their feet. The Council selected 10 models for skin hydration performance tests and chemical analysis. The results showed that all models had satisfactory skin hydrating effects with continuous use. Half of the models increased the moisture content of foot skin by an average of over 50% after 14 consecutive days of use; after 28 consecutive days of use, 4 models even increased the moisture content by an average of over 70%, demonstrating more outstanding skin hydrating performance. For 3 models that had relatively inferior moisturising effects after 14 days of use, continuous use up to 28 days still increased the moisture content by an average of over 50%, reflecting that as long as foot creams are used properly and consistently, the problem of dry skin can be improved. In terms of chemical safety, none of the models were detected with the 2 fragrance substances prohibited under the EU Cosmetics Regulation; 3 models were detected with fragrance allergens at concentrations reaching the level that requires labelling under European Union (EU) regulations, but only 1 of them listed in its ingredient list. Among these, 1 model was also detected with free formaldehyde, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to formaldehyde. The Council urges manufacturers to review the amount of fragrance allergens in their products and provide appropriate labelling, and also calls on manufacturers to use safer preservatives that do not release free formaldehyde, thereby enhancing safeguard for consumer health.
The test covered 10 models of foot creams, with retail prices ranging from about $50 to $305. Assuming 2g (or 2ml) is used each time, the cost per application would range from $1.6 to $4.1. The Council invited more than 160 Asian women aged between 40 and 50 to participate in the skin hydration performance test. Each person applied one of the models twice daily for 28 consecutive days, using about 0.5g (equivalent to the diameter of a HK 50-cents coin) each time on areas such as the heel and sole of one foot, followed by a 30-second massage to promote absorption. Skin moisture content at the heel was measured at two stages — after 14 days of use (first stage) and after 28 days of use (second stage) respectively — to assess the improvement in skin moisture content after using the models. The other foot was not treated with any foot care products throughout the test and served as a “no treatment control”. Each model was tested by at least 15 women. As for chemical safety, the Council tested the amount of 26 fragrance allergens in each model, as well as allergenic preservatives and free formaldehyde, and also reviewed the labels of the models.
All Models Increased Skin Moisture Content by Over 50% After 28 Days of Use
4 Models Showed Particularly Outstanding Performance
The test assessed the skin hydrating performance in 2 stages. In the first stage, after 14 days of use, 5 models demonstrated relatively outstanding skin hydrating performance, with the skin moisture content of trial users increased by an average of over 50%. The 3 models with relatively inferior performance still alleviated skin dryness, with the average increase in skin moisture content ranging from 19.7% to 31.8%. In the second stage, after 28 days of use, all models increased skin moisture content by over 50%, among which 4 models showed particularly outstanding performance, with the average increase in skin moisture content exceeding 70%. The 3 models with relatively inferior performance also achieved an average increase in skin moisture content of 51.5% to 59.1%.
Overall, 4 models performed relatively well, as they significantly increased the moisture content of heel skin in the first stage, with an average improvement of over 40%, and continued to further increase moisture content in the second stage, with an improvement of over 70%, effectively alleviating foot skin dryness. Although 3 models had relatively inferior skin hydrating performance in the first stage, their performance in the second stage was still satisfactory, meaning that with continued use of these products, consumers can still see significant improvement.
1 Model Detected with Free Formaldehyde
Individuals Prone to Allergies Should Avoid Use
If the skin on the soles is severely dry, it often develops tiny wounds and cracks. If foot creams contain allergy-causing substances such as formaldehyde and fragrance allergens, they may increase the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Test results showed that 1 model was detected with free formaldehyde at a level of 0.014% (140ppm). The ingredient list of this model indicated that the product formula contained imidazolidinyl urea, a preservative commonly used in cosmetics that may release formaldehyde. According to the current labelling requirements for cosmetics in the Mainland and the EU, if the concentration of formaldehyde (in terms of free formaldehyde) in finished cosmetic products does not exceed 0.05% (500ppm), it is not necessary to display a “contains formaldehyde” warning on the product label. However, to strengthen protection for individuals allergic to formaldehyde, the EU Cosmetics Regulation will require from 31 July this year that if the concentration of formaldehyde released by a product exceeds 0.001% (10ppm), a warning statement of “releases formaldehyde” must be displayed. Under this new requirement, the model concerned should display the relevant warning on its packaging in future.
For safety reasons, individuals allergic to formaldehyde, eczema patients, and those with wounds on the skin should avoid using foot creams that contain ingredients that release free formaldehyde or have been detected with free formaldehyde. The Council also urges manufacturers of relevant products to use safer preservatives that do not release free formaldehyde, thereby enhancing consumer protection.
3 Models Detected with Fragrance Allergens
Only 1 Model Listed on Label
None of the models were detected with the 2 fragrance substances prohibited under the EU Cosmetics Regulation. 7 models were completely free of fragrance allergens, while the remaining 3 models were detected with linalool and/or limonene. According to EU requirements, the concentrations of the individual fragrance allergens detected in these 3 models (0.0098% to 0.2%) had reached the level (over 0.001%) that requires labelling. Among them, only 1 model listed the detected fragrance allergen in its ingredient list. Another model did not list the relevant fragrance substance in the ingredient list but indicated the use of lavender oil, which is likely the source of the detected fragrance allergen. The remaining model only displayed its ingredients in Japanese. The Council urges manufacturers to review the amount of fragrance allergens in their products and provide appropriate labelling to help consumers prevent the occurrence of skin allergies.
Certain Labelling Information Requires Improvement
Manufacturers Urged to Enhance Transparency
In terms of product labelling, 3 models did not provide detailed ingredient information in Chinese or English, and 1 of them also lacked the manufacturing date or use period information. Manufacturers should actively improve the transparency of labelling information. Among the models that indicated the period of use after opening, the recommended use period ranged from 12 to 24 months. Consumers must read the label carefully to avoid using expired products, which could increase the risk of skin allergies or infections.
Tips for Selecting and Using Foot Creams:
- To protect the delicate skin on the feet, it is important for foot creams to have ideal skin hydrating performance, fast effectiveness, and be free from allergy-causing substances. Consumers are advised to check whether the product contains any known allergens when purchasing, and pay attention to the condition of their skin after use;
- If there is an urgent need to resolve skin dryness of the foot, consumers may pay particular attention to the skin hydrating performance of the models during the first stage of this test;
- If calluses appear, it is recommended to use foot creams formulated with keratolytic properties. Ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, and AHAs like lactic acid or sodium lactate at appropriate concentrations all have keratolytic effects. Removing calluses can reduce plantar pressure by about 26%. Diabetic patients should avoid the formation of thick calluses to lower the risk of developing foot ulcers;
- For skin or areas without calluses, consumers may consider using creams without keratolytic properties. Products containing urea, or those with specific concentrations of glycerin and soft paraffin, can help relieve dry skin;
- When the skin on the feet is extremely dry, consumers may consider adopting a “double-layer care” method at night, which involves first applying a moisturising cream to replenish skin moisture, followed by a thin layer of a moisture-locking skincare product after 15 minutes;
- Avoid using the product on wet and slippery surfaces (such as in the bathroom). It is recommended to pat the skin dry with a towel after bathing or cleaning the feet, and preferably sit down before applying the foot cream. Massage afterwards to promote absorption, and wait until the feet are dry before walking to prevent slipping;
- When the skin dryness has slightly improved, consumers should continue to use the product appropriately and consistently to prevent problems such as itching and cracking from recurring.
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