Parents Warned Of Potentially Allergy-causing Lotions

The Consumer Council warned parents on Wednesday that it had found fragrance allergens – which could trigger allergic reactions – in several baby lotions that claimed to be hypoallergenic.

"If you're exposed to these kinds of fragrance or allergic materials at an early stage… there's a chance that when they grow up [you] would be allergic to those materials as well," the watchdog’s chief executive, Gilly Wong said, citing advice from dermatologists.

The council tested 40 lotions for babies and toddlers and found that over half, 55 percent, contained fragrance allergens.

Its tests also showed that some of these baby lotions were incorrectly labelled “fragrance-free”, and one contained a substance that has been banned from use in cosmetic products in the European Union.

Wong urged parents to carefully read ingredient labels when they're buying lotions for their toddlers.

"It's not about the price because this time, we have very good products that are not very expensive and can be used... we have to remind parents, don't assume the most expensive is the best," she said.