HK consumer watchdog reveals EOS lip balm contains prohibited plasticiser

The Hong Kong Consumer Council conducted a test on 30 samples of lip balm available on the market, with prices ranging from US$1.55 (HK$12) to US$8.24 (HK$64).

Checks were made for heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium and soluble nickel; chemicals like parabens, free formaldehyde and phthalates; as well as microbial content like bacteria and yeast.

In the examination, a Evolution Of Smooth (EOS) lip balm, made in the US, was found to contain the prohibited chemical bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at a level of 14.8 ppm. On its official website, EOS advertised its lip balm ingredients as 100 per cent natural and 95 per cent organic - and in particular, phthalate-free.

The test result has been referred to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department for follow-up, who is currently not pulling the product off store shelves due to the low level of DEHP unlikely to cause grievous harm to consumers under normal usage.

In 2011, EOS - which was a completely unknown brand before its campaign last year - won a bronze Effie award for reinventing its lip balm in an already over-invested beauty category.