Fragrance allergens were detected in 17 of 35 baby 2-in-1 shampoo and body-wash products tested by the Consumer Council, with each affected sample containing between one and nine such substances. Limonene was the most common, found in 14 samples, followed by linalool in 11.
The Council said no banned fragrance allergens were detected under the referenced mainland standard. The total concentrations in the 17 samples ranged from 0.0046% to 0.7237%.
The products were bought between March and May 2026 from retail outlets. Prices ranged from HK$32 to HK$462 per bottle, while the cost per millilitre or gram varied from HK$0.06 to HK$1.30.
A Mannings Guardian baby probiotic shampoo and body wash contained the preservatives CMIT and MIT within the relevant concentration limit, but the Council said the ratio between them was improper and urged the manufacturer to improve the formulation. A German-brand baby 2-in-1 bath and shampoo contained trace dioxane, although the reported level complied with the cited mainland and European requirements.
Four samples had pH values outside the recommended range. A Swiss-brand baby 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash and a German-brand baby 2-in-1 bath and shampoo were below it, while Mambino Organics’ orange-scented 2-in-1 sensitive shampoo and body wash foam and a Japanese-brand baby moisturising 2-in-1 bath and shampoo foam were above it.
Most of the samples listed full ingredients, directions and expiry information, but some labels did not say whether a product was suitable for newborns or specify an applicable age or skin type. All samples passed microbiological testing and none contained free formaldehyde.
Some suppliers told Ming Pao that detected fragrance allergens were naturally occurring ingredients, mainly from plant essential oils or fragrance materials. Mambino Organics said it arranged for relevant products to be removed from sale after learning that sweet-orange oil contained fragrance allergens.
The Consumer Council advised parents to read ingredient lists and product labels, and to choose according to a baby’s age, skin condition and individual needs. It said claims such as “hypoallergenic”, “mild” or “natural” should not be the sole basis for judging a product’s safety.