Tests on nine samples of Japanese cosmetics SK-II have found them to be safe with normal usage, a spokesman of the Customs & Excise Department said Friday.

"The Department of Health advised that the level of chromium in the nine samples was considered to be low, and the corresponding health risks posed by cosmetics containing such levels of chromium should be low under normal usage," the spokesman said.

"There is no evidence to suggest that the cosmetic products, though found to contain small amounts of chromium and/or neodymium, fail to comply with the General Safety Requirement under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance," he added.

The department took nine samples of SK-II from the local market on September 15 and sent them to the Government Chemist for tests. Eight of them had a concentration of chromium ranging from 0.02ppm to 0.40ppm, one of which has a concentration of 0.01ppm of Neodymium. A remaining sample of Whitening Source Pan-Cake had a concentration of chromium and neodymium of 5.20ppm and 4.20ppm, respectively.

The Department of Health said there is no established acceptable level of chromium and neodymium in cosmetics, and there is no established acceptable daily intake for neodymium. It advised users who felt unwell to seek medical advice.

The Customs will continue to monitor the situation to ensure cosmetics are safe.

Source: Xinhua