UK Warns: Phenol in Henna Paste Risks Burns

A recent alert from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has highlighted significant chemical risks associated with cosmetic products available on the market. Phenol, an ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetics, was detected in henna paste. This substance can cause severe skin burns and eye damage upon application, and is toxic if ingested. Consequently, the product has been removed from sale to prevent consumer harm.

This incident follows closely on the heels of another product recall. A popular beauty cream, Glow and Lovely Hydraglow Rose Enrich Serum Cream, was withdrawn due to serious inaccuracies in its ingredient list. The product failed to declare crucial fragrance allergens, posing a risk to consumers with sensitivities. The OPSS noted that such omissions could lead to adverse reactions, and stressed that the product did not meet regulatory requirements.

Both instances underscore critical failures in product safety and labelling. The henna paste containing phenol and the beauty cream with undeclared allergens have been withdrawn from the market by their respective distributors, Lajawab Foods Limited and an unnamed entity for the henna paste. Consumers are strongly advised to cease using these products immediately and contact distributors for redress, as they present serious chemical and allergenic risks.