Food and skin allergens detected in children’s moisturizers marketed on Amazon in Japan
17 Feb 2023 --- In Japan, 4.3% of children’s skincare products on Amazon contain eight food allergens that are required to be labeled when used in food products, finds a study. Personal skincare products applied topically can increase the risk of food allergies based on their ingredients. Thus, the researchers highlight that parents must be aware of the allergenic nature of pediatric skincare products.
“Products manufactured in Japan accounted for the largest share (144 products, 87.8%), whereas 20 products were manufactured outside Japan (five products in Malaysia, three in the People’s Republic of China, two in Thailand, two in Germany, one in New Zealand, one in Italy, one in Switzerland, one in France, and four with unknown country of origin),” find the researchers.
“More than 10% of these children’s skincare products contain ingredients derived from nuts, while more than 30% contain fruit extracts or essential oils.” These are considered risk factors as foods such as peanuts, oats, fruits and plant essential oils can induce sensitization after skin contact.
The authors underscore the need for more research on food allergens in children’s skincare, as they were only aware of one other report examining it.
The researchers flag that children with food allergies are increasing globally – with 8% of US children and 5% of Japanese children suffering from food allergies. These conditions can decrease quality of life and often cause nutritional and financial burdens. Therefore, avoiding allergy inducers is “essential.”
Influence of marketing and e-commerce
The researchers found that the marketing terms used for the skincare products suggested the beneficial effects of food ingredients on the skin.
Additionally, the products purchased on e-commerce sites are more valued by consumers – reinforcing the purchasing behavior, note the researchers.
Peanuts, oats, fruits and plant essential oils can induce sensitization after skin contact.
“Marketing terms emphasizing ‘natural/organic’ were more likely to contain grain allergens, essential oils and were more expensive with and without ‘organic’ labeling,” they continue.
“Whereas those labeled with marketing terms emphasizing ‘hypoallergenic’ were less likely to contain fruit allergens or essential oils. Products with fewer Amazon reviews were more likely to use the marketing term ‘natural/organic’ and had a higher grain allergen content.”
Consumer preference for e-commerce sites and the influence of marketing terms can be risk factors when purchasing personal care products that pose a higher risk of allergen sensitization. Amazon is noted as one of the largest e-commerce sites in Japan.
Allergens all around
The rates of egg, milk, nut and wheat allergies for babies aged over one are increasing in Japan. On the other hand, oats, calendula and aloe vera effectively treat diaper dermatitis and other baby skin problems.
Due to the increase in food allergens in Japan, such items are not included in early complementary diets.
“Lotions were the most common product type [containing the allergens] and included 59 products (36.0%), followed by cream (51 products; 31.1%) and gel (34 products; 20.7%),” they continue.
They found that seven products contained the eight food allergens regulated by the Japanese food allergen labeling requirements and 15 contained grain allergens. Also, 23 had nut allergens, 24 contained fruit allergens and 54 contained essential oils.
“Specifically, Macadamia nuts (10.4%), oranges (9.8%), and rice (6.7%) were the more common ingredients. Additionally, various essential oil components, including lavender (14.6%), rosemary (12.2%), and aloe vera (12.2%), were present,” continue the authors.
In related news, several mercury watchdog groups called on Amazon and other online retailers to stop sales of all skin-lightening products (SLPs) after discovering that some contain high levels of toxic mercury.
By Venya Patel
