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Consumer Council: 25% of Face Washes Lacking Key Ingredients

12/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Consumer Council of Hong Kong found that about 25% of 25 tested exfoliating face washes have insufficient active ingredients.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid (SA) appeared in 16 and 14 samples, respectively, with concentrations from 0.05% to 3.4% for AHAs and 0.001% to 0.497% for SA.
The acids are essential for effectiveness and can irritate skin at high levels, so the council advises performing a patch test before use.

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Story summary

The Consumer Council of Hong Kong found that about 25% of 25 tested exfoliating face washes have insufficient active ingredients.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid (SA) appeared in 16 and 14 samples, respectively, with concentrations from 0.05% to 3.4% for AHAs and 0.001% to 0.497% for SA.
The acids are essential for effectiveness and can irritate skin at high levels, so the council advises performing a patch test before use.