Frequently harmful fragrance substance in hand creams Shrunken testicles by cream

Impaired Reproduction: Eco-test finds controversial perfume in hand creams
Normally, hand creams pose no health risk. Rather, they protect us from rough hands. However, the consumer protection magazine "Ökotest" has made an amazing discovery. Among other things, the controversial fragrance Lilial is often used, which should affect the reproduction, according to the testers.

After lily of the valley scented substance is not harmless
Especially in the colder months, hand creams are a good remedy for dry hands. In a recent review of the consumer magazine "Eco-Test", 15 out of 29 products were rated "very good". "Above all, the controversial perfume Lilial prevents a better grading," writes the magazine. The reason for the frequent use of the lily of the valley scented substance is clear, according to the experts: "Because there are many noses!" But Lilial is not as harmless as its spring-like fragrance suggests.

The consumer magazine "Öko-Test" has found in various hand creams Lilial. The controversial fragrance in animal experiments led to shrinking testes in rats. (Image: Dan Race / fotolia.com)

Shrunken testicles and stillbirths
Lilial was included in eight products, although it could not be detected by the laboratory in two others, but was declared by the manufacturers on the packaging. The fragrance could not only cause allergies, but has also proved in animal experiments as a reproductive toxic.

For example, a 2006 BASF study found that dietary intake of Lilial in male rats resulted in shrinking testes and females in stillbirths. No wonder, therefore, that Lilial is at least controversial.

According to the "Öko-Test", the scientific advisory committee of the EU Commission came to the conclusion in August 2015 that the use in both washable and skin-remaining cosmetics was "not safe".

Skin becomes more permeable to foreign substances
In addition to Lilal, some critical substances were detected in some products. Among others, the organohalogen compound chlorphenesin, PEG / PEG derivatives and also paraffins.

"The latter are fats of petroleum that do not integrate as well into the skin's balance as natural oils. PEG / PEG derivatives make them more permeable to foreign substances. Chlorphenesin is considered allergenic, "said the testers.

Also found was propylparaben, which is suspected of being hormonally active. "So many critical substances nobody should get their hands on", it says at "eco-test". (Ad)