(Yicai Global) Dec. 19 -- Hong Kong Consumer Council has found that allergens are widespread in popular perfumes from some of the biggest brands in a new study,

The body found that 55 perfumes contained at least four types of fragrance allergens and some even contained as many as 15, Hong Kong newspaper Wen Wei Po reported. Fragrances from Chloe, Gucci and Giorgio Armani were included in the investigation.

The allergens could lead to redness, itching, skin irritation or even erythema and swelling for some consumers, the council said, adding that the public should pay attention to the sensitivity of their skin when using such products.

The Consumer Council discovered that 23 perfumes at least 10 types of fragrance allergens and Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum Spray came top with 15.

15 of those tested contained the allergen HICC, with Swiss Tom Ford ranking highest with a concentration of 0.34 percent, high above the suggested 0.02 percent content indicated by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. 14 other brands, including Chloe, Gucci, Anna Sui, Estee Lauder, also exceeded the SCCS standard. The EU has amended the regulation to fully ban the use of HICC in cosmetics from August 2021.

The test also found 26 perfumes with the contact allergen BMHCA, and Chloe and Victoria's Secret fragrances contained a high concentration.

The test also detected trace amounts of lead in Acqua Di Parma and methanol in Chanel Gabrielle, but since the concentration did not exceed standards, the health risks were deemed minimal under normal use.

Editor: William Clegg