Stiftung Warentest: Formaldehyde in self-tanning lotion – correct storage can reduce the risk of cancer
Created: 03/22/2022, 10:18 am
By: Johanna Werning
Self-tanners quickly tint the skin a few shades darker.
But the cosmetic product can have a carcinogenic effect if stored incorrectly.
Stiftung Warentest warns.
Summer is just around the corner and with it the desire for
brown legs
and a
dark complexion
.
In order for this to succeed, many rely not only on the sun, but also on
self-tanners
.
But not only the application of the artificial tan* needs to be learned, the correct
storage of the product
is also important.
If self-tanner is stored incorrectly, it can even be hazardous to
your health
.
Why you shouldn't keep self-tanner for too long - Formaldehyde in fake tan
Old self-tanners can be carcinogenic if stored incorrectly or for too long.
(Iconic image) © Petra Schneider-Schmelzer/Imago
The Barmer health insurance company
and
Stiftung Warentest
also
warn
of this
.
"If self-tanner is stored incorrectly for too long, the DHA (editor's note: dihydroxyacetone) contained in it can possibly split off
formaldehyde
- this is considered to be
probably carcinogenic,"
says a report by Stiftung Warentest from 2021. " In addition, formaldehyde can trigger strong
contact allergies
,” informs the Barmer health insurance company.
Formaldehyde
is a so-called
hazardous substance
"which is suspected of causing
cancer and changing the genetic
material, " explains Dr.
Utta Petzold, dermatologist at the Barmer health insurance company.
That is why, like many other
active ingredients in cosmetic products, it has been banned
since 2016 .
However, this only applies if formaldehyde is added directly to the product.
“If, as in the case of self-tanning products, it only forms after manufacture, the law does not apply.
The consumer therefore knows nothing at all about the possible danger," says
Barmer 's
warning .
Poll: Have you ever tried self-tanner?
Stiftung Warentest: This is how you should store self-tanners to reduce the risk of cancer
But how should the
self-tanner be stored
to avoid the "probably carcinogenic" split?
It is safest if you
store the self-tanner in a dark, dry and cool
place , according to Stiftung Warentest.
In addition,
no “old self-tanner”
from the previous year should be used.
"
Use it up quickly,
" recommends Stiftung Warentest.
"Dispose of the product if it has passed its best-before date or if it smells unpleasant," it said.
(jw) *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.