Hong Kong watchdog finds fragrance allergens in Gucci, Bvlgari perfumes

Perfumes from Italian fashion brand Gucci and two other luxury products have been found to contain 10 types of fragrance allergens that could worsen skin conditions for eczema patients, Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has said.The Consumer Council said on Monday that it tested 40 perfume products, including Gucci’s “The Alchemist’s Garden Tears from the Moon Eau de Parfum”, priced at HK$2,850 (US$365) per 100ml (3.4-ounce) bottle – the most expensive option examined.Two other products that contained 10 types of allergens were “Allegra Passeggiata” by Bvlgari Parfums, priced at HK$2,260 per bottle, and “Colonia Eau Cologne” by Acqua di Parma, which cost HK$997 per bottle.The watchdog said that perfumes containing too many fragrance chemicals could lead to a “cocktail effect”, which might significantly increase health risks.“For people with eczema, exposure to perfumes containing allergens may worsen skin conditions,” the council said in its report.“Women planning to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and families with infants or young children should use such products with caution.”Each of the three luxury products received a rating of two out of five in the fragrance allergens category from the consumer watchdog. Most higher-rated products contained fewer allergens.