SA: Temporary Tattoos and Makeup on the Watch list for Halloween

Temporary tattoos, makeup and glow-in-the-dark nail polish have been removed from sale in a recent pre-Halloween product safety crackdown by the South Australia, Consumer and Business Services.

With Halloween coming up next week, the South Australia, Acting Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Dini Soulio, is warning people to be careful when they purchase face paints, temporary tattoos, or other novelty cosmetics that will go directly on your skin.

“Halloween is a great chance to dress up and have some fun, but you don’t want to end up looking more frightening than you meant to, by coming down with a skin rash or worse,” Mr Soulio said.

“Product Safety Inspectors from SA Consumer and Business Services recently found seven product lines on sale that did not meet mandatory safety standards, and removed them from the shelves.

“There is a mandatory information standard for cosmetic labelling, and in a recent field survey Inspectors found an unacceptably high number of products that did not meet that standard.

“Products that were removed included temporary tattoos, makeup and glow-in-the-dark nail polish.

“Clearly labelled ingredient information is vital for consumers with known allergies, but can also be very helpful to someone who develops an unexpected reaction to a product.

“Allergic reactions can be very harmful, and sometimes even lead to death. Consumers should retain the packaging that lists a product’s ingredients.

“Most temporary tattoos are designed to go on the body or arms, but we are seeing more and more lip tattoos, which could have devastating consequences for some consumers with allergies if they are not aware of the ingredients.

“CBS Product Safety Inspectors will continue to monitor the supply of cosmetics, including face paints and temporary tattoos in the marketplace.” said Mr Soulio.

Any consumers experiencing a reaction to temporary tattoos or any kind of makeup or paint on the skin should contact a doctor immediately, and have with them the packaging that lists the product’s ingredients.

If consumers have any questions about product labelling or product safety, contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882 or visit www.cbs.sa.gov.au

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