A new dimension of bathing in juicy flavors: refreshing lime, invigorating orange and sweet strawberry. Plus vitamins A, D, E and avocado oil. Moisturized and nourished skin? How about a hospital, a burn on the corneal epithelium and a bandage on the eyes for a few weeks? This is how the bath of several children in Poland ended. Straight from the bathtub she went to the emergency ophthalmologist. The composition of innovative capsules from the manufacturer of … detergents is terrifying.
For several months we have been hearing disturbing information about popular “foam creators”. Children go to hospitals, and doctors sound the alarm: the product, which was supposed to “make the bath pleasant”, may burn the eye area, irritate the eyeballs, and even drastically damage the cornea. According to experts, the accident may have serious consequences in the future. At the site of the original damage, the epithelium becomes prone to detachment again and, at the slightest damage, the so-called recurrent erosion of the corneal epithelium. We asked the ophthalmologist professor Andrzej Grzybowski about a corneal burn. We heard this: “A corneal burn is a very serious damage to the surface of the eye and always requires an ophthalmological examination. In mild cases, it leads to a temporary deterioration and fogging of vision, and causes significant pain, but after a few days the situation improves and the cornea eventually heals. In more severe cases, the healing process takes weeks and months. Unfortunately, severe burns can irreversibly damage the cornea, which may lead to the need for a cornea transplant. The use of substances harmful to the eyes in contact with the eyes is unacceptable. »
Pure chemistry
The graphic packaging of “foam blocks” attracts attention and encourages you to buy it. The manufacturer ensures that the product is dermatologically tested, and “avocado oil in combination with a cocktail of vitamins will wrap the skin and make it properly moisturized, nourished and velvety smooth.” Unfortunately, that’s not all – on the back of the package we can find a different piece of information written in a different font. The composition of the “new dimension of bathing” is pure chemistry *. A simple rule applies to all cosmetics: the less the better. There are far too many miraculous ingredients in the “foam monsters” (list below), and their order of percentage content is terrifying. In ecological products intended for children, we usually find water in the first place, but in “foam potters” it is in the 13th position! The main ingredient is Propylene glycol – i.e. propylene glycol, a solvent that ensures the right consistency. In the light of the law in force, this measure is considered safe. But, according to ecological media, propylene glycol has a carcinogenic effect, has a destructive effect on the liver, kidneys and nervous system, leads to inflammation of the epidermis and dermis. And if it gets into the eyes, it causes inflammation of the eyeball and conjunctiva, which causes tearing, burning, itching and swelling of the eyelids. Another disturbing substance is a synthetic detergent: Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Studies at the Medical College of Georgia have shown that SLS accumulates in the body’s tissues after it enters the body. If it gets into the eyes of children, it can damage them, and in adults it affects the development of cataracts. In the remarks, the manufacturer warns that the “foam-makers” should not be used by children under three years of age, and, paradoxically, the product intended for bathing should not get into the eyes. If this happens, “rinse immediately with plenty of water is not enough – consult a doctor”! And here, for the first time, he is right, in the case of children who became victims of “foam monsters”, it was necessary to cleanse the eyeballs for several hours.
Mom blogs
Before the news about the shocking consequences of the “foam monsters” got to the media. Many young mothers reviewed the product available in most Polish discount stores on their own blogs. What if inviting a baby to the bathroom involves crying or screaming, and the rubber duck in the bathtub does not help?
A bubble bath is a great idea. Unfortunately, the first impression was positive. Great price, intense fragrance and color. A large amount of foam also did not raise any suspicions. We can read about delighted children, aromatic play and getting rid of monotony in the bathroom. It is a pity that in many cases the final bath with “foam monsters” ended in a hospital.
Producer of detergents
The Marba company from Zielona Góra has not yet responded to the e-mail asking about the plans to withdraw the “foam monsters” from sale and asking for the percentage content of individual ingredients. On the manufacturer’s website, however, we can find information about new products that will soon appear on store shelves. From now on, “Pianotwory” will be available in mega pace, and a new hit has been added to the line intended for children: “Hydrosaurus” in the form of pearls, sparkling pastilles and balls, as well as “foams”. We do not know whether the composition will be the same. We know that the Marba company has been operating on the market since 2007 and has the first factory in Poland producing detergents in tablets. In addition to washing and washing liquids, cleaning liquids and air fresheners, unfortunately, it was involved in the production of cosmetics and chose the worst possible target group – children. Let’s hope that the “foam monsters” will disappear from store shelves sooner than they appeared. In any case, dear parents, always read the composition of the product before you buy it, tempted by the beautiful packaging or the price.
* The composition of the foam (Lime):
Propylene glycol, Glycerin, TIPA- Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Persea gratissima (Avocado) oil, Polysorbate 20, PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate, Water, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Linalool, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, CI 14190, CI 42090, pomarańcza: Propylene glycol, Glycerin, TIPA- Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Persea gratissima (Avocado) oil, Limonene, Eugenol, Cinnamal, Polysorbate 20, PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate, Water, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, CI 19140, CI 14700, truskawka: Propylene glycol, Glycerin, TIPA- Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Persea gratissima (Avocado) oil, Polysorbate 20, PEG-20 Glyceryl Laurate, Water, Tocopherol, Linoleic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, CI 14700.