This is not a very good hand cream.
It does have a rich content of lentinus edodes extract. This is extract from the shiitake mushroom that may have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. In Chinese culture it is believed to rejuvenate youth and prevent ailments when eaten. But it can be a potential skin irritant.
The main moisturizing factor here is urea. Used in cosmetic is more likely synthetic than from its original source, the urine. It is cheap and in small amounts has good water-binding and exfoliating properties for skin. But hyperconcentrated urea can cause skin sensitization and inflammation.
However there are two ingredients that could cause serious concerns. One is propylene glycol (PG). At low concentration is used as a humectant or humidifying and delivery ingredient to keep from drying. It is easily absorbed through skin. At higher concentraion it could a potent skin irritant. PG could provoke skin irritation and sensitization at concentration as low as 2%. In fact U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning to avoid skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. What's the exact concentration of PG in this product is not clear.
The other troublesome ingredient is talc. Talc is naturally occurring silicate mineral of magnesium. It gives skin a slippery sensation and water resistance. However, talc is very similar in structure and properties to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs. In 1973 FDA warned about limiting the amount of asbestos-like talc in cosmetics but no ruling was made. As a result cosmetic grade talc remains non-regulated by the federal government. Even without any asbestos-resemblance cosmetic grade talc has been reported to cause tumors in animal subjects in 1993 National Toxicology Program studies.
Safety alert: Elevated
review based on scientific information of the product ingredients.
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