The Consumer Council on Monday said around 75 percent of nappy cream samples it tested contained fragrances or chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

The watchdog tested 16 nappy creams priced from HK$52 to HK$218.

Most of them claimed to be suitable for use on infants, with three types also suitable for adults or the elderly who need to wear adult diapers.

Seven samples contained fragrances.

Most of them had one or two types of fragrant substances, but Weleda baby's sample had six types.

Essential oils or plant extracts were found in four samples, including the aromatic compound terpenes.

The European medicines regulatory body has warned that terpenes can cause adverse neurologic effects such as twitches in babies.

Two samples, a diaper rash cream from Baby Sebamed, and QV baby’s nappy cream, contain preservatives restricted in the United States and France.

The council said those ingredients may worsen diaper rashes or cause allergenic reactions like dermatitis.

“If nappy creams contain ingredients of concern, they are more likely to irritate the skin, pose allergy risks or may even cause adverse neurologic effects,” said chairman of the council’s committee on research and testing Chung Chi-yung.

“Infants, having thinner skin and a higher body surface area-to-body weight ratio, are particularly susceptible to allergic reactions,” he added.

The council urged manufacturers to improve their labelling by listing all ingredients clearly, including their concentrations.

They should also pay attention to the latest international regulations to improve product formulations.

The watchdog also hoped local regulatory bodies would establish regulations on the safety and labelling of nappy creams.