P&G withdraws baby balm from European stores

Related tags Infant

Proctor & Gamble says that it is developing a new formula for a
baby balm it produces that has been linked to several cases of
cramp. In the meantime, the product, which has sold 4 million jars
since its launch in Europe back in 2001, will remain off shop
shelves.

The company took the decision to withdraw the Vicks Baby Balm line from store shelves at the end of December after two babies in France were reported to have developed the symptoms by health authorities.

However, no clear link has been established to the product and both P&G and the health authorities have emphasised that both babies were suffering from pre-existing medical conditions.

P&G​ spokesman Kurt Weingand told a Reuters reporter: "There's been no causal link reported between these two relevant health events and the coincidental use of baby balm,"

The French Regulatory Agency first brought the two medical cases to attention at the start of December, last year, alerting all relevant government authorities to what was perceived to be a potential medical hazard.

The authorities said that the balm, which contains both eucalyptus and camphor essential oils, had caused convulsions and cramping in the infants that had given rise to the need for medical treatment.

However the French health authorities considered the two babies' symptoms to be so severe they recommended that P&G withdraw the product from shop shelves, pointing out that the use of essential oils, particularly camphor, is not advised for children of less than thirty months.

The product guidelines recommend that the balm is used on infants over the age of three months and is used as a relaxing massage rubs to soothe discomfort in a variety of minor infant ailments.

After agreeing to the demands of the French authorities P&G took the decision to withdraw the product from all European markets to avoid confusion. It now says that the new formula will contain lower levels of essential oils.

Related topics Formulation & Science Skin Care

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Exosomes: Passing Trend or Transformative Reality?

Exosomes: Passing Trend or Transformative Reality?

Content provided by Naolys | 26-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Exosomes, microscopic vesicles naturally present in abundance within Plant Cells, have garnered significant attention within the scientific and cosmetic...

How Nutricosmetics Can Enhance Skin Beauty

How Nutricosmetics Can Enhance Skin Beauty

Content provided by Activ'Inside | 11-Dec-2023 | White Paper

In the ever-evolving realm of nutricosmetics, where inner wellness meets outer beauty, few natural ingredients have captured the spotlight quite like grapes.

Ultimate Antimicrobial Solution for BPC

Ultimate Antimicrobial Solution for BPC

Content provided by Acme-Hardesty Company | 11-Oct-2023 | White Paper

Sharomix™ EG10, a versatile broad-spectrum antimicrobial liquid blend for preserving personal care products, ensures safety at usage levels ranging from...

Acme-Hardesty Expands Product Line into Canada

Acme-Hardesty Expands Product Line into Canada

Content provided by Acme-Hardesty Company | 07-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

Acme-Hardesty’s latest expansion into Canada includes Resplanta®, Botaneco®, and BYK from our partners Sharon Personal Care and Eckart Effect Pigments...

Related suppliers