Parents often go to great lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of their children, child-proofing homes, teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street, and scrutinising the products they use, trusting that they meet stringent safety standards. However, sometimes, despite the best efforts, the unexpected can happen, turning an ordinary day into a parent’s nightmare.
This was the harrowing experience of a Victorian mother, Leah, whose 13-year-old daughter, Missy, ended up in the hospital reportedly after using a popular skincare product from Kmart. Now, she’s urging other parents to be aware, as Kmart launches an investigation into the product.
The incident occurred in late February when Missy, eager to celebrate her birthday, used a cleansing balm from Kmart only to get some of the product in her eyes accidentally. The immediate result was blurred vision, which quickly escalated into ‘huge amount of pain.’
Leah, in a desperate attempt to alleviate her daughter’s suffering, flushed Missy’s eyes with saline solution at home and in the shower, but to no avail. Missy ‘couldn’t open her eyes at all.’
The situation was so severe that Missy was rushed to the emergency department, where she spent her birthday under the care of doctors rather than enjoying the festivities of her special day. The medical team considered drastic measures to manage her pain, including the use of ketamine or sedation, as she was screaming in agony.
After spending hours in the hospital and multiple attempts with different painkillers, ‘a second shot of Fentanyl’ finally provided some relief. Doctors then had to pry Missy’s eyes open to flush them with litres of saline, an experience Leah described as ‘very traumatic.’
The product’s instructions do caution users to avoid contact with the eyes, but Leah pointed out the inherent challenge in this, stating, ‘For a cleansing balm that goes on your face, I don’t know how you’re going to avoid full eye contact.’
The product in question, Kmart’s Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Balm, is designed to be part of a daily skincare routine, but for Missy, it became the source of acute pain and distress.
Leah’s decision to share her daughter’s ordeal was not made lightly. Her primary goal was to raise awareness and ensure that no other family would have to endure a similar experience. She wanted the product removed from Kmart’s shelves.
Kmart’s response to the incident was swift. A spokesperson for the retailer expressed deep concern for Leah and Missy’s ordeal, stating, ‘We take the quality and safety of all our products very seriously and were incredibly concerned to hear of this case.’
The company immediately launched a formal investigation upon being contacted by Leah, which is still ongoing.
In a move that underscores their commitment to customer safety, Kmart has removed the Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Balm from display while the investigation continues. The spokesperson also assured customers that their cosmetics are ‘designed to ensure that they comply with both Australian and European requirements on ingredients.’
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of product safety and the potential risks associated with everyday items. It also highlights the need for consumers to be vigilant and report any adverse reactions to products, as this can lead to swift action and prevent further harm.
At YourLifeChoices, we urge our readers to always read product instructions carefully and to be cautious when using new skincare products, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes.
Have you or someone you know ever encountered a problem with a skincare product? How did you handle the situation, and what advice would you give to others? Join the conversation below. It’s through shared experiences that we can help protect one another and advocate for safer products. Your input could make a world of difference for someone else’s family.
Also read: Recall alert: Cleanser pulled from shelves due to excessive bacteria
The article does not say where the product is made.
Why in the world would you give a 13 year old hyaluronic cleansing balm? You have to be very careful with all products around the eyes in case of irritation. I just wish people would use some common sense.
BIG question – where is the product manufactured? Some countries shave been known to add other things into a product but not mention them on the contents label, with serious consequences for users.
How is this Kmart’s fault? Plain water is a good enough cleanser for a 13 yr old. She got it in her eyes so it’s nothing to do with KMART.