A misuse of Biafine cream was recently identified on TikTok. Many American women apply this medication daily to their face to moisturize their dry skin. However, its daily use is risky, according to dermatologists.
- Biafine is presented as a protective and calming emulsion.
- “This medicine is not a sunscreen”, specifies the brand.
In recent videos posted on TikTok, American “beauty influencers” explain that, as soon as they arrive in Paris, they go to pharmacies to stock up on Biafine. On the social network, they promote its use as a moisturizer to treat dry skin. The Tiktokeuses even advise to apply it every day on the face.
This product “only costs 4 euros” in France, says Ava, better known under the pseudonym @glowwithava, followed by 1.4 million people. In the United States, Biafine costs around 50 dollars (49.22 euros), indicate American consumers. This is why they buy several tubes when they are on vacation in French cities.
A “french skincare” dangerous for health
This trend, called “French skincare”, which has been doing the rounds on social networks for several days, is worrying dermatologists. They recall that Biafine is a drug recommended to treat burns, non-infected superficial wounds and redness after radiotherapy. Asked by The Parisiandermatologist Audrey Drey, known as “Dermato Drey”, explained that this cream should not be used to moisturize dry skin, but to heal damaged skin.
Nitrosamines, carcinogenic molecules
“Biafine contains an active ingredient called trolamine. It is a surfactant product that creates the emulsion. It is debated because it can react with environmental molecules called nitrites, and amines plus nitrites can form another class of molecules called nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic”, she pointed out. Same story on the side of dermatologist Marie Jourdan, contacted by the media Raw. The specialist added that Biafine contained 16 ingredients. “It’s way too many ingredients to have only beneficial aspects”, she continued.
