Neutrogena recall popular Light Therapy in New Zealand after 'eye injury' risk

The mask used by celebrities such as Lena Dunham has been recalled following consultation with New Zealand regulator MedSafe. Photo / Instagram

Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask has been pulled from shelves, after expert claims they can cause damage to the eyes.

Popular among celebrities such as Lena Dunham and Kourtney Kardashian, a spokesperson for Neutrogena told the Herald: "For a small subset of the population with certain underlying eye conditions, as well as for users taking medications which could enhance the eye's sensitivity to light, there is a theoretical risk of eye injury."

They said the decision to recall the masks was made "following consultation with the New Zealand regulator, MedSafe".

While Neutrogena has said the risk of injury is relatively low and the decision to recall the product was being made "out of an abundance" of caution, consumers are urged to cease use of the product immediately.

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Saw the ad for the light therapy acne mask and became obsessed so when we got home from our journey it was waiting on my side of the bed. Thank you @jackantonoff, even if you just did it to amuse yourself. #notanad #justapsycho UPDATE: for those thinking this is a fancy awards season prep tool to the stars, it's Neutrogena and it's $35.

A post shared by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Dec 28, 2016 at 12:44pm PST

Meanwhile, a statement from The Australian Department of Health reads: "It has been identified that, for a small subset of potentially susceptible people (including people with certain eye-related disorders e.g. retinitis pigmentosa, ocular albinism, other congenital retinal disorders), repeated exposure may cause varying degrees of retinal damage that could be irreversible and could accelerate peripheral vision impairment or loss."

According to the statement, other dangerous reactions could include eye pain, "irritation, tearing, blinding, blurring of vision, seeing spots/flashes and other changes in vision (for example vision colour)."

The Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask uses a combination of red and blue light to treat mild to moderate acne on the face.

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A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Mar 2, 2016 at 8:55pm PST

Celebrity fans of light masks include Khloe Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, and Emma Stone.

If consumers have questions or concerns about the mask, or if they would like to return the product, Neutrogena encourages calling the Johnson & Johnson Pacific Consumer Care Centre: 0800 442 582.

This article was first published on the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.

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