Researchers at Rutgers University, New Jersey, found the number of non-melanoma tumors was significantly higher in mice treated with commonly-used creams than the control group.
Cream increases cancer risk in mice
In a paper published last week in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the scientists said tumor rates were 24 per cent higher in the mice treated with Beiersdorf’s Eucerin Original Moisturizing Cream.
Beiersdorf has now responded to the research findings with a host of criticisms.
The company said the significance of the study was not only limited because mice were used rather than humans but a special line of hairless mice were selected for the study that are highly susceptible to developing tumors when exposed to UVB.
Leading study author Allan Conney was also guarded about the implications of the study for humans saying that more research is necessary to determine the significance of the findings.
Research dismissed as irrelevant
Beiersdorf’s criticisms went further concluding that the study was ‘clinically not relevant’.
The company said the paper does not comply with scientifically accepted or validated methods outlined in OECD guidelines. Beiersdorf also claimed the study lacked dose-response relationships, positive controls, an appropriate placebo group and historical data on the test method.
Beiersdorf’s Eucerin Original Moisturising Cream was not the only product put under the microscope.
The scientists also looked at Dermabase by Paddock Laboratories, Dermovan by Healthpoint, and Vanicream by Pharmaceutical Specialties.