I was shocked when my face smelled horrible after using a cleanser in the shower – then I looked inside the bottle. Here’s my warning to everyone
An Australian mum was shocked to discover why her face ‘stank’ after using facial cleanser, and is now issuing a stern warning against storing products in the shower.
Diana Hasler noticed a ‘weird’ smell when she started using her month old Cetaphil facial cleanser, soHe opened the bottle to see if it was full of mold.
“Just a reminder, if you keep your face wash in the shower, things are going to get moldy. I know things are going to get moldy at some point, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly,” she said on TikTok.
The mother had used the product several times before, but had already ignored the ‘strange’ smell before deciding to investigate the product.
“That explains the random pimples I’ve been getting… now I’m going to check for mold every day. Do people keep their stuff in the shower? I’m just asking for a friend,” Diana said.
Cetaphil’s hugely popular Gentle Skin Cleanser has over 7,000 positive product reviews online and even Delta Goodrem is a fan.
However, it is probably the damp shower area that causes the mold and not the product itself.
After Diana’s video went viral, many Australians shared similar experiences with mold growing in their produce.
“Friendly reminder: If you keep your face wash in the shower, things will mold. I know things mold eventually, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly,” she said on TikTok
Some Australians who use Cetaphil have also reported problems with mold growing in the bottle after storing it in their showers.
“I had this happen with Cetaphil too, it was disgusting!” wrote one person.
Many insisted that Cetaphil was not the only brand that was susceptible to mold. There were many more brands that made this claim.
“My CeraVe cleanser started developing mold after two months of use, luckily the bottle is clear,” one person wrote.
Others who were unaware that skincare products could go moldy said they were checking their packaging. Some claimed they had a “new fear.”
Most blamed the heat and humidity in the showers, especially in those with poor ventilation.
“I don’t store my face wash in the shower or in warm places,” one woman said.
“Mine are in the cabinet above the sink and are fine,” agreed another.
But one woman thought new preservatives used in skin care products were the reason for the growing mold problem.
“This is happening to many skincare and beauty brands now because natural brands have been on a scare campaign against parabens. Now we’re seeing inferior preservatives in products,” one woman theorized.
“I’d rather wash my face with preservatives than with mold, give me all those preservatives,” Diana joked.
A spokesperson for Cetaphil told FEMAIL that all products manufactured and tested to the highest quality standards.
‘While it is impossible to know exactly what has happened without examining the product, it is possible that dirt and impurities or external contamination from the ambient air are causing such problems.’
‘To prevent this, consumers should store their products properly and ensure they do not unscrew the cap or pump.’
