Hydration sprays from Evian, La Roche-Posay, Avene and Vichy are pricier than gasoline. (Photo: Global Times)
Cosmetics are part of a woman's daily life. However, British media says that water is the only ingredient for many kinds of facial sprays, including famous brands such as Evian, La Roche-Posay, Avene and Vichy. However, the price of these moisturizers is even more expensive than gasoline ?C in some cases 60 times more, Global Times and the UK's Sun reports.
Evian Brumisateur facial spray claims it refreshes skin immediately. Eau Thermale Avene Water Spray says that it has "unique ingredient" which sooths the skin and is recommended by dermatologists. However, this "unique ingredient" is nitrogen, the primary ingredient of oxygen, and the second main ingredient besides water in the spray.
In Britain, the popular Evian costs 3.75 pounds (35 yuan) or 71.4 pounds per liter. Among the four brands, the most expensive one was La Roche-Posay, for "water" that sells for 80 pounds per liter.
Other products list water under its Latin name aqua, a term often used to describe the main ingredient of many beauty lotions.
Richard Lloyd of a consumer watchdog group told The Sun: "This isn't the first time we've seen a product packaged up with a long list of dubious claims and a price tag to match. In tough times it's more important than ever that companies play fair with customers."
A reporter from Global Times called the La Roche-Posay hotline and was told by its public relations department that an answer would be forthcoming within three to five days.
The Avene China public relations department told the Global Times that its spray products consist of spring water that can relax skin. When asked about the high price, Avene China promised to provide an answer in a few days' time.
