Here’s why you should never use Homeoplasmin as a lip balm

For several generations now, Homeoplasmin has taken pride of place in the medicine cabinets of countless families around the world. Ointment for the treatment of minor skin problems (irritation, burns, dry skin, etc.), Homeoplasmin is above all one of the “best-selling” products from Boiron laboratories. This pharmaceutical company has specialized for almost a century in the production of homeopathic treatments for the general public.

Oscillococcinum to prevent influenza, Cocculin against motion sickness, Rhinallergy to curb hay fever… Sold on homeopathic promises, the treatments produced by Boiron available over the counter are legion and extremely popular in French pharmacies. Homeoplasmin is also particularly prized for its soothing effect on small wounds. Is this a “miracle” ointment? Professor Alain Astier, pharmacologist, helps us see things more clearly.

What is Homeoplasmin used for?

“Homeoplasmine is an old product from the Boiron laboratory, used in the treatment of skin wounds.“, explains the specialist. “It is composed of several active substances incorporated in petroleum jelly. In its traditional use, Homeoplasmin helps promote healing in part thanks to its main active ingredient: boric acid.“An ingredient present in relatively large quantities in the ointment,”approximately 4%“, specifies Professor Astier. Boric acid is an antiseptic of chemical origin which, when ingested, can prove dangerous to health.

“In its name alone, Homeoplasmin is a scam“, he criticizes. Due to the important presence and necessary role of its chemical active principle, “it is anything but homeopathic medicineas its name might suggest. “Many people can be easily fooled into thinking they are purchasing a natural product.“, regrets Professor Astier.

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Beware of misuses of Homeoplasmin!

Used in the settings indicated in the instructions for use, Homeoplasmin is generally safe for the health of healthy adults. On the other hand, beware of its misuse for cosmetic purposes, warns Alain Astier. According to him, “smearing Homeoplasmin on your face or lips is far from being a good idea, contrary to popular belief and certain beauty advice.“.

Although this misuse “does not correspond to the majority of cases“, confesses the specialist, “The risks of this practice on the health of users should not be underestimated.“.

“Delirious“, this misuse as a beauty product has never been demonstrated”of no effectiveness“, according to Professor Astier. “There is no justification for the use of Homeoplasmin as a cosmetic product, except because of Vaseline.“In fact, fat allows wounds to heal by filling the lipids in the skin, but also helps prevent dehydration of the skin. If you have dry skin, simply apply oily gloss rather than a antiseptic ointment!

Never Homeoplasmin for babies

However, the application of Homeoplasmin to the lips and face does not present a significant danger when applied at a low dose. The Boiron laboratory’s flagship product nevertheless turns out to be particularly harmful to young children. Particularly because of its main active ingredient, boric acid. “Homeoplasmin does not kill people, but it is a dangerous product“, points out Professor Alain Astier. The pharmacologist notably mentions scientific research on the neurological toxicity of high doses of boric acid in young children.

“Boric acid is a water-soluble chemical compound“, indicates the specialist. “Or, lThe skin of young children is particularly hydrophilic, unlike that of adults. The boric acid contained in the ointment can then enter the child’s body. and threaten his health, warns Alain Astier. To treat dry skin in children, instead use specially dedicated pediatric treatments, also available over the counter in pharmacies. Talk to your pediatrician or your doctor, who will be able to tell you the right course of action and the treatments to avoid.