Biafine, an emulsion for skin application, has had its heyday on the TikTok platform for a few weeks. American women share videos of themselves applying the product to their face daily as a day cream. It would be, according to them, a “miracle product” that would give hydrated skin and a luminous complexion.
Passing through France, they rob pharmacies. The Biafine costs between 5 and 8 euros with us, against 40 to 50 dollars with them. But this new fashion, followed by many followers, the hashtag #Biafine having been used more than 10 million times, worries specialists.
The role of trolamine
“The active principle of Biafine is trolamine, associated with fatty acids it will have moisturizing properties, which will allow healing. This is why it is used for superficial burns or wounds, recalls the biochemist of the TikTok@Amoudax account. But trolamine can be irritating to the mucous membranes, nose, eyes, mouth. It can also interact with nitrites, which are present in the external environment, and give compounds, nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. » It is also not recommended to use Biafine before exposure to the sun, as it is photosensitizing.
“Beyond trolamine, there are fragrances that can be allergenic and irritating but also petroleum oil, so it’s not a desirable product on a daily basis, adds Laurent, the founder of the specialized account @Secretdepeau on Tik Tok. On the Biafine website, it is also indicated that it should not be used on healthy skin. As written on its instructions for use, Biafine is indeed a “drug” with “therapeutic indications” and limited use.
