"Why Doctors Warn Against Touching This After Applying Hand Cream"

Beware of Endocrine Disruptors in Thermal Paper Such as Store Receipts
Absorption Rate May Increase Up to 100 Times Right After Using Hand Sanitizer

Related reference photo. Getty Images Bank

A single receipt handed to you at the supermarket or a label attached to a parcel—these thin pieces of paper that we casually touch in daily life may pose unexpected health risks, according to warnings from experts. In particular, there is a need for caution because hand sanitizers and hand creams, which are used for cleanliness and moisturizing, can actually become “carriers” that facilitate the absorption of harmful substances into the body.

On June 3, Eunjeong Choi, professor of science education at Ewha Womans University, appeared on the “Doctor Human Friend” YouTube channel to explain the characteristics of thermal paper used for receipts and delivery labels, as well as important precautions.

Thermal paper is a specially coated paper that displays text in response to heat, making it possible to print without ink. Because of its convenience, it is widely used. Most of the “smooth paper” in our daily lives—including supermarket receipts, parcel labels, bank queue tickets, parking tickets, and even some airline tickets—falls into this category.

The issue lies in the chemical coating on the surface of thermal paper. Bisphenol-based compounds are used as color-developing catalysts in thermal paper. In the past, bisphenol A (BPA) was most commonly used, but recently more “BPA-free” products have appeared. However, since substitutes such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) are now being used, many experts believe that concerns about potential harm have not been completely resolved.

Absorption Rate Increases 100-Fold After Applying Hand Cream or Sanitizer

Experts especially highlight the risks right after using hand sanitizer or hand cream. At this time, the skin temporarily becomes more permeable due to the effects of alcohol and oils, increasing its susceptibility to external substances.

Related material photo. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to research, when thermal paper is touched in this state, the amount of bisphenols absorbed into the body can increase by up to 100 times compared to normal conditions. The oils in hand cream dissolve chemicals and help deliver them deep into the skin, while the alcohol in hand sanitizer loosens the skin’s barrier, accelerating absorption.

Absorption Occurs After Just 5 Seconds of Contact

Multiple studies have shown that even touching a receipt containing bisphenol A for just five seconds can result in 0.2 to 0.6 micrograms being absorbed through the skin. In fact, cashiers who handle receipts frequently have been found to have higher concentrations of bisphenol A in their urine than the general population.

Bisphenols are endocrine disruptors, commonly referred to as “environmental hormones.” Some studies have suggested a link between exposure and decreased reproductive function, precocious puberty, certain cancers, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, further research is ongoing regarding the extent and risks of their effects on the human body.

Experts advise that the most practical response is to minimize unnecessary contact. Using electronic receipts instead of paper ones and washing your hands after touching thermal paper are basic hygiene measures that are important to follow. If you must keep a receipt, it is recommended to store it in a separate envelope or ziplock bag to minimize contact with other items. Also, if possible, touch the back of the receipt rather than the printed side.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.