KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24: Members of the public are urged to refrain from buying and using cosmetic products which had been found to contain scheduled poison.
The products are GG Pinky Day Cream for Skin, Tati Therapy Cream 1 and Tati Therapy Cream 2.
The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) says notification of these cosmetic products have been cancelled by the Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services following the detection of scheduled poison.
In a press statement, the Director General of MOH Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said products containing hydroquinone and tretinoin are classified as pharmaceutical products that requires registration with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and can only be used under the advice of healthcare professionals.
Cosmetic products adulterated with hydroquinone are typically marketed for skin tone lightening, as well as to treat blemishes and uneven skin tone.
Hydroquinone can cause skin redness, discomfort, skin discolouration and hypersensitivity. Hydroquinone inhibits the pigmentation process (depigmentation) which reduces the skin’s ability to be protected from harmful UV rays, thus, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
The use of cosmetic products adulterated with tretinoin are commonly promoted to treat acne and reduce wrinkles. Preparations containing tretinoin should only be used under the supervision of healthcare profesionals. The unsupervised usage of tretinoin can cause redness to the skin, discomfort, stinging, peeling and sensitivity to sunlight.
Cosmetic products adulterated with mercury can cause harm to human health and are commonly marketed for skin tone lightening and anti-ageing treatments such as for freckles, blemishes and wrinkles. Exposure to mercury can cause damage to the kidneys and the nervous system. It may also interfere with the development of the brain in unborn children and very young children.
Consumers are advised to stop using these products and seek further advice from healthcare professionals, if experiencing any unpleasant or adverse effects.
The ministry is also giving stern warning on all sellers and distributors to stop the sales and distribution of these products immediately. All sellers are reminded that selling or distributing these cosmetic products is an offence under the Control Of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Any individual who commits an offence under these Regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both, and for a second or subsequent offence, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.
A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to a maximum of RM100,000 for subsequent offences.
Enquiries on cosmetic products can be emailed to kosmetik@npra.gov.my or directed by phone to 03-78835400.
Consumers and members of the public may check the notification status of a cosmetic product via NPRA’s official website at http://npra.moh.gov.my/. — DayakDaily
