KUCHING, Jan 25: The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) urges the public to refrain from buying and using cosmetic products which had been found to contain scheduled poison.
The products concerned are Dnars Honey Cream (NOT160802315K) containing hydroquinone and tretinoin by Onew Cosmetics; Moleek Skincare Anti Pigmentation Cream Plus (NOT170204393K) containing hydroquinone and tretinoin by Sejagat Global Resources; Dnars Yellow Gold Collagen (NOT131006026K) containing hydroquinone and tretinoin by
Ori Herbs Coffee Marketing; and Luffiya Night Cream 1 and 2 (NOT170200716K) containing mercury by Arriana Rose Beauty Resources.
According to a press release, notification of these cosmetic products have been cancelled by Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services, MOH following the detection of scheduled poison.
Director General Of Health Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah warned all sellers and distributors to stop 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. For a second or subsequent offence, offenders 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.
The ministry also advise consumers to stop using these products and seek further advice from healthcare professionals, if experiencing any unpleasant effects or adverse events.
Products containing hydroquinone and tretinoin are classified as pharmaceutical products that require 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 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.
Cosmetic products adulterated with tretinoin are commonly promoted for use in acne and to 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.
Meanwhile, cosmetic products adulterated with mercury can cause harm to human health and they are commonly marketed for skin 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.
Additionally, exposure to mercury is not only limited to the person using the skin cream containing mercury but also to others especially children as mercury can get into their bodies from breathing in the mercury vapours. Infants and children can ingest mercury when they touch the cosmetic products containing mercury or their parents who have used these products. Using products containing mercury can also cause skin rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin.
Enquiries on cosmetic products may be emailed to kosmetik@npra.gov.my or directed via 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
