Health Ministry bans Taiwan-made pimple cream

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has banned cosmetic product 'Sensual Meiji Skin Renewer Cream' which was found to contain the scheduled poison azelaic acid.

Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Datuk Eisah A. Rahman, said the Taiwan-made product had been tested and contained the prohibited poison and was no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia.

She said the product, which contained azelaic acid, must be registered with the ministry's Drug Control Authority aimed at reducing inflammation effects in treating acne vulgaris (pimples) and could only be used upon advice from health professionals.

"It is feared that the application of acid without expert advice from health professionals can produce undesired effects such as the part of the face which was exposed to the acid feeling burnt, itchy, turning red, and becoming flaky," she said.

She said the company responsible for notifying the product had been directed to stop the immediate sale or supply of the product and to withdraw all stocks of physical products from the market within 72 hours.

Consumers suffering any side effects or serious problems from using any cosmetic product are advised to contact the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau at telephone numbers 03-8835532/5533/5537. - Bernama