Ministry bans Dr Vida product

PUTRAJAYA: Qu Gebu AP Krim, one of the best-selling products of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman (pic), who is better known as Dr Vida, has been banned by the Health Ministry on safety grounds.

In a statement yesterday, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) is urging the public to refrain from using several cosmetic products as they contain scheduled poisons.

For example, the Night Glowing, Glowing Speed Gold Day Cream, Glowing Speed Gold Night Cream, Nour Ain Night Cream and Royal Expert White­ning Cream all contain mercury.

Qu Gebu AP Krim, as well as Night Glow, were both found to contain hydroquinone and tretinoin.

Products containing hydroquinone and tretinoin are pharmaceutical products that require re­­gis­tration with the Drug Control Authority, and can only be used under the advice of healthcare professionals.

Hydroquinone can cause skin redness, discomfort, discolouration, hypersensitivity and increases the risk of the user contracting skin cancer by inhibiting the pigmentation process.

Preparations containing tretinoin should only be used under medical supervision as it can cause skin redness, discomfort, stinging, peeling and sensitivity to sunlight.

Cosmetic products adulterated with hydroquinone are typically marketed for skin lightening, as well as to treat blemishes and un­even skin tone.

Dr Hisham added that questions regar­ding cosmetic products can be submitted via e-mail to [e-mail] or by calling 03-7883 5400.

The public may also check the notification status of a cosmetic product at npra.moh.gov.my.