With the rapid acceleration of global digitalisation and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in recent years, the days when consumers would automatically opt to physically visit stores to purchase cosmetics are long gone.
Transactions can now be performed with a single tap on a smartphone screen via social media or e-commerce platforms, effectively eliminating the need to step out of the house.
Despite these conveniences, several important questions arise.
Are the beauty products purchased through online platforms safe for use?
How can consumers determine whether the source of these products is legitimate?
Furthermore, are cosmetics with medicinal claims truly effective?
Online in Malaysia
Several factors have contributed to the growing demand for cosmetics sold online.
One of the main factors is the ease of access, as consumers no longer need to visit physical stores to purchase cosmetics and can instead shop from the comfort of their homes.
In addition, the availability of a wider variety of products that are often difficult to find in conventional stores, along with more affordable prices and attractive discounts, further increases the appeal of online cosmetic shopping.
At the same time, increasingly creative advertising content, such as livestreaming sessions, enables sellers to conduct pricing gimmicks and cosmetic demonstrations in a more engaging manner.
Such strategies may encourage impulsive purchases, where consumers become influenced by advertisements or attractive pricing tactics without verifying the safety of the products.
In Malaysia, cosmetics are regulated under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations (CDCR) 1984.
Under these regulations, all cosmetics intended to be manufactured, sold, supplied, imported or possessed for sale in the country are required to undergo cosmetic notification before they can be marketed to consumers.
Cosmetic notification refers to the declaration of cosmetic information by a company intending to market the product.
This mechanism ensures that manufacturers and product owners take responsibility for ensuring that cosmetics placed on the market are safe, of good quality, and free from prohibited or harmful substances.
As part of this process, companies are also required to comply with the stipulated regulatory requirements before their products can be made available for sale.
Dangerous contents
Unfortunately, a number of cosmetics sold online in Malaysia have been found to be unnotified.
This situation increases the risk to consumers who purchase and use these products without being aware of any possible harmful effects.
In many cases, unnotified cosmetics have been found to contain prohibited substances, scheduled poisons, or pharmaceutical ingredients that are not permitted or are strictly controlled in cosmetics.
In the second half of 2024 alone, eight cosmetic products had their notifications revoked after being found to contain scheduled poisons.
Over the past four years, the Health Ministry has confiscated approximately RM12mil worth of unapproved cosmetics.
This is not including products handed over by the police and customs department, which amounted to RM3.2mil.
These products were found to be adulterated with harmful and prohibited substances.
Among the harmful substances frequently detected in unnotified cosmetics is mercury, which may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, kidney damage, nervous system disorders and cognitive impairment.
In pregnant women, exposure to mercury may increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
Another commonly detected substance is hydroquinone, which may lead to skin irritation, hypersensitivity reactions and ochronosis, a condition that causes the skin to become darkened and thickened.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light following the use of hydroquinone may increase the risk of skin cancer.
Meanwhile, tretinoin may cause redness, discomfort, skin peeling and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
It is also teratogenic and may potentially harm the fetus in a pregnant woman.
Steroids found in cosmetics may result in thinning of the skin, a higher risk of skin infections and damage to major organs such as the kidneys and heart when used over a prolonged period.
Certain antifungal substances used in cosmetics may also cause skin irritation, rashes and weakening of the immune system.
The seller’s responsibility
A company or person intending to market cosmetics in Malaysia should consult the National Regulatory Pharmaceutical Agency (NPRA) to ensure that their products comply with the legal and regulatory requirements for cosmetic notification.
Sellers have the responsibility to ensure that the products they market are safe, properly notified and compliant with the laws and regulations set by the authorities.
In addition, NPRA has prepared guidelines on ethical and responsible advertising to ensure that promotional materials are socially responsible and do not mislead consumers.
Sellers should avoid making exaggerated claims, particularly claims that promise quick or miraculous effects.
Under regulation 18A(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, the sale of unnotified cosmetic products is an offence.
Any person who contravenes this requirement commits an offence under subregulation 18A(15) of the same regulations.
Individuals or companies found guilty may be prosecuted under Regulation 30(1) of the same regulations and penalised under Section 12(1) of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.
For a first offence, individuals may face a fine of up to RM25,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
For a second or subsequent offence, the penalty may increase to a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
In the case of a body corporate, upon conviction, the company may be liable for a fine not exceeding RM50,000 for a first offence.
For a second or subsequent offence, the company may be fined up to RM100,000.
Consumers, be aware
Efforts by the Health Ministry to safeguard public health and safety would not be as effective without the cooperation of consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing cosmetics online.
Consumers are advised to remain cautious and verify the notification status of cosmetics before making a purchase.
Such verification can be performed through the “Product Search” function on the NPRA website.
Consumers should also avoid purchasing cosmetics that promise excessively fast or extraordinary results, as such claims are often misleading and may indicate the presence of harmful substances.
In many cases, sellers attempt to attract consumers through exaggerated claims and testimonials that are not supported by credible evidence.
Consumers are advised to stop using any cosmetics if they experience allergic reactions or adverse effects.
If the symptoms become more severe, consumers should seek medical attention immediately.
They are also encouraged to report the adverse event to the NPRA by completing the Adverse Cosmetic Event Report Form (Appendix 1), which can be downloaded from the NPRA website.
Although online cosmetic sales offer convenience and accessibility, safety should always remain the priority.
Consumers are encouraged to purchase cosmetics only from trusted and legitimate sources, while sellers must ensure that the products they market comply with the regulations established by the authorities.
Neo Shi Hao is a pharmacist with the Sabah State Health Department’s Pharmaceutical Service Division. This article is courtesy of the Health Ministry’s Pharmacy Practice and Development Division. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
