KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has banned three cosmetic products after detecting scheduled poisons in them, rendering them prohibited for sale in Malaysia.
In a statement on Monday (Aug 5), the Ministry announced the affected products are GB Night Cream Treatment, which contains hydroquinone and tretinoin; GB Herbal Cream Treatment, which contains mercury and betamethasone 17-Valerate; and Aniqa Night Cream, which contains tretinoin.
The cancellations were carried out by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under the Ministry.
"Mercury is banned in cosmetic products because it can be absorbed into the body and cause kidney damage and nervous system issues.
"It can also interfere with the brain development of unborn babies or young children. Mercury can cause rashes, irritation and other skin changes," the statement added.
Products containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone 17-Valerate are considered medications that must be registered with the Drug Control Authority and should only be used under the advice of healthcare professionals.
Using products with these substances without medical supervision can result in undesirable side effects.
Hydroquinone can cause redness, discomfort, unwanted skin discolouration, hypersensitivity, inhibit pigmentation processes (depigmentation), reduce skin protection against harmful UV rays, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Tretinoin can lead to redness, discomfort, stinging, peeling, and hypersensitivity to sunlight at the application site.
Betamethasone 17-Valerate can thin facial skin, cause irritation, acne, pigmentation changes and increase the risk of systemic absorption, which can be harmful.
In light of these dangers, the Health Ministry urges retailers and distributors to immediately cease the sale and distribution of these products as they violate the Drug and Cosmetic Control Regulations 1984.
Individuals found guilty under these regulations face a maximum fine of RM25,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, for the first offence, and a fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both, for subsequent offences.
Companies committing the offences face a maximum fine of RM50,000 for the first offence and RM100,000 for subsequent offences.
"Members of the public currently using these cosmetic products are advised to stop using them immediately and seek advice from healthcare professionals if they experience any discomfort or adverse effects.
"The public is encouraged to verify the notification status of any cosmetic product by visiting the official NPRA website www.npra.gov.my or through the 'NPRA Product Status' application available on Google Play Store," the statement concluded. - Bernama
