PETALING JAYA: Exercise caution when buying skincare and cosmetics, as those containing dangerous ingredients can be a health hazard, say medical experts.
They cautioned that mercury is a common ingredient found in products flagged by the Health Ministry.
Dr Chin Shih Choon, past president of the Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, said skincare products containing mercury posed serious health risks due to its toxic effects on the body.
Such products could cause skin and kidney damage, neurological effects, respiratory issues, hormonal disruptions and environmental contamination, he said.
“Pregnant women using mercury-containing products risk passing the toxin to their unborn child, which lead to developmental issues, brain damage and birth defects. Breast-fed infants may also be exposed through contaminated milk,” he said.
Dr Chin said to be safe, one should always choose skincare products that comply with regulatory standards and avoid those containing mercury or its compounds such as mercuric chloride, calomel and mercurous chloride.
“If you suspect mercury exposure, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice. Consult a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor before using new skincare products, especially if they claim fast whitening or anti-ageing effects.
“By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of mercury in skincare products,” he added.
Dr Chin advised consumers to read labels before making a purchase and to only buy products from reputable sources.
“Many illegal products containing mercury come from unregulated sources and lack proper labelling. If the packaging lacks manufacturer details, expiry date or language translation, it is best to avoid it,” he said.
Dr Steven Chow, a practising consultant dermatologist for over 40 years, expressed concerns that despite previous incidents being reported, hazardous products containing toxic substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, tretinoin and betamethasone 17-valerate remained in the market.
“Mercury exposure can cause kidney damage, nervous system disorders and developmental issues in unborn children. The sale of these banned products undermines public health and confidence in our regulatory enforcement,” he said.
Many illegal products might contain unknown toxic ingredients or bacterial contamination due to unsafe manufacturing processes, he added.
To curb this, he called for heftier penalties against offenders in addition to increased public education. He said imposing a jail term commensurate with the seriousness of the offence was required.
