The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), in a statement today (Mar 19) has urged the public to refrain from purchasing and using the following cosmetic products as they have been found to contain controlled substances as listed below:
No. Product Name Detected Controlled Substances 1. Toner Treatment EWSB Mercury 2. N Glow EWSB Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, Betamethasone 17-Valerate 3. Glory Cosmetics Facecream Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, Mercury
As a result, notifications for the involved cosmetic products have been revoked by the Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services, MOH, and they are no longer permitted for sale in Malaysia.
“Sellers and distributors of these cosmetic products must cease the sale and distribution of these cosmetic products immediately. The sale and distribution of these cosmetic products are in violation of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Individuals who commit offenses under these Regulations may be liable to a fine not exceeding RM25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both for the first offense and a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both for subsequent offenses.
Companies committing offenses may be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offense and fined up to RM100,000 for subsequent offenses.” MOH said in the statement.
ABOUT CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products as it can be absorbed into the body, causing damage to the kidneys and nervous system. It can also interfere with the development of the brains of young children or those yet to be born. Mercury can lead to rashes, irritation, and other changes in the skin.
Products containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone 17-valerate are medicines that need to be registered with the Drug Control Authority and can only be used under the advice of a healthcare professional.
The use of products containing these substances without the supervision of a healthcare professional can lead to undesirable side effects, such as:
Controlled Substance Side Effects
Controlled Substance Side Effects Hydroquinone – Redness on the applied skin<br>- Discomfort<br>- Unwanted changes in skin color<br>- Hypersensitive skin<br>- Inhibition of the pigmenting process (depigmentation), reducing skin protection from harmful UV radiation<br>- Increased risk of skin cancer Tretinoin – Redness<br>- Discomfort<br>- Peeling<br>- Hypersensitivity to sunlight on the applied skin Betamethasone 17-Valerate – Thinning of the skin on the applied face<br>- Increased risk of irritation<br>- Acne<br>- Changes in skin pigmentation<br>- Increased risk of absorption into the bloodstream, which can cause harm.
The NPRA advises consumers to be cautious and vigilant when purchasing and using cosmetic products. It is recommended to verify product notifications with the NPRA or consult healthcare professionals if in doubt.
