THE Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday informed the public that six cosmetic products were found to be adulterated with undeclared substance, following tests by the laboratory of Pharmacy Laboratory Services, MoH.
The affected cosmetic products are Cantiqa Skincare – Toner which is adulterated with hydroquinone, Cantiqa Skincare – Daily Cream and the Cantiqa Skincare – Nightly Cream, both adulterated with mercury, all manufactured by Pusratu Global Academy Sdn Bhd, Malaysia; FJ Glow Beauty – FJ Glow Night Cream which is adulterated with hydroquinone, and FJ Glow Beauty – FJ Glow Treatment Cream, adulterated with mercury, both products manufactured by Jotono Corporation Sdn Bhd, Malaysia; and RZAC Cosmetic – Platinum Toner manufactured by RZAC Cosmetic, Malaysia, which is adulterated with hydroquinone and tretinoin.
The adulterants found in these products can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them.
Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007. It is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its hazardous effects on human health. Mercury is readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tends to accumulate in the body. Exposure to mercury can cause skin rashes, memory loss and muscle weakness while high exposures may result in damage to the brain and kidneys. It is also extremely toxic to unborn children.
Both hydroquinone and tretinoin are potent ingredients used in western prescription medicines to treat skin conditions and is prohibited in skin care cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations. The unsupervised use of hydroquinone may cause skin hypersensitivity, skin discolouration resulting in gradual darkening of the affected skin area and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The inappropriate use of tretinoin could lead to redness, peeling and scarring of the skin.
The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of the rest of affected products. Following these findings, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
Members of the public who have purchased or used these products are advised to stop using them immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using the products.
Adulterated product RZAC Cosmetic – Platinum Toner
Adulterated products Cantiqa Skincare – Daily Cream, Toner and Nightly Cream
Adulterated product FJ Glow Beauty – FJ Glow Night Cream
Adulterated product FJ Glow Beauty – FJ Glow Treatment Cream. – PHOTOS: MOH
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