| Hakim Hayat |
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday alerted members of the public to two cosmetic products which were tested by the Pharmacy Section of the Department of Scientific Services and found to be adulterated with undeclared potent western medicine.
The cosmetic products, manufactured by Phillipines-based Brilliant Skin Essentials, are the Rejuvenating Facial Toner and Rejuvenating Cream. They were found to contain hydroquinone and tertinoin.
The MoH said that the adulterants found in these products can cause adverse effects to people using them.
“Both Hydroquinone and Tretinoin are prohibited in skincare cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007.
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.
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 these products.
Following these findings, these 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, and should also consult a medical practitioner should they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.
The MoH also reminded members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook, etc) that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the authority.
The penalty for contravening these regulations upon conviction is a fine not exceeding BND5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
The MoH also called for public cooperation in reporting to the Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services if they find these products in the market.
For further information and communication, contact the Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services, MoH at 2392398/2393301/2393230 (ext 208), send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn or go directly to Pharmacy Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services Building at Simpang 433, Rimba Highway, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A,’ or call Darussalam line at 123.