Three cosmetic products found to contain poison - Health DG

He said the products are Sifu Kunyit Day Cream, Sifu Kunyit Night Cream and JJ Skincare Glowhite Night Cream as they were found to contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, betamethasone valerate and mercury.

He said the products' notifications had been cancelled and they were no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia.

"Products containing hydroquinone, tretinoin and betamethasone valerate are drugs that need to be registered with the Drug Control Authority and can only be used with the advice of a health professional.

"The use of products containing these substances without the supervision of health professionals can cause unwanted side effects," he said in a statement today.

Dr Noor Hisham said the sale and distribution of these cosmetics products violate the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 and should be stopped immediately.

"Those who violate the regulation could be fined not more than RM25,000 or a maximum of three years imprisonment, or both, for the first offence.

"For subsequent offences, the offender could be fined not more than RM50,000 or a maximum of five years imprisonment, or both.

"Companies could be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and RM100,000 for subsequent offences," he added.

Dr Noor Hisham advised those who are using the products to immediately stop and seek advice from health professionals if they experience any discomfort.

He said Betamethasone valerate can cause the skin to be thinner and prone to irritation, acne, changes in skin pigmentation and increase the risk of being absorbed into the blood circulation system which can have harmful effects.

"Hydroquinone also causes redness of the skin, discomfort, unwanted skin changes, the skin becomes hypersensitive, can prevent pigmentation (depigmentation) which reduces skin protection against harmful UV rays and may increase the risk of skin cancer.

"The use of tretinoin without the supervision of health professionals can cause the skin to be reddish, uncomfortable, painful, peeling and hypersensitive to sunlight.

As for mercury, he said, it is prohibited in cosmetics products because it can be harmful to health and can be absorbed into the body and causes damage to the kidneys and nervous system, as well as disrupt the brain development of young or unborn children.

"Mercury can also cause rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin, "he added.

Consumers can check the status of cosmetic products at www.npra.gov.my or through "NPRA Product Status" application that can be downloaded at Google Play Store.