Adapted from Newsletter of the Drug Control Authority, Malaysia (Dec 2014), Volume 63 No.41 ISSN 0128-0627
The public is advised to avoid buying and using the following cosmetic products:
Summary Of Press Releases
Cosmetics
a) Caution on Using Cosmetic Products Containing Scheduled Poisons
The public is advised to avoid buying and using the following cosmetic products:
| No | Product Name | Notification Number | Schedule Poison Detected | Name of Product Notification Holder | Name of Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow Cream (Krim Ku-Neng) | NOT120101719K | Hydroquinone | Seri Mh Ummi Sdn Bhd | Yamni Industry, Malaysia |
| 2 | Dnars Magic Gold Foundation | NOT111001084K | Hydroquinone | Seri Mh Ummi Sdn Bhd | Yamni Industry, Malaysia |
| 3 | Sf Protect & Perfect Day Cream )Krim Ku-Nang) | NOT130604475K | Mercury | Seri Mh Ummi Sdn Bhd | SirehEmas Marketing Sdn Bhd |
The noti cations of the above cosmetics have been cancelled following the detection of the scheduled poison, hydroquinone and heavy metal, mercurywhich are prohibited in cosmetic products. These products are no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia.
Products containing hydroquinone are classi ed as pharmaceutical products that require registration with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and can only be used under the advice of a healthcare professional. Hydroquinone is commonly used for the skin in hyperpigmentation conditions. Unsupervised use of preparations containing hydroquinone and/or tretinoin may cause unwanted side-effects.
Cosmetic products adulterated with hydroquinone are typically marketed for skin lightening, as well as, to treat blemishes and uneven skin tone. Hydroquinone can cause skin redness, discomfort, skin discoloration, hypersensitivity and a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin. Hydroquinone inhibits the pigmentation process (depigmentation) which reduces the skin’s ability to be protected from harmful UV rays, thus, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential hazard on human health. Mercury compounds are readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tend to accumulate in the body. Direct and prolonged exposure to mercury can cause damage to the brain, nervous system and kidneys. Usage of products containing mercury can also result in skin rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin. The company responsible for placing the product in the market has been instructed to immediately halt the sale and supply of the product mentioned and remove all physical stocks from the market within 72 hours. Any person who is in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing or using it. The possessionof this product is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.