Three toxic cosmetic products banned, says health DG

 

Health ministry says the products have been found to contain scheduled poisons.

KUALA LUMPUR: The health ministry has banned three cosmetic products that have been found to contain scheduled poisons.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the products were Deeja Cosmetic Yulai Cream, Deeja Cosmetic Laila Cream and Deluxe Beauty – Ultra Lightening Cream Pearl Perfect Fairness, all of which contain hydroquinone, mercury and betamethasone 17-valerate.

“Notification of the cosmetic products has been cancelled by the senior director of pharmaceutical services. Therefore, these cosmetic products are no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

Noor Hisham said products containing hydroquinone and betamethasone 17-valerate need to be registered with the Drug Control Authority and can only be used on the advice of a health professional.

He said improper use of hydroquinone can cause redness of skin, discomfort, skin discolouration, and even hypersensitivity of the skin.

“It can also inhibit pigmentation, which reduces the skin’s protection from harmful ultraviolet rays and increases the risk of skin cancer,” he said.

He said betamethasone 17-valerate can cause facial skin to become thin and prone to irritation, acne, pigmentation, and increase the risk of being absorbed into the circulatory system, leading to harmful effects, while mercury-filled cosmetic products are not only harmful to the skin but also the nerve system and the kidneys.

“It can also interfere with the brain development of young or unborn children,” he said.

Noor Hisham said sellers and distributors of these cosmetic products have been warned to stop the sale and distribution of the products immediately for violating the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

“An individual who commits an offence under these regulations shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both for the first offence and to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both for the next offence.

“Companies that commit offences can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences,” he added. - FMT