Consumers Cautioned Against Using Cosmetic Product Containing Scheduled Poison

The public is advised to avoid buying and using the following cosmetic product:

The cosmetic products as mentioned above have been tested and detected to contain scheduled poison tretinoin, azelaic acid and mercury. All mentioned products as above are no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia.

The usage of tretinoin, azelaic acid and mercury in cosmetic products are prohibited.

Cosmetic products adulterated with tretinoin are commonly found in products used for acne treatments or to improve skin conditions. Preparations containing tretinoin should only be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The unsupervised usage of tretinoin can cause redness to the skin, discomfort, stinging, peeling and skin becomes sensitive to sunlight.

Products containing azelaic acid is usually used for acne treatment and rosacea, a chronic condition where redness and flushing are usually seen on the forehead, nose and cheeks. Preparations containing azelaic acid should only be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The unsupervised use of preparations containing azelaic acid can cause burning stinging and reddening of the skin.

Cosmetic products adulterated with mercury in products marketed for skin lightening and anti-ageing treatments such as freckles, blemishes and wrinkles are not allowed and can cause harm to human health. Exposure to mercury can cause damage to the kidneys and the nervous system. It may also interfere with the development of the brain in unborn children and very young children. Furthermore, exposure to mercury is not only limited to the person using the skin cream containing mercury but also to others especially children as mercury can get into their bodies from breathing in mercury vapours. Infants and children can ingest mercury when they touch the cosmetic products containing mercury or their parents who have used these products. Using products containing mercury can also cause 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 supplies of the product mentioned and remove all physical stocks from the market within 72 hours.

Anyone who is in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease/ selling/ distributing/ using it. Sellers are reminded that possession of this product is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. Any individual who commits an offence under these Regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25, 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both, and for a second or subsequent offence he shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding RM50, 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both. A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50, 000 for the first offence and fined up to a maximum of RM100, 000 for a subsequent offence.

Consumers are advised to contact the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) at 03-7883 5532/5534 if they experience any allergic reactions or adverse events from use of cosmetic products.

DATO’ EISAH BINTA A.RAHMAN
Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services
Ministry of Health Malaysia

03 July 2013

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