These ‘timbang kilo’ beauty products are not only ridiculously-named, but are also hazardous for your skin!
According to Sinar Harian, the Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday announced that they are banning three local beauty products from being sold in our country. This is because the products have been found to contain scheduled poisons that are extremely dangerous.
The products are:
- Sifu Kunyit Day Cream
- Sifu Kunyit Night Cream
- JJ Skincare Glowhite Night Cream
In particular, these products contain Mercury, Hydroquinone, Tretinoin and/or Betamethasone 17-valerate, as revealed by the Health Ministry’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in a statement yesterday said that,
“The use of mercury in cosmetic product is strictly forbidden, because it can harm the kidney and the nervous system,”
He also stressed that mercury could also adversely affect brain development of foetus and young children.
Moreover, Hydroquinone could increase the risk of skin cancer and causes skin hypersensitivity and reddishness, apart from blocking pigmentation from protecting the skin against dangerous ultraviolet rays.
Meanwhile, Tretinoin could make the skin hypersensitive to sunlight and Betamethasone valerate could cause skin irritation, thinner skin layer, and could be absorbed into the bloodstream and adversely affect health.
Dr Hisham called upon retailers and wholesalers to immediately stop sales and distribution of the mentioned products.
Those who are still selling these banned products will be charged under the Drugs and Cosmetics Control Regulations 1984. First time offenders are liable to a maximum three-year jail term and RM25,000 fine. The penalty would be increased to a maximum five years and RM50,000 fine for habitual offenders.
Companies would be liable to a maximum fine of RM50,000 for first offence, and up to RM100,000 fine for subsequent offence.
If you’re not sure about the status of a cosmetic product, you can visit the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website or download NPRA Product Status from Google Play Store.
Remember, better be safe than sorry!
Also read: MOH: These 7 Local and Imported Cosmetic Products Are BANNED in M’sia For Containing Mercury