The Ministry of Health (MOH) has cancelled the notification of two cosmetic products after controlled poisons were detected in them. These products are now banned from being sold in Malaysia.
MOH announced that the affected products are JC Beauty Culture Radiance Renewal Serum, which contains hydroquinone and tretinoin, and The Perfect Derma Cream, which contains miconazole.
Cosmetic products containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, and miconazole are classified as medicinal items that must be registered with the Drug Control Authority. They can only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as unsupervised use may lead to serious side effects.
According to MOH, hydroquinone can cause redness, discomfort, skin discoloration, and hypersensitivity, while tretinoin may lead to redness, soreness, flaking, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
“Miconazole used without supervision can increase the risk of resistance, reducing the effectiveness of future infection treatments,” MOH stated.
Meanwhile, MOH also detected that a registered traditional product, Chang-Sze-Long Badu Gao (paste), contained mercury levels exceeding the permitted limit.
Excessive exposure to mercury can damage the kidneys and nervous system, affect brain development in children and fetuses, and cause skin issues such as rashes, irritation, and discoloration.
The product has been withdrawn from the market, and its registration has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority. It is no longer allowed to be sold or distributed in Malaysia.
“Members of the public who are using these cosmetic products are advised to stop immediately and seek medical advice if they experience any side effects,” MOH added.
Sellers and distributors of the affected products have been ordered to cease sales immediately for violating the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, as reported by Oriental Daily and Harian Metro.
