Malaysian Government Removes Poisonous Cosmetics from Market

The Health Ministry's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Department (NPRA) has announced a notification of the cosmetics being cancelled due to the inclusion of hydroquinone, tretinoin and mercury.

The seven cosmetics were Qu Gebu AP Krim, Night Glowing, Night Glow, Glowing Speed Gold Day Cream, Glowing Speed Gold Night Cream, Nour Ain Night Cream and Royal Expert Whitening Cream.

Speaking in a statement, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, said, “The side effects of the use of Hydroquinone can halt the process of pigmentation (depigmentation) which reduces skin protection from UV rays and this could lead to skin cancer.

"Cosmetic products mixed with tretinoin are usually used to treat acne and reduce wrinkles. However, unsupervised use of the product can cause redness on the skin, discomfort, burning, peeling and hypersensitivity to sunlight.

"For MERCURY, the side effects - when it is absorbed by the body can cause damage to the kidney and nervous system. It can also affect the development of a child's brain.”

The sale and distribution of the seven products was called to a complete halt due to health implications.

Abdullah said, “If they are found to sell these products, they will face punishment under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

"Offenders can be fined not more than RM25,000 or imprisonment not more than three years or both for the first offence. For subsequent offences, offenders can be fined no more than RM50,000 or be jailed up to five years, or both."