KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has banned four cosmetic products after they were found to contain scheduled poisons.
The banned products are the Biela Beauty Glowing Night Cream, BL Skincare Day Cream 1, BL Skincare Day Cream 2 and BL Skincare Night Cream.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA) found mercury in Biela Beauty Glowing Night Cream, BL Skincare Day Cream 2 and BL Skincare Night Cream and hydroquinone and tretinoin in BL Skincare Day Cream 1.
He said the senior pharmaceutical services director had revoked the product notifications for these items.
"These products are no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia," he said yesterday.
He warned that sales and distribution of these items were against the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Dr Noor Hisham said products containing hydroquinone and tretinoin must be registered under the Drug Control Authority and used only with the advice of healthcare professionals.
"Use of hydroquinone and tretinoin without the advice of healthcare professionals can cause skin complications. Mercury is banned in cosmetic products as it is harmful.
"Individuals using these four products should stop immediately and seek medical advice from healthcare professionals if you experience any discomfort or adverse effects."
Dr Noor Hisham said hydroquinone can cause redness, discomfort, discoloration and hypersensitivity and can inhibit pigmentation (depigmentation), which reduces the skin's protection from harmful UV rays and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
He said using tretinoin without the supervision of a health professional can cause redness, discomfort, soreness, flaky skin and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
"Mercury is banned in cosmetic products because it is harmful to health. It can be absorbed into the body and cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system. It can interfere with the brain development of young or unborn children."
Dr Noor Hisham said mercury can also cause rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin.
He said sellers and distributors should stop selling these products immediately.
Offences under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 are liable to a fine not exceeding RM25,000 or up to three years' jail, or both, for the first offence. For subsequent offences, offenders face a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or up to five years' jail, or both.
Companies that commit offences under the regulation face a fine of up to RM50,000 for the first offence and a fine of up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences.
Consumers are encouraged to check the notification status for cosmetic products by browsing the NPRA's official website at www.npra.gov.my or through the NPRA Product Status application, which is available on the Google Play Store.