PRESS RELEASE

CONSUMERS CAUTIONED AGAINST USING COSMETIC PRODUCTS CONTAINING SCHEDULED POISONS

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

The product notifications of the above cosmetics have been cancelled by the Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services following the detection of scheduled poisons hydroquinone and/or tretinoin.

The usage of hydroquinone and tretinoin in cosmetic products is prohibited due to the   

possible side effects to consumers if it is used without medical supervision.

Tretinoin can cause redness to the skin, peeling, discomfort and skin becomes sensitive to sunlight.

Hydroquinone can cause redness to the skin, discomfort, changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity. Hydroquinone inhibits the pigmentation process (depigmentation). This process attenuates the ability of the skin to protect our body from harmful UV rays and excessive sunlight which can bring risk of skin cancer. Excessive depigmentation is dangerous for those living in the tropical region

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.

EISAH BT A. RAHMAN

Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services

Ministry of Health

12 Mei 2010

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