PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry (MOH) has revoked the notification of two cosmetic products after they were found to contain scheduled poisons, making them illegal to be sold in the country.
MOH, in a statement today, identified the products as JF Cream Herba, which contains mercury and betamethasone17-valerate, and JF Cream Treatment, which contains hydroquinone and tretinoin.
“The notification of these cosmetic products has been revoked by the ministry’s Director of Pharmacy Services, and they are no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia,” read the statement.
According to the MOH, mercury is banned in cosmetics because it can be absorbed into the body, potentially causing kidney damage, nervous system disorders and interfering with brain development in young children or unborn babies.
“Mercury can also cause rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin,” it said.
Cosmetics containing betamethasone 17-valerate, hydroquinone and tretinoin are classified as medicines and must be registered with the Drug Control Authority. They should be used only with the advice of health professionals.
Betamethasone 17-valerate can cause the skin to become thin, easily irritated and more prone to acne, and may lead to changes in skin pigmentation. It also carries a risk of being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can be harmful.
Hydroquinone may cause skin redness, discomfort, unwanted discolouration, and hypersensitivity. It can disrupt the pigmentation process (depigmentation), reducing the skin’s natural protection against harmful UV rays and may increase the risk of skin cancer.
Tretinoin can make the skin red, uncomfortable, painful, peeling and hypersensitive to sunlight.
Sellers and distributors should stop selling and distributing these cosmetic products immediately, as they violate the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Individuals who violate the regulation can be fined not more than RM25,000 or face a maximum of three years imprisonment, or both, for the first offence and fined not more than RM50,000 or a maximum of five years imprisonment, or both, for subsequent offences.
Companies that commit the offence could be fined up to RM50,000 the first time and RM100,000 for subsequent offences.
Consumers are advised to stop using the products immediately and seek the advice of healthcare professionals if they experience any discomfort or adverse effects.
