BANNED: Two Face Creams Containing Scheduled Poisons

The Health Ministry has revoked the notification of 2 cosmetic products – Ailas Wild Rose Petal Face Cream and Desha Night Cream (Moisturizer) – after they were found to contain the scheduled poisons mercury and tretinoin.

“Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products because it can be absorbed into the body, potentially causing kidney damage, nervous system damage, and disrupting brain development in children or foetuses.

“It can also lead to rashes and skin irritation,” said Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan in a statement on 9 July 2024.

Unsupervised usage of tretinoin can lead to unwanted side effects such as redness to the skin, discomfort, stinging, peeling, and sensitivity to sunlight, he cautioned.

Consumers are advised to stop using these 2 products immediately and seek advice from a health professional for any discomfort or adverse effects.

Sellers and distributors are urged to stop selling and distributing these products immediately, as it violates the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

Those who fail to comply with this directive can be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed for up to 3 years, or both, for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the fine increases to RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

A company found guilty of the offence can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence, and RM100,000 for subsequent offences.