Malaysia’s NPRA warns of cosmetic products containing poison

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has issued a warning to the public against buying and using several cosmetic products.

The MOH confirmed that the products from three cosmetic firms were found to contain Mercury, Hydroquinone and Tretinoin.

The products included Nuriz Shoppe-Uv Pearl Cream and Nuriz- D’solve from Progressive Mix Industries, Aura Gorgeous Night Cream from Aura Gorgeous Beauty & Healthy, and NV Anti Blemish Toner 1 from Nouvelle Beauty Centre.

MOH Pharmaceutical Services senior director has cancelled the notification of these products.

The Health Ministry has warned all vendors and distributors from selling these products immediately and future sales will be an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

The MOH has also advised consumers to stop using these cosmetic products and seek further advice from healthcare professionals if they experience any side-effects.

Used in cosmetic products for skin toning, Hydroquinone  is known to cause skin redness, discomfort, discolouration, hypersensitivity and increases risk of skin cancer.

The usage of tretinoin for acne and wrinkles is also known to cause redness to the skin, as well as discomfort, stinging, peeling and sensitivity to sunlight.

Mercury creates health problems such as damage to kidneys and the central nervous system (CNS), as well as hinders brain development in young children.

In a statement published on the NPRA website, Ministry of Health director general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said: “Products containing hydroquinone and tretinoin are classified as pharmaceutical products that need to be registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and can only be used under the advice of healthcare professionals.”