The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has been informed that the Malaysian Ministry of Health has banned the distribution of three cosmetic products namely Sifu Kunyit Day Cream, Sifu Kunyit Night Cream, and JJ Skincare Glowhite Night Cream. The products were found to contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, betamethasone valerate, and mercury which can cause change to skin pigmentation, damage to the kidney, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Sifu Kunyit Night Cream contains mercury and betamethasone 17-valerate, while Sifu Kunyit Day Cream contains hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone 17-valerate. Meanwhile, JJ Skincare Glowhite Night Cream contains hydroquinone.

Betamethasone valerate can cause the skin to be thinner and prone to irritation, acne, changes in skin pigmentation and increase the risk of being absorbed into the blood circulation system which can have harmful effects.

Hydroquinone causes redness of the skin, discomfort, unwanted skin changes, the skin becomes hypersensitive, can prevent pigmentation (depigmentation) which reduces skin protection against harmful UV rays and may increase the risk of skin cancer.

The use of tretinoin without the supervision of health professionals can cause the skin to be reddish, uncomfortable, painful, peeling, and hypersensitive to sunlight.

Mercury is prohibited in cosmetics products because it can be harmful to health and can be absorbed into the body and causes damage to the kidneys and nervous system, as well as disrupt the brain development of young or unborn children. Mercury can also cause rashes, irritation, and other changes to the skin.

NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, and retailers to immediately stop the importation, distribution, and sale of the affected cosmetic products.

Any members of the public in possession of the affected cosmetic products are implored to submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLL-FREE from all networks), via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or via the NAFDAC ADR e-Reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng

Source- NAFDAC