PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has warned the public against the use of six cosmetics products, including one from a French manufacturer, found to contain scheduled poisons.
The products BML HB Lotion, Krim Malam Shana and Natasya Gold Krim Herba are said to contain tretinoin and hydroquinone while Biotox Whitening Hydro Cream contained dexamethasone and Yoko Whitening Cream and Sue Beauty Night Treatment Cream contained tretinoin.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Senior Director Datuk Eisah A. Rahman said the use of tretinoin, hydroquinone and dexamethasone in cosmetics may cause various side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.
Tretinoin can cause redness to the skin, peeling, discomfort and sensitivity to sunlight while hydroquinone can cause redness to skin, discomfort, skin discolouration, hypersensitivity and a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin.
"It also inhibits the pigmentation process and this attenuates the ability of the skin to protect our body from harmful UV rays, which can lead to the risk of getting skin cancer," she said.
Eisah said that dexamethasone, a steroid, when used topically, can cause skin irritation, dry skin, acne, thinning of the skin and increased risk of skin infections.
Prolonged use of topical steroids may result in systemic side effects such as suppression of the adrenal glands, metabolic disturbances and immune response impairment.
"Anyone who is in possession of the products is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing or using it," she said.
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