In a press statement issued on Wednesday, January 12, 2023, Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Health (MoH) identified four types of cosmetic products as adulterated. Some undeclared, banned ingredients listed in the Poisons Act 1956 were found in these items. The adulterants in these four cosmetic products can be potentially hazardous to consumers.
The findings mentioned in MoH’s press statement were revealed by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section at the Department of Scientific Services. Mercury was found to be present in Pinkkiss Beauty Skincare 3 in 1 – Mixberry Night Cream 1 and Pinkkiss Beauty Care Muda Remaja Sepanjang Usia – Herbal Cream. This potent ingredient is prohibited in cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007.
Pinkkiss Beauty Skincare 3 in 1 – Therapy Treatment Night Cream 2 and Pinkkiss Beauty Care Muda Remaja Sepanjang Usia – Treatment Cream had hydroquinone and tretinoin. Many prescription medicines used to treat skin conditions in western countries contain hydroquinone. This ingredient is prohibited in cosmetic products for skincare under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations.
The use of hydroquinone under unsupervised conditions may cause hypersensitivity of the skin. It may also cause skin discoloration. This may lead to a gradual darkening of the skin area that has been affected, along with an increased risk of skin cancer.
Tretinoin is a potent ingredient used in western prescription medicines for treating skin conditions. It is prohibited in cosmetic products for skincare under Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations. The inappropriate use of this ingredient can cause redness, scarring, and peeling of the skin.