The Ministry of Health (MoH) has sounded the alarm on a cosmetic product found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent Western medicine. The findings were made by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services, MoH.
Brilliant Skin Essentials – whitening facial cream – maintenance cream is a Philippine manufactured product containing tretinoin. The adulterant found in this product can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to the users.
Tretinoin is used in Western prescription medicine to treat skin conditions and is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007.
Inappropriate use of tretinoin could lead to redness, peeling and scarring of the skin. Users are advised to discontinue use immediately and consult a medical practitioner should they feel unwell or experience undesirable reactions.
Retail of the product (including online retail such as through Facebook, etc) is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007. The penalty for contravening these regulations upon conviction is a fine not exceeding BND5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
The MoH called for public cooperation to report to the Compliance and Licensing Section should the product be found on the market, by contacting 2393301 (ext 208) or Darussalam Line 123, or e-mailing to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn.
