The Ministry of Health (MoH) has raised the red flag on two cosmetic products found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent Western medicine, following testing by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services, MoH.
The RYX Skin Sincerity Clear Bomb Advanced Exfoliating Toner as well as the RYX Skin Sincerity Beyouthiful Starter Kit Day and Night Rejuvenating Toner were found to be adulterated with Hydroquinone. Both products are manufactured in the Philippines.
Hydroquinone can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to users. It is used in Western prescription medicines to treat skin conditions and is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations.
Unsupervised use may cause skin hypersensitivity, skin discolouration resulting in gradual darkening of the affected skin area and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The MoH has not issued an approval for the importation for the sale of the products and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of the rest of affected products.
Following the findings, the products are prohibited from being imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
Members of the public who have purchased or are using these products are advised to discontinue use immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience undesirable reactions as a result of using them.
Members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook) are reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the Act. The penalty for such an offence upon conviction is a BND8,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment.
Furthermore, if a person commits an act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, then the individual shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The public is also reminded that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the authority. 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 calls for public cooperation in reporting to the Compliance and Licensing Section should any of these products be found on the market.
For information and communication, contact the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393298 (ext 208), e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn, visit the Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services in Kampong Madaras in Mukim Gadong A, or call Darussalam Line at 123.
