The Ministry of Health (MoH) issued a statement to alert the public on two cosmetic products, tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services at the MoH and found to be adulterated with undeclared, banned ingredients.
The adulterated products are: Rissa Skin (Skin Moisturiser) with tretinoin; and Collage Plus Vit E (Day & Night Cream) with mercury.
The adulterants can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them, said the MoH.
Tretinoin is used in Western prescription medicines to treat skin conditions and is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007.
Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007.
Inappropriate use of tretinoin could lead to redness, peeling and scarring of the skin while exposure to mercury can cause skin rashes, memory loss and muscle weakness while high exposures may result in damage to the brain and kidneys. It is also extremely toxic to unborn children.
The public who have purchased or used the products are advised to halt usage immediately.
They should also consult a medical practitioner if experiencing any undesirable reactions to the products.
Retail of the products (including online retail such as through Facebook 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 also called on the public to report to the Compliance and Licensing Section if any of these products are still found on the market by contacting, the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393301 (ext 208).
For information, contact Darussalam Line 123 or the BruHealth app, or visit the MoH website at www.moh.gov.bn or follow its social media@mohbrunei.
