PUTRAJAYA, April 2 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) no longer permits the sale of two cosmetic products, Glowing Nite Treatment and Glowing Herbal Treatment, which have been found to contain scheduled poisons.

It said in a statement today that the two products contained prohibited substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, tretinoin and betamethasone 17-valerate.

“Following that, the notifications for the involved cosmetics have been revoked by the Director of Pharmacy Services and are no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia,” according to the statement.

The MOH said that mercury is banned in cosmetic products because the substance can be absorbed into the body and cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system, in addition to potentially disrupting the brain development of children, including unborn babies.

“Mercury can also cause rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin,” said the statement.

The ministry said that substances such as betamethasone 17-valerate, hydroquinone, and tretinoin are medications that must be registered with the Drug Control Authority and can only be used under the advice of a healthcare professional.

The MOH said the use of cosmetics containing these substances without professional health supervision can cause various side effects. It includes thinning of the facial skin, irritation, acne, pigmentation changes, and an increased risk of the substance being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can lead to harmful effects.

“These cosmetic sellers and distributors need to stop the sale and distribution of these cosmetics immediately,” said the statement.

The MOH also said that the sale and distribution of these cosmetics are in violation of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

Individuals who commit offences under these regulations may be subjected to a fine not exceeding RM25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both for the first offence, and a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both for subsequent offences.

For companies that commit offences, they can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences. — Bernama