HSA raises alert over high mercury levels found in 2 cosmetic products
SINGAPORE — Two cosmetic products sold online have been found to contain high levels of mercury, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a press release today (June 9), urging consumers who have bought these products to dispose of them.
The mercury was found in two face and body cream products, touted as having skin whitening properties. The products are Pati IbuPutih by Janna Lawwa Day Creamy FACE n BODY WHITE (PUTIH GEBU KEKAL) and Pati IbuPutih by Janna Lawwa Night Creamy FACE n BODY WHITE (PUTIH GEBU KEKAL).
The HSA said mercury may cause rashes, irritation and blotchiness of the skin. “Chronic exposure to high levels of mercury in cosmetic products may affect the kidneys and nervous system as it can be absorbed through the skin,” the authority warned, urging consumers who have the product to throw it away. Any user experiencing adverse effects or concerned about their health should seek medical attention as soon as possible, it added.
The authority also advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing such products online, as it may be difficult to be certain about their source and how they were manufactured. “They may be illegal, counterfeit or substandard, and may contain undeclared ingredients which can harm your health,” said the HSA.
It is an offence to import, sell and supply an illegal or unapproved health product. Anyone found guilty of an offence under the Heath Products Act is liable to a fine of up to S$100,000, or jail of up to three years, or both.
“HSA takes a serious view against those engaged in the sale and supply of illegal health products and will take strong enforcement action against such persons,” it said.
Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products or other illegal products may contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at 6866 3485 or hsa_is [at] hsa.gov.sg.
