- Definition of cosmetics
Cosmetics and women are inseparable. In general, there is a surplus of numerous cosmetics products on the market. If the cosmetics are safe, it is not a problem, however, our concern is on harmful cosmetic products.
By definition, cosmetic products are for external use only on the part of the human body to cleanse, whiten, beautify and eliminate body odour and are controlled under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, Sale of Drugs Act 1952. Any treatment purpose (medical indication) such as eliminating acne problems is part of this a category.
- Cosmetics bought in wholesale where it’s weighed by kilograms
Among the current ups and downs in the social media and newspapers is the presence of cosmetic products of weight loss kilos cream bought in wholesale from foreign countries such as Thailand and China. It is said to be repackaged and then sold online. The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) does not prevent the sale of products from abroad to be marketed to Malaysia. BUT, before the product is marketed, distributors must obtain approval from MOH through the procedures established by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). If it is doubtful, the registration of cosmetics will not be approved.
- The features of a safe cosmetics product are as follows:
- Has a legal notification number
- Does not contain illicit substances such as Scheduled Poison
- Need to be used continuously
- The formulation is suitable according to its use.
- NOT in the form of injections or to be inserted into the body cavity.
- Not for treatment purposes such as acne problem.
- Side effects of prohibited substances in cosmetic products
It’s too often displayed in the media, with regards to the side effects of cosmetic products. Some cause redness to the skin like burns and some are very severe which lead to abscesses. These are some of the side effects that occur when there are prohibited substances in the cosmetic product. Among those identified are hydroquinone, tretinoin ,and mercury. All these materials are being misused as whitening agents in cosmetic products. The higher the content of the ingredient in.cosmetic products, the more critical the side effects the user will have.
Cosmetic products mixed with hydroquinone can inhibit depigmentation which reduces skin protection from the ultra-violet (UV) radiation hazard and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
If tretinoin is being used by pregnant women, it can be harmful to the foetus. This is because it is medically proven that tretinoin have side effects on the foetus.
Mercury can penetrate into the body and cause damage to the kidneys and the nervous system. It can also interfere with the brain development of a young or unborn child.
Furthermore, any product containing hydroquinone and tretinoin is a pharmaceutical product that needs to be registered with the drug control authority and can only be used with health professionals’ advice.
- Are stem cells and collagen products are classified as cosmetic products and do the Ministry of Health monitors the sale of these products?
Sellers’ passion for gaining profit in the market of cosmetics products and the excitement of consumers to remain beautiful is undeniably very difficult to contain. There are sellers who start selling cell stem products as well as collagen products for beauty purposes while the content in them cannot be guaranteed its safety. Although such products do not fall under cosmetics, it can be classified as a food product or a pharmaceutical product depending on the content in the product. In terms of monitoring in Malaysia, the MOH Food Safety and Quality Division will monitor the food products and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency will take action as soon as possible with Preventive Poison.
- In this modern era, there are various innovations in the beauty industry. As advertised here and there, “You can be beautiful with a single Vitamin C injection”. Is it safe?
Synonymous with beauty, there is also a product in the form of injection formulation. By definition, beauty products in the form of injections are not categorised as cosmetic but are often misinterpreted by the media. The safety of the use of this cosmetic product can also be doubted. In addition to being handled by unauthorized individuals, users may also be susceptible to allergic reactions. In terms of injection handling, the aseptic method is important in order to prevent infection factors in the body which can cause death.
- Essential tips for cosmetic product users:
Identify the product as cosmetics or not cosmetics.
GunakanUse a notified cosmetic product (NOT).
Please ensure that the NOT number is legal. Perform a check on NPRA official website http://npra.moh.gov.my/ or email to kosmetik@npra.gov.my. Contact us at 03-78835400 for more information.
Avoid believing in extreme advertisements regarding cosmetic products.
Use your rights as a user to learn more about the product before purchasing.
- The role of the media in products’ advertisement.
Undoubtedly the role of the media is very important in terms of the advertising of a product. The media can collaborate with the Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia to review the products that will be advertised on radio or television. It is one of the significant steps in preventing consumers from getting caught up in the use of unsafe cosmetics and thereby reducing their sales in Malaysia.
NORVENA HISYAM
PHARMACIST
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
This article was translated from https://www.mmgazette.com/cakna-kosmetik-selamat-norvena-hisyam/ by Nurul Aini Ahmad.
REFERENCES:
Garis Panduan Kosmetik
http://npra.moh.gov.my/
Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 23 Februari 2018 – Produk-produk Kosmetik Yang Dikesan Mengandungi Racun Berjadual
Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,
Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 21 Januari 2017 – Kawalan dan Tindakan Oleh KKM Ke Atas Produk Kosmetik di Pasaran
Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,