被 發 現 含 有 未 標 示 西 藥 的 產 品
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| Singapore: HSA Alert: “Q-Nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream” detected to contain very high levels of mercury and a potent steroid (English only) |
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or use “Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream”. The cream was touted to help reduce body odour, whiten and smoothen skin tone and claimed to be “safe, natural, non-toxic and harmless to your skin”. However, HSA’s test revealed that the cream contained potent ingredients, including very high levels of mercury, a potent steroid (betamethasone valerate) and a preservative (triclosan) that is not allowed in cosmetic skin creams.
A consumer who purchased “Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream” online experienced immediate and effective results which made her suspect that the product contained potent ingredients. She reported the product to HSA. HSA’s investigations revealed that “Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream” was sold on local e-commerce platforms such as Carousell, Shopee and Lazada and a retail shop (Beauty & Bath) at Lucky Plaza. HSA has worked with the local platform administrators to remove the affected listings and also seized all the products from the Lucky Plaza shop. Two sellers are assisting with investigations.
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal and is prohibited for use as an ingredient in cosmetic products. It may cause rashes, skin irritation and blotchiness, and can be absorbed through the skin causing numbness, dizziness and headaches. Long term use of mercury containing products can also cause toxic effects to the kidneys, digestive and nervous systems, leading to organ damage.
Betamethasone valerate is a potent steroid usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under medical supervision. Long-term unsupervised use of steroid-containing creams can cause hypersensitivity reactions, thinning of the skin and steroid withdrawal syndrome (burning, itching and redness following sudden stopping of prolonged use). They may also be absorbed into the body and cause serious adverse effects such as high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, an increased risk of infections and Cushing’s syndrome (a round face or ‘moon face’ appearance and upper body obesity with thin limbs). Triclosan is a preservative with anti-bacterial properties which may cause skin irritation.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/hsa-alert-q-nic-care-whitening-underarm-cream
In Hong Kong, the above product is not a registered pharmaceutical product.
Ends/Saturday, Oct 26, 2024
Issued at HKT 12:00
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