The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a ban on the three cosmetic products that contain mercury which can be harmful to health. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has urged the public to stop purchasing and using them.

In a statement, he said that the products are Glow Skin White Brightening Cream, Glow Skin White Sun Care and Rzac Beauty Creme 2.

“Mercury is prohibited in cosmetics products because it can be harmful to health. It can be absorbed into the body and cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system. The substance can also disrupt brain development of young or unborn children and causes rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin,” he said

Dr Noor Hisham said the sale and distribution of these cosmetics products violate the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 and should be stopped immediately.

Mercury, found in Glow Skin White Brightening Cream, Glow Skin White Sun Care and Rzac Beauty Creme 2 can cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system – Dr Noor Hisham

Dr Noor Hisham advised those who are using the products to immediately stop and seek advice from health professionals if they experience any discomfort.

Consumers are encouraged to check the notification status of a cosmetic product at the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA)’s official website here or through the ‘NPRA Product Status’ application that can be downloaded at Google Play Store.

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency has revoked the licenses for all three products and they are no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia.

If the company or individuals selling are convicted, they can be fined up to RM 50,000 or five years jail for the first offense and RM 100,000 for subsequent offenses.

A quick check on the Glow Skin White website shows that the Glow Skin White Brightening Cream is still for sale. The Glow Skin White Sun Care, however, is out of stock.