The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned against the use of Malaysian banned cosmetics identified as Sifu Kunyit Day Cream, Sifu Kunyit Night Cream and JJ Skincare Glowhite Night Cream.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the agency, in a statement issues on Tuesday in Abuja, these banned products were found to contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, betamethasone valerate and mercury which could cause change to skin pigmentation, damage to the kidney and increase the risk of skin cancer and they have been banned by the Malaysian Ministry of Health.

According to prof Adeyeye, Sifu Kunyit Night cream contains mercury and betamethasone 17-valerate, Sifu Kunyit Day Cream contains hydroquinone, tretinoin and betamethasone 17-valerate, while JJ Skincare Glowhite Night cream contains hydroquinone.

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“Betamethasone valerate can cause the skin to be thinner and prone to irritation, acne, changes in skin pigmentation and increase the risk of being absorbed into the blood circulation system which can have harmful effects. Hydroquinone causes redness of the skin, discomfort, unwanted skin changes, the skin becomes hypersensitive, can prevent pigmentation (depigmentation) which reduces skin protection against harmful UV rays and may increase the risk of skin cancer.”

“The use of tretinoin without the supervision of health professionals could cause the skin to be reddish, uncomfortable, painful, peeling and hypersensitive to sunlight”. Mercury had been prohibited in cosmetics products because it could be harmful to health and could be absorbed into the body and caused damage to the kidneys and nervous system and it is also capable of disrupting the brain development of young or unborn children. Mecury also causes rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin.”

She however gave an order that any members of the public in possession of the affected cosmetic products are implored to submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office. Immediate stop has also been put on the import and export of these harmful skincare products.