Five cosmetic creams found to contain mercury, ‘potent’ prohibited ingredients: HSA

SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has flagged five skincare creams from the brands Deeja and RDL that were found to contain “potent undeclared ingredients” and high levels of mercury, and it has advised the public not to buy or use them.

In its tests, HSA found that the creams contained harmful ingredients such as hydroquinone, a skin lightening agent, and mercury, a toxic metal, the authority said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 31).

The five creams are:

1. Deeja Cosmetic Sun cream — contains mercury

2. Deeja Cosmetic Wrinkle cream — contains mercury

3. Deeja Cosmetic Dream cream — contains hydroquinone

4. RDL Babyface Babyface Whitening Cream Night Cream 5 in 1 — contains mercury 

RDL Face Off Fade-Out Cream Day Cream 5 in 1 — contains mercury

“Deeja Cosmetic Wrinkle cream” was singled out by the HSA for its mercury content, which exceeded permissible limits by more than 40,000 times.

‘SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS’

Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products. HSA warned that regularly applying creams containing mercury can lead to rash, skin discolouration and blotching, while long-term exposure to high amounts can cause serious health risks, including damage to the kidneys, and the digestive and nervous systems.

Hydroquinone is a prescription-only medicine, said HSA, and is prohibited in over-the-counter skincare products. Inappropriate use can change the user’s skin colour, and cause skin reactions such as rashes, redness, tingling and burning.

SOLD IN STORES, ONLINE

The three Deeja cosmetic creams were sold on local online platforms, carrying false claims such as “white, fluffy, glowing skin as early as 5 days”, and “made and specially formulated from 100% natural ingredients”.

The RDL products were imported by Arklife Distributors and sold in retail outlets. HSA has directed the distributor to stop selling the creams and recall the products from stores.

The RDL creams were also sold online by various other sellers, and HSA has told the online platforms’ administrators to remove listings of all the affected products.

HSA has advised consumers to stop using the five creams immediately and to see a doctor if they are experiencing adverse effects. Consumers should exercise caution when purchasing health products online, especially from unfamiliar websites, added HSA.