HSA Alerts Public to Six Han's Skin Care Cosmetic Products Purchased Online That Were Found to Contain Undeclared Potent Ingredients

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public to six types of Han's Skin Care cosmetic products, which were tested and found to contain potent undeclared ingredients, namely hydroquinone, tretinoin, mercury and salicylic acid. The affected products are:

1. Han's Skin.Care Flawless Day Cream 
2. Han's Skin.Care Flawless Night Cream 
3. Han's Skin.Care Treatment Toner 
4. Han's Skin.Care TRIAL Flawless Day Cream 
5. Han's Skin.Care TRIAL Flawless Night Cream 
6. Han's Skin.Care TRIAL Treatment Toner 

2       HSA was alerted to these products after receiving feedback from consumers who were concerned about the safety of Han's Skin Care Products which were sold online. These products were sourced from overseas and sold online by various sellers. HSA's investigations are still ongoing. Members of the public are advised to stop using and discard the affected products as they may cause harmful effects.

Safety concerns

3       Hydroquinone and tretinoin are potent ingredients that are used in western prescription medicines for the treatment of skin conditions. These ingredients are prohibited in skincare cosmetic products and should only be used under medical supervision as they may cause harmful effects if not used properly. The inappropriate use of hydroquinone could result in changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity reactions. Inappropriate use of tretinoin could lead to redness and peeling of the skin. 

4       The use of mercury as an ingredient in cosmetic products is also prohibited. Regular application of creams containing mercury could lead to rash, skin discolouration and blotching. In addition, the use of products with high levels of salicylic acid could lead to dry, irritated and red skin.

HSA Advisory

5       Consumers who have purchased the above products are strongly advised to discard the products and not to use them any further. Products containing western medicinal ingredients must be used under strict medical supervision. Those who have used these products should seek medical attention if they experience adverse effects or are concerned about their health. HSA would like to reiterate the dangers of purchasing health products including cosmetics from sources such as over the Internet. They may contain undeclared potent substances which can cause adverse effects when used without medical supervision.

6       “Consumers need to be aware of the risk of purchasing products online. Consumers should exercise discretion in their purchase of cosmetic products, and purchase them from reliable and reputable sources. Unlike other commodities, use of poor quality and falsely labelled health products including cosmetics can cause serious health effects,” says Associate Prof Chan Cheng Leng, Deputy Group Director, Health Products Regulation Group, HSA.

7       It is an offence for any person to import, sell and supply an illegal or unapproved health product. Anyone found guilty of an offence under the Heath Products Act is liable to a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to three years. HSA takes a serious view against those engaged in the sale and supply of illegal health products and will take strong enforcement action against such persons.

8       Members of the public who have any information that could help with the investigations may contact HSA at Tel: 6866-3474 or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg. The public is also requested to report any other suspicious sales of illegal products to HSA at the same contact number/e-mail. 

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE 
7 FEBRUARY 2014

Download pdf version here468 KB Published: 7 Feb 2014

Press Releases