NAFDAC bans “dangerous” cosmetic products due to health concerns

24 Aug 2022 --- The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is banning three cosmetic products manufactured in India, South Korea and the UK as they may be detrimental to consumer health. The recall is being implemented as each product does not adhere to the safety regulations issued by the European Rapid Alert System (ERAS).

The United Kingdom Studio 2000 system’s Professional Mouse Pro-Vitamin B5 has been banned. This is because butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which is present in the product, is not permitted in cosmetics. BHMCA is dangerous as it can harm the reproductive system including an unborn child’s health and it can also cause skin sensitization.

Meanwhile, Skinlite’s “hyaluronic acid X 3 face mask” has been banned in South Korea. BMHCA is present in the product and has the same hazardous effects on the reproductive system and the unborn child’s health as the Professional Mouse Pro-Vitamin B5.

The product is widely available through online retailers. Customers who shop online should be cautious, warns the NAFDAC.

NAFDAC urges importers, distributors and retailers to immediately halt the importation, distribution, sale and use of Skinlite’s Hyaluronic acid X 3 face mask.Brown henna recall and recommendations
The Brown henna produced by India’s Royal Topline Exim has also been prohibited. The product contains Toluene-2,5-diamine, 5-amino-o-cresol, p-aminophenol and p-phenylenediamine (PPD) with insufficient coupling agent (measured values: 0.2%, 0.8%, 4.1% and 2.7%, respectively).

Toluene-2,5-diamine, 5-amino-o-cresol, uncoupled p-aminophenol, and PPD are all potent skin sensitizers that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Furthermore, Toluene-2,5-Diamine is carcinogenic, mutagenic and may impair fertility.

In all three cases, NAFDAC recommends that the products are not to be sold or used. Those in possession of the products are to turn them into the nearest NAFDAC office.

NAFDAC urges importers, distributors and retailers to immediately halt the importation, distribution, sale and use of the three products.

Additionally, NAFDAC encourages healthcare professionals, consumers and patients to report any adverse events associated with using this product to the NAFDAC office closest to them.

BHMCA is dangerous as it can harm the reproductive system including an unborn child’s health.Product bans within CBD, chemicals and sunscreen
Recently, cannabidiol (CBD), a natural sedative derived from cannabis, may be outlawed in personal care and nutritional products, including any topical or ingestible forms, by the Hong Kong government through legislation. It warned that “CBD would become a dangerous drug in Hong Kong upon its launch” in June.

The Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) has expressed support for “option one,” of Defra’s chemical ban extension. This would extend the deadline for regulating carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances that are lethal to aquatic organisms. The UK-based association also encourages cosmetic companies to respond to the consultation by September.

In sunscreen regulations and safety concerns, a Spanish-based study found that chemicals used in sunscreen products are harmful to marine life and aquatic biota. According to the study, toxic chemicals should be replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives.

However, the Personal Care Products Council has stated that there is “insufficient evidence” to support sunscreen bans.

By Nicole Kerr