Dangers of Illegal Skincare Products for Consumers & Manufacturers
Aesthetics Daily – The ease of accessing information, including through social media, has made more and more people aware of the importance of using skincare products. On the other hand, various local and international skincare products are very easy to find on the market. However, the public must be more careful considering that not all products are safe to use.
One of the things that must be considered before buying skincare and cosmetic products is the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) label which indicates a product is guaranteed to be safe. The BPOM certificate listed on the product makes potential buyers believe in using it.
Dr. Rosmerry Simanjuntak. A.Md. RO., M.Biomed from MM Aesthetic Clinic explains that the use of cosmetics without BPOM permits is not recommended because the ingredient quality used and cleanliness in the production process are not guaranteed. “It is recommended to use skincare that has BPOM permits. When buying, people must be careful and consult with an expert first,” says Rosmerry.
Then, what are the dangers and risks of using skincare products without a BPOM label?
Zamroni as Acting Head of BBPOM Bandar Lampung says that products on the market without a BPOM label mean that they are being sold illegally and do not comply with applicable regulations.
“In addition, product safety and quality are not guaranteed. A product may contain hazardous materials including mercury, hydroquinone, retinoic acid, dexamethasone, clindamycin and Red K3 and Red K10,” explains Zamroni.
He adds, if consumers use products that contain hazardous ingredients such as mercury, this will cause various problems, including skin discoloration which eventually causes black spots on the skin, allergies, skin irritation, permanent damage to the nervous system of the brain, kidneys and fetal abnormalities or teratogenic. Short-term exposure to high doses causes diarrhea, vomiting and kidney damage. Mercury is a carcinogenic substance that causes cancer.
The use of hydroquinone in the long term and high doses can cause hyperpigmentation, especially in areas of the skin exposed to direct sunlight and can cause ochronosis (blackish skin). This will be seen after six months of use and this may be irreversible.
Colorants Red K.3 (CI 15585), Red K.10 (Rhodamin B) and Orange K.1 (CI 12075) are often misused in lipstick products or other decorative products (eyelid shadow and blush) because of their bright colors. These synthetic dyes are generally used as a substance
paper, textile or ink colors. This dye is a carcinogenic substance. Rodhamin B in high concentrations can cause liver damage.
Not only consumers are affected, those who produce and distribute products without the BPOM label and are proven to contain dangerous ingredients will be subject to criminal sanctions and fines. Their actions violated Article 197 of Law No. 39 of 2009 which states: “Anyone who deliberately producing or distributing pharmaceutical preparations or medical devices that do not have a distribution permit as referred to in Article 106 paragraph (1) shall be subject to imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years and a fine of IDR 1.5 billion.
In addition, distributing products that do not meet safety and quality and contain dangerous ingredients that are prohibited in cosmetics, violates the provisions of Article 196 of Law No. 39 of 2009. It states: “Any person who deliberately produces or distributes pharmaceutical preparations or medical devices that does not meet the standards and requirements for safety, efficacy or benefits and quality as referred to in Article 98 paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) shall be subject to imprisonment for 10 years and a fine of IDR 1 billion.
