Health Sciences Authority (HAS) of Singapore has issued an alert about a facial cream, sold on several online platforms, containing high levels of mercury which is quite dangerous to health.
In a press release issued on Monday, HRA said, “HSA is alerting members of the public not to purchase or use ‘Royal Expert Whitening Cream’, as it was tested by HSA to contain high levels of mercury. The product which was sold on various online platforms was purported to have skin whitening and anti-wrinkle effects. Consumers who have purchased or are using this product are advised to stop using and discard them immediately.”
The released added, “HSA had been alerted by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), which tested a range of skincare products recently and found this product which was sold online to contain high levels of mercury. HSA followed up and further tested several samples of the product obtained from various online platforms. All samples tested positive with high mercury levels. HSA has directed the web administrators of online platforms to remove all listings of the product from the websites and will take the necessary actions against sellers of ‘Royal Expert Whitening Cream.”
In a statement on Monday, Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE ) said it had found 3,604 μg/g of mercury in the product, which was much higher than the permissible level (less than 1μg/g).
Mercury is a toxic substance that can cause rash, skin discolouration and blotching, or even affect a person’s kidneys and nervous system in the long-term. It is prohibited for use as an ingredient in cosmetic products.
HSA has also directed the web administrators of online platforms to remove all listings of the product from their websites.
HSA has added that it will take action against anyone found selling ‘Royal Expert Whitening Cream’. Anyone who supplies illegal health products is liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to three years and/or fined up to SGD100,000.
