Hydroquinone Cream in Malaysia
A common enquiry we get is 'where to buy hydroquinone cream in Malaysia?'. We do know that there are many whitening products out there that can be easily purchased online. This article will will give you an overview about hydroquinone and aim to give readers a better understanding about hydroquinone.
What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone (HQ), also known as dihydroxybenzene is a compound that stops the production of melanin (pigment) by the melanocyte (pigment cell). Studies have shown that HQ not only reduce the production of melanin, but could destroy the melanocytes (pigment cells).
The misuse of Hydroquinone in Cosmetic Products
The use of hydroquinone is often associated with cosmetic product for skin whitening or to treat pigmentation problems. The presence of hydroquinone in cosmetic product is not allowed and the product is categorised as adulterated product. Adulterated products are against the stipulated guidelines and regulations.
Prohibited substance is commonly added to a cosmetic product to prove that the product is effective. The user will experience faster results as promoted by the seller and this will make them to continue buying the products. This is an irresponsible marketing strategy employed by the seller. As an agency under the MOH that regulate cosmetic products in Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) constantly monitor the cosmetic products in the local market and continuously sampling cosmetic products for testing to ensure its safety and quality. Cosmetic products that are tested and found to contain prohibited substances will be cancelled for its notification and the product will be recalled from market.
Unsupervised use of products containing hydroquinone by health professional can cause various adverse effects. Hydroquinone can cause redness on the skin, discomfort, discoloration of the skin or skin becomes hypersensitive. Hydroquinone can impede the process of pigmentation and this process can reduce skin protection from harmful UV rays which may increase the risk of skin cancer. Long term use of such products may cause the skin to turn into black patches when exposed to sunlight.
In Malaysia, the use of hydroquinone has been banned in cosmetic products.
The Roles of Consumer
Consumers are advised to get sufficient information before purchasing a cosmetic product and should not buy or use cosmetic products from dubious sources such the night market, street seller or online purchase. In addition, the consumer is also advised not to be easily lured by advertisements and any form of promotions that promoted extreme claims and promising positive effects instantaneously.
Consumers and public may refer to the official website of the NPCB at www.bpfk.gov.my to verify the notification status of a cosmetic product before purchasing a cosmetic product. An updated list of cosmetic products tested and found to contain prohibited substances such as hydroquinone is published on the NPCB’s website.
Consumers are encouraged to report to the NPCB if they experience any allergic reactions or adverse effects from the use of cosmetic products or encounter any suspicious cosmetic product at 03-78018496/78835532 or e-mail to kosmetik@bpfk.gov.my and to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Related:
List of Banned Cosmetics in Malaysia 2019
Pigmentation Treatment Malaysia
Top 10 Aesthetic Clinics in Malaysia
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| List of Banned Cosmetics in 2019 |
What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone (HQ), also known as dihydroxybenzene is a compound that stops the production of melanin (pigment) by the melanocyte (pigment cell). Studies have shown that HQ not only reduce the production of melanin, but could destroy the melanocytes (pigment cells).
The misuse of Hydroquinone in Cosmetic Products
The use of hydroquinone is often associated with cosmetic product for skin whitening or to treat pigmentation problems. The presence of hydroquinone in cosmetic product is not allowed and the product is categorised as adulterated product. Adulterated products are against the stipulated guidelines and regulations.
Prohibited substance is commonly added to a cosmetic product to prove that the product is effective. The user will experience faster results as promoted by the seller and this will make them to continue buying the products. This is an irresponsible marketing strategy employed by the seller. As an agency under the MOH that regulate cosmetic products in Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) constantly monitor the cosmetic products in the local market and continuously sampling cosmetic products for testing to ensure its safety and quality. Cosmetic products that are tested and found to contain prohibited substances will be cancelled for its notification and the product will be recalled from market.
Unsupervised use of products containing hydroquinone by health professional can cause various adverse effects. Hydroquinone can cause redness on the skin, discomfort, discoloration of the skin or skin becomes hypersensitive. Hydroquinone can impede the process of pigmentation and this process can reduce skin protection from harmful UV rays which may increase the risk of skin cancer. Long term use of such products may cause the skin to turn into black patches when exposed to sunlight.
In Malaysia, the use of hydroquinone has been banned in cosmetic products.
The Roles of Consumer
Consumers are advised to get sufficient information before purchasing a cosmetic product and should not buy or use cosmetic products from dubious sources such the night market, street seller or online purchase. In addition, the consumer is also advised not to be easily lured by advertisements and any form of promotions that promoted extreme claims and promising positive effects instantaneously.
Consumers and public may refer to the official website of the NPCB at www.bpfk.gov.my to verify the notification status of a cosmetic product before purchasing a cosmetic product. An updated list of cosmetic products tested and found to contain prohibited substances such as hydroquinone is published on the NPCB’s website.
Consumers are encouraged to report to the NPCB if they experience any allergic reactions or adverse effects from the use of cosmetic products or encounter any suspicious cosmetic product at 03-78018496/78835532 or e-mail to kosmetik@bpfk.gov.my and to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Related:
List of Banned Cosmetics in Malaysia 2019
Pigmentation Treatment Malaysia
Top 10 Aesthetic Clinics in Malaysia
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