Jakarta. A TikToker known as Dokter Detektif has revealed that thousands of cosmetic products in Indonesia are allegedly mislabelled, raising concerns about misleading claims regarding their ingredient contents and potential harm to the skin. In response to these allegations, skincare businesswoman Hani Sagara has officially filed a lawsuit against influencers who labeled her a "skincare mafia."

Through her TikTok account, where she appears wearing an eye mask, Dokter Detektif frequently exposes secrets behind viral skincare products to her 1.2 million followers. Her posts typically focus on overclaims regarding skincare ingredients promoted in various marketing live streams.

“I have no intention of harming any brand. My mission is to protect the public from the overwhelming wave of overclaimed skincare products that can be detrimental,” Dokter Detektif said in a video on her TikTok account in September.

In one post, Dokter Detektif highlighted an overclaim from a skincare brand identified as M, which claimed its niacinamide content was 10 percent. However, laboratory tests she conducted revealed that the actual content was only 5.3 percent.

In another video, she exposed an overclaim regarding a viral retinol serum. During a live broadcast, the brand owner claimed the serum contained 1 percent retinol, but laboratory testing showed that the actual retinol content was just 0.0054 percent, significantly below the claim.

Dokter Detektif also revealed laboratory test results for a popular skincare product from a celebrity influencer, which contained a staggering 60,353.45 mg/kg of hydroquinone (Hq).

According to dermatologist Fitria Agustina, the proliferation of overclaimed cosmetics can lead to numerous side effects. For instance, unmonitored hydroquinone use can result in exogenous ochronosis, a skin condition characterized by bluish pigmentation on the face.

Another concerning ingredient is corticosteroids found in blue-labeled skincare products. If not used under medical supervision, the risks are substantial, potentially leading to telangiectasis, skin atrophy, hypopigmentation, and other issues such as hirsutism (excessive facial hair), irritation, redness, severe peeling, and skin pain.

Dokter Detektif expressed frustration with the lavish lifestyles of skincare brand owners who often flaunt their wealth on social media. “If wealth is obtained in a lawful manner, that’s fine. But if you’re selling products through overclaims or counterfeit items, it’s just as bad as stealing money from the public,” she said.

In response to the skincare controversy, Hani Sagara, who owns a cosmetic production facility, has officially filed a lawsuit against celebrity Nikita Mirzani and influencer doctors Richard Lee and Okky Pratama, following accusations that labeled her a "skincare mafia," which have gained traction on social media. Meanwhile, Dokter Detektif's identity remains a mystery.

“I have remained silent regarding the defamation and accusations against me due to the opinions shaped by Dr. Richard Lee, Dr. Okky Pratama, and Nikita Mirzani, who called me a skincare mafia. What they’re doing is clearly an attempt to undermine my long-established business and represents unhealthy competition,” Hani Sagara said during a press conference at Hotel Borobudur in Central Jakarta on Thursday.

The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has suspended operations at Hani's factory.

Dr. Okky Pratama said he is prepared for legal action from Hani Sagara. “As long as we are in the right, we have no fear of lawsuits because we know that the law in Indonesia is upright. You all know who is right and who is wrong,” Dr. Okky said Thursday.

Dr. Richard Lee expressed disappointment over not being able to meet Hani Sagara during her press conference to clarify the accusations against them. “It’s a pity we couldn’t meet, especially since she mentioned our names. We could have asked her directly,” Richard commented.

Meanwhile, Nikita Mirzani’s legal representative, Fahmi Bachmid, announced that his client is currently focused on performing Umrah.