BPOM Removes 23 Unsafe Cosmetic Items Over Banned Chemicals

Antara
November 3, 2025 | 4:55 pm

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This is an undated file photo of illegal cosmetics. (Antara Photo)

Jakarta. Drug and food regulator BPOM has seized 23 cosmetic products found to contain banned and hazardous substances, following intensified market surveillance between July and September this year.

BPOM said the enforcement action underscores its commitment to protect consumers from toxic ingredients, particularly mercury, which remains one of the most frequently detected chemicals in illegal whitening products.

“From sampling and laboratory testing, all of the seized items were confirmed to contain dangerous and/or prohibited substances that pose health risks to consumers,” BPOM Chief Taruna Ikrar said in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by state-run Antara news agency.

Hazardous compounds identified in the products include mercury, retinoic acid, hydroquinone, non-permitted dyes such as Red K3 and Red K10, and Acid Orange 7.

Taruna said these substances can trigger serious side effects. Mercury exposure can lead to skin discoloration (ochronosis), allergic reactions, irritation, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney damage. Retinoic acid carries risks for pregnant women, with potential effects on fetal organ development. Hydroquinone has been linked to hyperpigmentation, ochronosis, and corneal or nail discoloration.

Unauthorized dyes such as Red K3, Red K10, and Acid Orange 7 are known to carry cancer risks and are associated with liver damage and neurological impairment.

Most of the seized items,15 out of 23, were contract-manufactured products. Two were domestic brands, five were imported cosmetics, and one was an unregistered item with no distribution permit.

BPOM said it has revoked the product circulation permits and ordered the suspension of production, distribution, and import activities related to the violators. Companies have also been instructed to withdraw and destroy affected products.

The crackdown was executed through BPOM’s 76 regional technical units nationwide. The agency has also begun deeper tracing of production networks, particularly illegal manufacturers and distributors operating without authorization.

If criminal elements are identified, BPOM’s civil service investigators (PPNS) will pursue pro-justitia proceedings, Taruna said.

The products named were:

• Al-Latif Henna Nail Polish Radiant Red

• Al-Latif Henna Nail Polish Ravishing Red

• Dinda Skincare Lotion Booster Brightening

• Dubai Ria Body Lotion

• Elbyci Night Cream Platinum

• F&A Skin Glow Day Cream Exclusive

• HK Hadijah Karima Glow All In One Whitening Cream

• Meglow Skincare Cream

• Pinkflash 3 Pan Eyeshadow PF-E23 BR02

• Pinkflash 3 Pan Eyeshadow PF-E23 BR04