FDA warns vs unlisted cosmetic products

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday warned the public against buying and using unregistered cosmetic products that may contain harmful ingredients.

«The use of substandard and possibly adulterated cosmetic products may lead to adverse reactions including, but not limited to, skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock and organ failure,» the FDA said in its advisory.

Cosmetic products such as Pond's Complete Solution (Acne Clear White), Miss D Gluta Almond Milk soap, Green Therapy Oatmeal soap, PDI Anti Melasma cream, PDI Artisan Niacinamide soap, Aladan Instant Whitening soap, Happy Brows serum, BYS Concealer Duo 03, Ellana Eyes Up Lifting and Brightening Eye serum, and Hair Care Collection conditioner, Mayfair Cocoberry Whitening soap, Yoko Whitening cream, and Tokyo White glutathione lotion showed no valid Certificate of Product Notification (CPN) as of Feb. 27, 2024.

Since the cited cosmetic products have not gone through the notification process of the FDA, the agency cannot assure their quality and safety.

Pursuant to Book II, Article I, Section 1 (a) of the Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act 9711, otherwise known as the «Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009,» the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of any health product without the proper authorization from the FDA is prohibited.

Thus, all concerned establishments were also warned against distributing such cosmetic products until they had fully complied with the FDA's rules and regulations.

All FDA Regional Field Offices and Regulatory Enforcement Units, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and local government units, were also requested to ensure that unauthorized products are not sold.

The public was also advised to always check if a product is notified by the FDA by using the FDA Verification Portal feature accessible at https://verification.fda.gov.ph, which may be used by typing in the name of the product before the purchase and/or using the cosmetic products.

Meanwhile, to report any sale, distribution, complaint or adverse event on the