In a statement today, the ministry identified the products as JJF Cream Herba, which contains mercury and betamethasone17-valerate, and JF Cream Treatment, which contains hydroquinone and tretinoin, Bernama reported.

It said these products were no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia.

The ministry said mercury is banned in cosmetics because it can be absorbed into the body, potentially causing kidney damage, nervous system disorders and interfering with brain development in young children or unborn babies.

“Mercury can also cause rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin,” it said.

Cosmetics containing betamethasone 17-valerate, hydroquinone and tretinoin are classified as medicines and must be registered with the Drug Control Authority. They should be used only with the advice of doctors.

Betamethasone 17-valerate can cause the skin to become thin, easily irritated and more prone to acne, and may lead to changes in skin pigmentation. It also carries a risk of being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can be harmful.

Hydroquinone may cause skin redness, discomfort, unwanted discolouration, and hypersensitivity. It can disrupt the pigmentation process (depigmentation), reducing the skin’s natural protection against harmful UV rays and may increase the risk of skin cancer.

Tretinoin can cause the skin to peel and turn red. The person will also feel uncomfortable with the skin being painful and hypersensitive to sunlight.

Offenders can be fined not more than RM25,000 or face a maximum of three years’ imprisonment, or both, for the first offence and fined not more than RM50,000 or a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, or both, for subsequent offences.

Companies that commit the offence could be fined up to RM50,000 the first time and RM100,000 for subsequent offences.