Call to regulate cosmetic products
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Cosmetic products should not be allowed to carry labels claiming that they reverse ageing, bleach the skin, promote weight loss or stop hair loss because such claims are usually regarded as medicinal in nature, some observers said.

They said under the normal medicinal labelling conditions, the industry is required to include the ingredients, expiry date and product types (whether powder, gel or cream) of their goods.

Claims such as saying that skin care items can stop acne or prevent pimples and hair products can eliminate or control dandruff and hair loss are medicinal in nature, they said.

"Claims that facial peel can remove scars and contour creams can remove cellulite or fat should also not be permitted unless the products are also medicinal in nature and should have come under the drugs regulation," they added.

They said cosmetics products are normally defined as substances or preparations to be placed in contact with the teeth or various external parts of the human body, mainly to clean, perfume, change their appearance, protect them or keep them in good condition.

They felt regulations need to be in place to provide guidelines on specific labelling conditions and a list of non-permissible claims to protect the consumers.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin