Skincare Or Snack? MOH Flags Cosmetics Brand For Promoting 'Edible' Serum
The company has until 14 February to respond to the government's notice or risk further action.
A popular China-based cosmetics brand, registered in Malaysia under a local company, is facing action from the Health Ministry (MOH) after claiming on social media that its products are edible
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said MOH has flagged the brand over concerns that its marketing campaigns have violated Malaysian law. The company promoted its acid-laden, blood-red peeling skin solution — intended for facial use — as something that could be ingested, reported the New Straits Times.
Dr Dzulkefly said the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), which oversees traditional and cosmetic products, has issued a notice requiring the company to explain itself.
The company has until 14 February to respond, failing which the NPRA will revoke its licence to sell products.
One of the advertisements sighted by SAYS featured a Malaysian woman gleefully putting a red solution into her mouth before telling a customer that the serum gives "glass-like skin"
However, a check by SAYS found that the advertisements have since been taken down.
Commenting on the advertisements, Dr Dzulkefly said they were not only misleading but also posed a risk to consumer health.
The advertisements also drew criticism from social media users, with many threatening to boycott the brand. Some called the ads inappropriate and questioned the company's judgment.
"This is a stupid advertisement," one user commented.
"Cheapskate ads. It's misleading and a choking hazard. Should sue," said another.
Image via Screenshot/SAYS
Some of the hosts in the ads were seen wearing white coats typically worn by doctors, implying professional endorsements
Such a practice breaches the Guidelines for Cosmetic Advertisement, which prohibit any implication of professional endorsements by doctors, dentists, or pharmacists in advertisements.
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