THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday warned the public against using unauthorized cosmetic products, saying they may pose health risks to consumers.
In separate advisories, the FDA warned against the use of two cosmetic products with no valid Certificate of Product Notification (CPN), namely, “Olay 7 in One Advanced Skin Whitening Body Lotion” and “Pantene Pro-V Hair Fall Control Shampoo.”
“Since the abovementioned unauthorized cosmetic products have not gone through the notification process of the FDA, the agency cannot assure their quality and safety. The use of such violative product may pose health risks to consumers,” the FDA said.
“In light of the foregoing, the public is advised not to purchase the aforementioned violative cosmetic products,” it added.
The agency said potential hazards may come from ingredients that are not allowed to be part of a cosmetic product or from the contamination of heavy metals.
In particular, the FDA said the use of substandard and possibly adulterated cosmetic products may result to adverse reactions, such as skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure.
Aside from potential adverse health effects, the agency stressed that manufacturing, importation, exporting, and selling of unauthorized products is illegal.
“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,” the FDA said.
