The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued an important advisory regarding a list of products found in overseas markets that contain potent and prohibited ingredients, which may pose significant health risks. These products were identified in January 2025 by regulatory agencies in various countries. Consumers are urged to stay informed and exercise caution when purchasing health and cosmetic products from unfamiliar sources.

Advisory from HSA

To safeguard public health, HSA strongly advises the following:

Seek medical advice if you feel unwell after using any of the listed products.
Avoid purchasing these products when travelling abroad to prevent exposure to harmful substances.
Exercise caution when buying health and beauty products online or from unknown sources. Even if recommended by friends or family, such products may be illegal, counterfeit, or substandard.
Be wary of exaggerated product claims, especially those promising “100% safe” results or “miraculous” effects.
Consult a healthcare professional for safe and effective treatments for medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and skin disorders.

For a detailed list of affected products and their harmful ingredients, refer to Annex A and Annex B in the full advisory.

Products of Concern

HSA highlights that many of these products, including skincare creams and supplements, have been found to contain hazardous substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, retinoic acid, corticosteroids, and PDE-5 inhibitors. These substances can lead to severe health complications, including skin damage, kidney disorders, and cardiovascular issues.

Potential Health Risks

The potent ingredients detected in these products may cause serious side effects, including:

Corticosteroids (Clobetasol, Mometasone): May lead to high blood sugar, weakened immunity, and increased risk of infections.
Hydroquinone & Retinoic Acid: Known to cause skin irritation, discolouration, and long-term skin damage.
Mercury & Lead: Toxic heavy metals that can affect kidney function, brain development, and the nervous system.
PDE-5 Inhibitors (Sildenafil, Tadalafil): Linked to heart attacks, strokes, and dangerously prolonged erections.

For a complete breakdown of potential side effects, please refer to Annex B.

How to Stay Safe

HSA urges consumers to only purchase health and beauty products from reputable retailers with a trusted presence in Singapore. To learn more about consumer safety and how to identify risky products, visit HSA’s website.

If you come across any suspicious or unregistered health products being sold in Singapore, report them to HSA’s Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866 3485 (Mon-Fri, office hours) or email: [email protected].

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