TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) revealed that 23 illegal cosmetics products contained harmful chemicals for the skin. This disclosure was made through sample tests during the period of July-September 2025.
"BPOM has revoked the distribution permits of the products and has temporarily halted activities including production, distribution, and importation," said the Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, in a written statement on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Taruna noted that most of the findings were dominated by cosmetics produced under production contracts, with 15 products falling under that category. Additionally, 2 products were local cosmetics, 5 were imported, and 1 was a cosmetic without a distribution permit.
BPOM has ordered businesses to recall and destroy the discovered products. "In addition, BPOM, through its 76 technical implementation units across Indonesia, has enforced regulations on the production and distribution facilities of cosmetics, including retail," he said.
Here are the details of the 23 cosmetic products along with their distribution permit numbers disclosed by BPOM due to their harmful ingredients:
1. AL-LATIF Henna Nail Polish Radiant Red (NA18231500285)
2. AL-LATIF Henna Nail Polish Ravishing Red (NA18231500288)
3. DINDA SKINCARE Lotion Booster Brightening (NA18240111167)
4. DUBAI RIA Body Lotion (NA18240107313)
5. ELBYCI Night Cream Platinum (NA18240101600)
6. F&A SKIN GLOW Day Cream Exclusive (NA18240104996)
7. HK HADIJAH KARIMA GLOW All In One Whitening Cream (NA18230106489)
8. MEGLOW SKINCARE Cream Flek (NA18240107080)
9. PINKFLASH 3 Pan Eyeshadow PF-E23 BR02 (NA11231200088)
10. PINKFLASH 3 Pan Eyeshadow PF-E23 BR04 (NA11231200150)
11. R&D GLOW Premium Day Cream (NA18240109124)
12. R&D GLOW Premium Face Toner (NA18241201392)
13. R&D GLOW Premium Night Cream (NA18240101793)
14. SALSA Matte Lipsticks Scarlet 09 (NA11221300596)
15. SALSA Rhapsody Amber Pro Palette (NKIT210000292)
- SALSA Rhapsody Amber Pro Palette (Blush On) (NA11211200033)
- SALSA Rhapsody Amber Pro Palette (Eyeshadow) (NA11211200032)
16. SALSA Rhapsody Classic Pro Palette (NKIT210000293)
- SALSA Rhapsody Classic Pro Palette (Blush On) (NA11201201051)
- SALSA Rhapsody Classic Pro Palette (Eyeshadow) (NA11211200035)
17. SN Glowing Brightening Night Cream (NA18220107934)
18. SN Glowing Brightening Night Cream (NA18220107934)
19. SW GLOW'S Night Cream (NA18240103598)
20. TINA BEAUTY Night Lotion Premium (NA18230115571)
21. WBS COSMETICS Glasskin FaceSerum (NA18241902956)
22. WBS COSMETICS Night Cream Series Glow (NA18240109027)
23. WSC Premium Booster Glowing Cream (-)
Prohibited and/or hazardous substances found included mercury, retinoic acid, hydroquinone, red dyes K3 and K10, as well as acid orange 7.
The side effects caused range from mild to severe health risks. Side effects of mercury in cosmetics can lead to skin discoloration such as black spots (ochronosis), allergies, irritation, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney damage. Meanwhile, retinoic acid can cause dry skin, burning sensation, and changes in the shape or function of the fetus' organs for pregnant women (teratogenic).
Furthermore, dangers arising from the presence of hydroquinone in cosmetics can cause hyperpigmentation, ochronosis, and changes in the color of the cornea and nails. Lead can damage the organs and the body system. Additionally, red dyes K3, K10, and acid orange 7 can lead to cancer (carcinogenic), liver damage, and damage to the nervous system as well as the brain.
"Those proven to have produced and distributed illegal products will face criminal sanctions," said Taruna.
Criminal sanctions refer to Article 435, 138 paragraphs (2) and (3) of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, with a maximum prison sentence of 12 years or a fine of up to Rp5 billion.
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