HSA updates on products found overseas that contain potent ingredients (April 2025)

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in April 2025 to contain potent ingredients which are not allowed in these products and may cause side effects. This information is provided to increase awareness on safety issues of such products found overseas, which may impact the local population. Please refer to Annex A and Annex B for the list of products and the possible side effects of the potent ingredients. Please refer to the pdf document for images of the products.

HSA’s Advisory

2        Members of the public are advised to:

• Consult a doctor if you have consumed any of the products and are feeling unwell.
• Avoid buying any of the products when abroad.
• Exercise caution when purchasing health products online or from sources (either local or overseas) which you may not be familiar with, even if well-meaning friends or relatives have recommended them. You cannot be certain where and how these products were made. They may be illegal, counterfeit or substandard, and may contain potent ingredients which can harm your health. If buying health products online, we encourage you to buy them from websites with an established retail presence in Singapore.
• Be wary of products that promise quick and miraculous results or carry exaggerated claims like “100% safe”, “no side effects” or “scientifically proven”. Consumers should also be cautious of products that produce unexpected quick recovery of medical conditions.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need help for the management of your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, eczema).

3        Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to visit https://www.hsa.gov.sg/consumer-safety/ to learn more about the dangers of buying health products from dubious sources.

4        Members of the public who come across the sale and supply of these products in Singapore may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866 3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

Annex A

List of Products

Note: There may be different versions or variants of the products listed below. You are advised to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of any health product you intend to use, or if you need help for your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions

Name of product	Potent ingredient(s)	Source (Regulatory Agency)
Alien Power Platinum 11000	Tadalafil	Health Canada
Artrifan King	Dexamethasone, Diclofenac and Methocarbamol	United States Food and Drug Administration
Black Bull Extreme	Sildenafil and Tadalafil	Health Canada
Cleome White	Mercury and Betamethasone	Thailand Food and Drug Administration
Dietary Supplement Product (POKE Brand)	Sildenafil	Thailand Food and Drug Administration
Ginseng Red 2000	Sildenafil	Health Canada
GRAKCU CAPSULE	Sildenafil and Tadalafil	Thailand Food and Drug Administration
Herb Viagra	Sildenafil	Health Canada
JF Kejelitaan Inspirasiku JF Cream Herba	Mercury	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
JF Kejelitaan Inspirasiku JF Treatment Cream	Hydroquinone	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
Karisma Cosmetic Sparkle Skin – Karisma Preventing Day Cream	Mercury	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
KARISMA COSMETIC SET JERAGAT – KARISMA AQUA BIRD NEST	Tretinoin	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
KARISMA COSMETIC SET JERAGAT – KARISMA BRIGHTENING DAY CREAM	Mercury	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
KARISMA COSMETIC SET JERAGAT – KARISMA GOLDEN TUMERIC CREAM	Mercury	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
Kiss Beauty /LIP & CHEEK TINT pineapple 2.	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Kiss Mophy / Eyeshadow Palette (16 Colors) 16 x1.2g	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Ministry of Health
KMA MULTI FACE STICK	Mercury	Thailand Food and Drug Administration
LIGHT WHITE BODY CREAM PLUS	Mercury	Thailand Food and Drug Administration
Magnum XXL	Tadalafil	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration and Hong Kong Department of Health
Painflex Forte	Dexamethasone and Diclofenac	United States Food and Drug Administration
Perfect Formula By Brilliant Skin Essentials Extra Strength Filter-Free Exfoliating Facial Set – Facial Toner and Facial Cream	Hydroquinone	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
Pinkiss Beauty Care Muda Remaja Sepanjang Usia – Herbal Cream	Mercury	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
Pinkiss Beauty Care Muda Remaja Sepanjang Usia – Treatment Cream	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
Pinkkiss Beauty Skincare 3 in 1 – Mix Berry Night Cream 1	Mercury	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
Pinkkiss Beauty Skincare 3 in 1 – Therapy Treatment Night Cream 2	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
QIAN LI / Cream 20g	Mercury	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000 (gold capsules)	Sildenafil	Health Canada
Rhino 7 Platinum 10000	Tadalafil	Health Canada
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000	Silenafil	Health Canada
RISSA SKIN Skin Treatment Losyen	Tretinoin	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
s.f.r Color /Baked Powder COLOR : 02 # (Blusher) 8g	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Skin Magical Orange Cucumber Rejuvenating Kit Premium – Premium Rejuvenating Cream	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
Skin Magical Orange Cucumber Rejuvenating Kit Premium – Premium Rejuvenating Facial Toner	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam

Annex B

The possible side effects of the potent ingredients

Betamethasone

Betamethasone is a potent steroid. Long term use of an oral steroid without medical supervision can cause high blood pressure, cataracts, an increased risk of infections, and Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by the appearance of round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs).

 

Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is a potent steroid that is usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision. Long term use of an oral steroid without medical supervision can cause high blood pressure, cataracts, an increased risk of infections, and Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by the appearance of round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs). Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.

 

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a potent painkiller and may potentially cause cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as serious gastric bleeding, when used for a prolonged period. It should be used under close medical supervision, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions, stomach bleeding and ulceration.

 

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a potent ingredient used in prescription medicines for the treatment of skin conditions. The ingredient is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products and should only be used under medical supervision, as hydroquinone may cause harmful effects if not used properly. The inappropriate use of hydroquinone could result in changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity reactions such as rashes, redness, tingling and burning of skin.

 

Mercury

Mercury is a toxic substance and is prohibited for use as an ingredient in cosmetic products. Regular application of creams containing mercury could lead to rash, skin discolouration and blotching. Chronic exposure to very high levels of mercury in cosmetic products may also cause toxic effects to the kidneys, digestive and nervous system, as it can be absorbed through the skin. This could lead to organ damage.

 

Methocarbamol

Methocarbamol is a medicine used to treat acute, painful musculoskeletal spasms. Common side effects include headaches, sleepiness and dizziness. Serious side effects may include anaphylaxis, liver problems, confusion and seizures.

 

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

This class of medicine includes avanafil, carbodenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and their derivatives. These medicines can cause serious side effects such as strokes, heart attacks, decreased or loss of vision and hearing and priapism (painful and exceedingly long erections). If priapism is not treated immediately, it may lead to permanent impotence. PDE-5 inhibitors are also not suitable for patients with medical conditions such as certain heart-related problems or who are on heart medications such as nitrates. Deaths of patients found to be using sildenafil while on nitrates have been reported overseas.

 

Rhodamine B

Rhodamine B is a dye used for printing and dyeing of textiles, paper, paints and leathers. It is prohibited to be used in health products, including cosmetic products, as it may be carcinogenic. It can cause side effects, such as irritation, when in contact with the skin and eyes. Cases of permanent injury to the eye and chemical conjunctivitis due to exposure to the dye have been documented. When ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

 

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a potent ingredient used in prescription medicines for the treatment of skin conditions and should be used under medical supervision. The ingredient is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products. Inappropriate use of tretinoin could lead to side effects such as redness and peeling of skin.

 

Download PDF: HSA Foreign Alert_2025_April

Published: 5 May 2025

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