Skin products from dubious or unknown sources can cause serious adverse effects

Eczema, psoriasis and other skin issues can cause great discomfort and debilitating effects in those afflicted with such conditions. Besides treatments prescribed by doctors, a wide variety of products are sold and marketed at pharmacies and retail outlets to help relieve the symptoms. Some consumers may also purchase these products from local or overseas online platforms and other sources.

Risks of online purchases

If buying online, you may come across positive reviews or recommendations from influencers or testers of such products. They may also promise quick, miraculous solutions. While it may be tempting to try these products, do bear in mind that it is often difficult to verify such reviews. You cannot be certain if the products will deliver the promised results or if they are safe to use.

There is also no means for consumers to verify the actual contents of such health products on their own as only laboratory tests can do so. Consumers need to be especially wary of health products from dubious or unknown sources. They may be adulterated with potent ingredients that can cause serious harm to you.

HSA has detected several of such adulterated products. Certain groups of people such as young children and the elderly are more vulnerable to the effects of adulterants such as steroids, and they may suffer serious adverse effects from the use of creams adulterated with steroids or other potent ingredients.

Importance of professional medical advice

Your doctor or pharmacist are best positioned to advise you on the treatment choices and the products. Some skin conditions, particularly chronic ones like eczema and psoriasis, may need to be managed by medical professionals as they can diagnose the root cause and advise on the appropriate treatments. Not seeking medical advice may lead to the inappropriate use of wrong products and result in worsening of symptoms or may even cause serious adverse effects such as hypertension, poor control of blood sugar and cataracts.

Adulterated skin products tested to contain potent ingredients that have caused adverse effects

From 2022 to August 2024, HSA had detected various skin products adulterated with potent ingredients. This comprised about 25% of all adulterated products detected by HSA. Of these, 5 skin products led to adverse effects, with 3 consumers hospitalised. Many of these adulterated skin products were sold online. HSA has removed the online postings on adulterated skin products and issued warnings to sellers. The supplier of one of the adulterated products, “Star Cream” was prosecuted and sentenced to a total fine of $18,000.

1. “Skin-Cap^® Cream” and “Skin-Cap^® Spray”(2024)

Product Claims:

Cream: Formulation specially designed for the moisturising of dry skins affected by desquamation caused by diverse dermatological processes

Spray: For relief of itching, irritation, redness, flaking and scaling associated with skin conditions

Product Source: Purchased online

Potential adverse effects:

-          Cataracts

-          Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by a round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs)

-          High blood pressure

-          Increased blood glucose levels (which may lead to diabetes)

-          Increased risk of infections

-          Muscular and bone disorders (including osteoporosis)

Adulterants detected by HSA:

-          Diflorasone-21-propionate (steroid)

2."88 Total White Underarm Cream" (2024)