PETALING JAYA: In an age where beauty trends are spreading like wildfire on social media, the allure of flawless skin can lead to unforeseen dangers.
Two women, worlds apart in age but united in experience, related how they fell victim to toxic skincare products purchased from unverified online sources, oblivious to hidden perils lurking behind enticing digital storefronts.
Carmen Lye, 18, from Kampar, said she would never forget the morning her face was covered in rashes and breakouts days after using a new face wash.
“My friends had been talking about a certain skincare product they came across on live social media that promised to clear acne and brighten skin. It also smelled really nice.
“Since I had some acne on my jawline, I was eager to give it a try,” she said in an interview.
Lye said she bought a skincare set from the seller online, which was a hassle-free process.
“I was so excited and used the face wash, toner and cream in the morning and night as per the label,” she said.
For the first few days, her skin appeared to improve, but soon an unusual sensitivity developed – her cheeks started to itch and a rash appeared, accompanied by an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Concerned, Lye informed her mother, who took her to a dermatologist.
“The doctor told me the cream contained high levels of mercury, a toxic substance that can lead to serious health issues.
“This was so scary as I had been unknowingly applying mercury to my face. I will never buy unknown skincare or treatment products from unverified sellers anymore,” she said.
Retired teacher Nelly Shah, 56, from Kota Kemuning, said she sought an affordable anti-ageing solution and found a seller in a live social media broadcast late last year.
“I never had any brand loyalty for skincare and was using brands bought from chain pharmacies and retail outlets.
“It wasn’t until last December that a friend recommended me a brand she came across on social media after seeing my dull and ageing skin,” she said.
Enticed by claims of wrinkle- erasing miracles, Nelly invested in a set of treatment products, only for her skin to suffer from severe dryness and peeling.
“I applied the new serum and cream diligently every night. I was initially pleased with the results as my skin felt tighter.
“However, after two weeks, I began to feel severe dryness and peeling, accompanied by an uncomfortable burning sensation,” she said.
As the irritation got worse, Nelly said she had no choice but to consult a doctor.
“I showed her all the products I used, and it turned out that the cream contained harmful steroids. Hence, the adverse reactions.
“I was just trying to maintain my looks without spending a fortune. I never imagined it would affect my skin,” she said.
Now advocating increased consumer awareness, Lye and Nelly advised consumers to verify products before buying them.
“It is easy to get swept up in the excitement of a live sale on social media. But it is crucial to do your homework and ensure you are buying safe products,” said Lye.
Nelly concurred, emphasising the importance of regulation.
“We need stricter controls on online sales and harsher penalties for those peddling questionable products,” she said.
In the first two months of the year, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) had banned six skincare and cosmetic products that contained toxic ingredients such as mercury, steroids and other unsafe levels of chemicals.
Last year, NPRA banned 12 such products and flagged 28 products in 2023.
In March, more than 40 women in the country claimed they suffered from adverse side effects after using a skincare product sold on social media.
Highlighting their grievances at a press conference called by MCA’s Public Services and Complaints Bureau, they said the product was a night cream which retailed at RM450 for a 30gm jar, with one buyer admitting to spending a total of RM14,260 on it.
Others claimed that the product affected their pregnancies.
A recent Health Ministry statement revealed that the product in question contained mercury and has since been banned in Malaysia.
Most of the victims have since lodged police reports.
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