BPOM Finds 14 Dangerous Cosmetics; Brands Revealed

Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has uncovered 14 cosmetic products that fail to meet safety standards, following routine surveillance of the market in the second quarter of 2026. The agency's monitoring, conducted both online and through direct distribution channels, identified products containing hazardous and prohibited ingredients.

Of the 14 items, 11 were locally manufactured under contract production, one was imported, and two lacked marketing authorization entirely. BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated that laboratory tests confirmed these products did not comply with prevailing safety regulations. The identified dangerous substances include retinoic acid, hydroquinone, clobetasol propionate, mometasone furoate, red dye K10, and mercury.

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From the total findings, 11 items were local products made under contract production, 1 item was an imported product, and 2 items were products without a distribution permit (TIE).

These ingredients pose significant health risks. Retinoic acid can cause dry skin, burning sensations, and birth defects in pregnant women. Hydroquinone may lead to hyperpigmentation, ochronosis (darkening of the skin), and discoloration of the cornea and nails. Topical steroids like clobetasol propionate and mometasone furoate can thin the skin and potentially trigger permanent eczema or pustular psoriasis. Red dye K10 is a potential carcinogen and can impair liver function, while mercury can cause dark spots, skin irritation, and kidney damage.

In response, BPOM has taken decisive administrative actions, including revoking market permits and temporarily halting the production, distribution, and import of the non-compliant products. Enforcement actions have also targeted manufacturing facilities and retail outlets across Indonesia. BPOM is actively tracing the supply chain to prevent the re-emergence of similar products. The circulation of these hazardous cosmetics violates Indonesia's Health Law, carrying potential penalties of up to 12 years imprisonment or fines of up to 5 billion rupiah.

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We remind all business actors to always comply with the applicable regulations and ensure that every product produced or distributed meets the aspects of safety, efficacy, and quality. BPOM will continue to strengthen supervision and will not hesitate to...