Though authorities have increased the number of inspections and imposed strict penalties on violators, many continue to sell mediocre cosmetics. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Despite frequent warnings and penalties, thetrading of mediocre cosmetics continues in many places, affecting consumerhealth.
This month the Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health suspended thecirculation of two packages of Life linh chi New Today whiteningcream and Yousee moisturiser, both from Bao Xinh Cosmetics Company inHau Giang province’s Chau Thanh district.
The two products were distributed by a firm called Ngan Anh.
Test samples of the two products showed that the amountsof methylparaben and propylparaben were not consistent withwhat had been submitted to the relevant authority earlier.
Similarly, in June, the Drug Administration suspended the trading of fourproducts that had low quality, including Magic Hair Serum, Navirento FeminineFoaming Wash, Jecogo Lice Hair Treatment, and Organic Cajeput Baby Wash.
The Magic Hair Serum is produced by Phuc Lam Pharmaceutical Company anddistributed by Van Xuan Duong Pharmaceutical Company.
The product was banned from circulation because its description on the labeldid not match its real function.
In addition to production and distribution of mediocre cosmetics, many onlinefirms have been found selling fake beauty products under the names of globalbrands such as Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl’s, Giorgio Armani, RalphLauren and 3CE, among others.
According to the L’Oreal Group in Vietnam, since fake products have the samepackaging as their counterparts, consumers assume they are quality, authenticimports.
In HCM City, about 1,000 cases of sales of low-quality beauty products havebeen discovered since the beginning of this year.
Though authorities have increased the number of inspections and imposed strictpenalties on violators, firms continue to sell mediocre cosmetics.
Many stalls in Ben Thanh,Ba Chieu and Ban Co markets display selections of beauty products from the USand the Republic of Korea without official brand labels or necessaryinformation like expiry dates and others.
Some sets of products, including lipstick, foundation, whitening creams andsunscreens, cost only 350,000 VND (15.10 USD), about 10 times cheaper comparedto an authentic set.
Authorities plan to strengthen inspection of cosmetics and work with localeducators to raise public awareness about the unhealthy side of using mediocrebeauty products.
Skin experts advise that locals should not only look at price and productlabels but also the place of origin.
Ingredients in products that promise to deliver quick whitening results, forexample, can contain corticoid and are detrimental to the skin.
Locals should onlychoose products that are from a trustworthy source./.
VNA
