The circulation of inexpensive cosmetics containing hazardous\nsubstances has come under scrutiny after the Indonesian Food and Drug\nAuthority (BPOM) discovered that 11 cosmetic products contained the red\ndye K10, also known as Rhodamin B, throughout 2026. This substance,\ntypically used in textiles and paint, is considered a risk for\ntriggering liver dysfunction and cancer if used continuously.<\/p>\n
These findings were reported on the official website of the\nUniversitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Friday (15\/5\/2026). In\naddition to Rhodamin B, BPOM also identified other dangerous ingredients\nsuch as mercury, hydroquinone, retinoic acid, dexamethasone, and\n1,4-dioxane contamination in several cosmetic products.<\/p>\n
A lecturer in the Pharmacy Study Programme at UMY, apt. RR. Sabtanti\nHarimurti, M.Sc., Ph.D., stated that the public needs to be more\ncautious when selecting beauty products, particularly those sold freely\non marketplaces at low prices. \u201cThe discovery of cosmetics containing\nthe K10 red dye serves as a reminder that the public must not choose\ncosmetics indiscriminately,\u201d said Sabtanti.<\/p>\n
Due to its bright colour and low cost, this substance is frequently\nmisused in decorative cosmetics such as lipsticks, blushes, and\neyeshadows. \u201cRhodamin B is actually an industrial dye, not intended for\nthe human body. Because of its bright colour and cheap price, some\nparties misuse it in cosmetics to make them look attractive while\nkeeping production costs low,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
In the short term, using cosmetics containing Rhodamin B can trigger\nskin irritation, burning sensations, rashes, and itching, especially for\nthose with sensitive skin. However, more serious risks may emerge with\nlong-term use. Sabtanti noted that the substance can enter the body\nthrough the skin, mouth, or respiratory tract. \u201cIn the case of lipstick,\nfor example, the substance can be ingested bit by bit. The problem is\nthat Rhodamin B cannot be properly metabolised by the body, leading to\naccumulation,\u201d she said. She added that the carcinogenic properties of\nRhodamin B can trigger liver dysfunction and even liver cancer due to\nprolonged exposure.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bpom-uncovers-dangerous-cosmetics-umy-lecturer-warns-of-risks-ranging-from-liver-damage-to-cancer-1780901651", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }