BPOM Flags 14 Hazardous Cosmetics Linked to Cancer and Brain Damage

The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has cracked down on 14 cosmetic products proven to contain hazardous and prohibited ingredients. The findings stem from routine surveillance conducted by BPOM between April and June 2026, targeting products circulating in the community through both direct distribution and online sales. BPOM revealed that the 14 products consist of locally made cosmetics produced under contract manufacturing, imported products, and items without marketing authorisation. Several products were found to contain dangerous substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, retinoic acid, clobetasol propionate, mometasone furoate, and the dye Red K10, all of which are banned for use in cosmetics. Head of BPOM RI, Taruna Ikrar, affirmed that the agency has taken firm action against the business operators involved. “BPOM is taking strict action against perpetrators by revoking marketing authorisations and temporarily suspending activities, including the production, distribution, and import of these products,” Taruna Ikrar stated in an official release quoted in Jakarta on Tuesday (14/7/2026). He stressed that BPOM will continue to strengthen oversight and will not hesitate to act against any violation that potentially endangers public health. BPOM explained that the use of hazardous substances in cosmetics can cause various health impacts. Retinoic acid can lead to dry skin, a burning sensation, and poses a risk of causing foetal abnormalities if used by pregnant women. Meanwhile, hydroquinone can trigger hyperpigmentation, ochronosis—a condition causing the skin to develop blackish spots—as well as discolouration of the cornea and nails if used without supervision. Mercury has the potential to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, headaches, diarrhoea, vomiting, and even kidney damage. The dye Red K10 is linked to cancer risks, liver damage, and disorders of the nervous system and brain. BPOM also discovered the use of clobetasol propionate, which can cause skin atrophy, pustular psoriasis, and permanent skin disorders. Mometasone furoate carries a risk of causing skin atrophy and suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The following is a list of the 14 cosmetics found to contain hazardous and/or prohibited ingredients: Locally made products via contract manufacturing: 1. AF AYUFASKIN.ID Night Cream Booster With DNA Salmon (retinoic acid, hydroquinone, clobetasol propionate, and mometasone furoate). 2. AL-LATIF Henna Kutek Ravishing Red (Red K10 dye). 3. FALLIN BEAUTY Bright & Glow Daily Sunscreen (mercury). 4. FALLIN BEAUTY Bright & Glow Night Repair Cream (mercury). 5. MALLVIRA SKIN Luxury White Body Serum (mercury). 6. RNC WBEAUTY Bodylotion Whitening Booster 10x Niacinamide (mercury). 7. SR SARASKIN COSMETIC Ultimate Whitening Night Cream (retinoic acid, hydroquinone, and clobetasol propionate). 8. STK COSMETIC by Sartika Deasy Night Cream (mercury). 9. STK COSMETIC by Sartika Deasy Premium Night Cream (hydroquinone and retinoic acid). 10. STK COSMETIC by Sartika Deasy Premium Face Toner (hydroquinone and retinoic acid). 11. YANTIYNK BEAUTY Night Cream Whitening Acne (retinoic acid). Products without marketing authorisation: 12. GLOWING Night Treatment (contains hydroquinone). 13. CLARIDERM Astringent AHA + Licorice (contains hydroquinone). Imported product: 14. MARSHWILLOW Sugar Dust Eyeshadow Palette 803 (contains Red K10 dye).