BPOM Identifies 11 Dangerous Cosmetics That Can Trigger Cancer

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has identified 11 cosmetic products containing harmful substances up to those prohibited for use in beauty products.

This first-quarter 2026 finding includes face creams, toners, nail polishes, and shampoos. Several products are known to contain mercury, hydroquinone, retinoic acid, dexamethasone, Red K10 dye, and contamination with 1,4-dioxane, which pose risks to health.

BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated that all these products were found through routine monitoring of cosmetics circulating in society across Indonesia.

“Cosmetic products in circulation must meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards. There is no tolerance for the use of harmful substances that can endanger public health,” said Taruna Ikrar in an official statement quoted on Thursday (7/5/2026).

Of the total 11 products, 4 brands are contract-manufactured cosmetics, 2 are local cosmetics, 2 are imported cosmetics, and 3 are cosmetics without circulation permits (TIE). All products have been tested in BPOM laboratories and declared not to meet safety requirements.

Taruna Ikrar explained that retinoic acid can cause skin irritation and is teratogenic, potentially triggering fetal abnormalities. Dexamethasone risks causing dermatitis, acne, and hormonal disorders.

Meanwhile, hydroquinone and mercury can cause permanent skin discolouration and irritation. Mercury even has the potential to damage body organs such as the kidneys. The compounds 1,4-dioxane and Red K10 dye are said to trigger cancer. Red K10 dye can also impair liver function.

Here is the list of 11 dangerous cosmetics announced by BPOM in the first quarter of 2026:

1. BYOUT SKINCARE Brightening Spot Cream

Contains hydroquinone and retinoic acid.

2. BRASOV Nail Polish No.125

Contains Red K10 dye.

3. LT BEAUTY SKIN WSC 2 in 1

Contains mercury.

4. MADAME GIE Madame Take5 01

Contains Red K10 dye.

5. SELSUN 7 Herbal

Contains 1,4-dioxane contamination exceeding limits.

6. SELSUN 7 Flowers

Contains 1,4-dioxane contamination exceeding limits.

7. TZUYU SKIN CARE Day Cream Protection

Contains dexamethasone.

8. TZUYU SKIN CARE Glow Expert Night Cream

Contains dexamethasone.

9. BEAUTYWISE Rejuvenating Facial Toner

Contains hydroquinone and retinoic acid. Product not registered with BPOM.

10. MONESIA APOTHECARY Melano Glow Duo Night Cream

Contains hydroquinone and retinoic acid. Product not registered with BPOM.

11. MONESIA APOTHECARY Night Melano Cream

Contains hydroquinone and retinoic acid. Product not registered with BPOM.

As follow-up, BPOM has revoked circulation permits for several products and temporarily halted production, distribution, and import activities related to the cosmetics. BPOM is also cracking down on production facilities and distribution channels, including retail.

Taruna Ikrar emphasised that violations of cosmetic safety are serious offences that can result in criminal sanctions.

“This finding shows that there are still business actors who ignore consumer safety for profit. BPOM will not hesitate to take firm action, including administrative and criminal sanctions,” he said.

Based on Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, perpetrators who produce or distribute pharmaceutical preparations that do not meet safety standards can face a maximum prison sentence of 12 years or a fine of up to Rp5 billion.