BPOM Publishes List of Illegal Cosmetics Sold on Marketplaces, Here Are the Products
The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has disclosed that illegal cosmetics continued to circulate on online marketplaces throughout 2025. Through cyber patrols, BPOM identified thousands of accounts and hundreds of thousands of links selling illegal medicines and foods, including cosmetics that lacked marketing authorisation or contained hazardous substances. Citing BPOM’s official website on Thursday 5 March 2026, illegal cosmetics were the category most frequently detected in the online surveillance. BPOM warned the public to exercise greater caution when buying beauty products online.
‘Throughout 2025, BPOM conducted cyber patrols on marketplaces and found thousands of accounts and 197,725 links to illegal medicines and foods or products not in compliance with the regulations,’ Taruna Ikrar said in a BPOM press release issued on 4 March 2026.
BPOM noted that links selling illegal cosmetics reached 73,722, making it the category most commonly found in the cyber patrol. The products originated from both domestic sources and foreign suppliers such as China and were sold widely across various regions of Indonesia.
One of the products detected was Toner Pelicin Lemon Extract, which contains hydroquinone. The ingredient is prohibited in cosmetics because it can cause a range of adverse effects on the body. The risks of using cosmetics containing hydroquinone include:
As such, BPOM emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of cosmetic products before use. Oversight is conducted in cooperation with various parties, including e-commerce platforms and related ministries. In addition, BPOM urged the public to be more selective when buying cosmetics online. Taruna Ikrar reminded people to always perform the Cek KLIK, a step essential to ensure products are safe and compliant with applicable rules. BPOM reaffirmed that protecting public health remains the priority in the supervision of the distribution of medicines, foods, and cosmetics in Indonesia.