JAKARTA  – Indonesia’s drug and food regulatory agency has removed 34 beauty products from store shelves after discovering they contained prohibited toxic substances. The action follows an enhanced monitoring program conducted between April and June 2025, targeting cosmetic products circulating in the Indonesian market.

The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) revealed that contract-manufactured products comprised the majority of violations, accounting for 28 of the recalled items. The remaining products included two domestically produced cosmetics and four imported beauty items, according to BPOM Director Taruna Ikrar’s official statement released on August 1, 2025.

Dangerous Chemical Contamination Threatens Consumer Health

Laboratory analysis revealed that the withdrawn products contained multiple hazardous substances banned from cosmetic formulations. The contaminated products tested positive for mercury, retinoic acid, hydroquinone, lead, metanil yellow dye, and various steroids—all presenting serious health risks ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening organ damage.

Mercury Poisoning Risks

Mercury contamination in beauty products can cause severe dermatological and systemic health problems. Consumers using mercury-tainted cosmetics may develop ochronosis, a permanent skin condition characterized by dark blue-black spots. Additional mercury exposure symptoms include allergic reactions, skin irritation, persistent headaches, gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and vomiting, and potentially irreversible kidney damage.

Retinoic Acid and Pregnancy Dangers

Unauthorized retinoic acid in cosmetic products poses particular risks to pregnant women. Beyond causing skin dryness and burning sensations, retinoic acid carries teratogenic properties that can cause fetal abnormalities, potentially altering organ development and function in unborn children.

Multiple Chemical Hazards

Hydroquinone exposure can trigger hyperpigmentation disorders, ochronosis, and discoloration affecting the corneas and fingernails. Lead contamination represents an even more serious threat, potentially damaging multiple organ systems and compromising overall bodily function.

The presence of metanil yellow, a prohibited coloring agent, introduces carcinogenic risks while potentially causing liver damage and neurological impairment affecting brain and nervous system function. Steroid contamination can produce various adverse effects including heat rash, skin atrophy, abnormal hair growth (hipertrichosis), light sensitivity, pigmentation changes, contact dermatitis, and severe allergic reactions.

Comprehensive Enforcement Response

BPOM has implemented strict punitive measures against manufacturers and distributors of the contaminated products. Enforcement actions include complete revocation of marketing authorizations and temporary suspension orders covering all production, distribution, and importation activities related to the affected products.

The agency has mobilized its extensive network of 76 technical implementation units across Indonesia to conduct thorough inspections of manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and retail outlets selling cosmetic products.

Investigators are conducting detailed examinations of production and distribution chains for contaminated cosmetics, with particular attention to products manufactured by unauthorized entities lacking proper licensing and regulatory compliance.

Criminal Prosecution Framework

When investigations reveal criminal violations, BPOM’s Civil Servant Investigators coordinate with prosecutorial authorities to pursue legal action. Business operators who produce or distribute cosmetics failing to meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards face criminal penalties under Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138(2) of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, carrying maximum sentences of 12 years imprisonment or fines up to 5 billion rupiah.

Complete List of Recalled Products

The withdrawn cosmetics span various product categories, from facial cleansers to specialized treatments:

Skincare Products:

• AENI BEAUTIFUL SECRET Facial Wash
• ASTRID GLOW’S Body Serum Booster
• BOGOTA DIAMONDGLOW Night Cream
• CHARISMALUX Acne Treatment and Extra Whitening
• EMGLOW Night Cream X2T Acne
• HRA COSMETIC Facial Wash and Toner
• LIEBIESKIN Bright Glow Night Cream
• MILA GLOW Night Cream
• MUFIA Brightening Night Cream

Body Care Products:

• N/S BY NHUNU SHOP Body Lotion Booster
• SW GLOW’S Handbody
• WBS COSMETICS Body Lotion Booster Brightening

Specialty Items:

• KHOJATI DELUX SURMA (eye cosmetic)
• RAJNI GOLD DIAMOND Cherry Red Henna Cone
• RAJNI GOLD DIAMOND Nail Henna Red
• RAJNI GOLD DIAMOND Red Henna Cone

Treatment Products:

• NAYURA BEAUTY Toner
• NCGLOW Day Cream, Facial Wash, and Night Cream Premium
• NU GLOWING SKINCARE Exclusive Brightening Night Cream
• SARASKIN COSMETIC Night Cream Retinol Booster
• SHIMMER AND SHINE BY BYLA BEAUTY Brightening Night Cream

Advanced Formulations:

• SSC GLOW SAKINAH SKINCARE Glow Booster Night Cream
• SYS GLOW SLIM YOUR & SQUEEN GLOW Night Cream
• WBYUTIE SKINCARE Facial Wash, Luxury Sunscreen UV Protect, and Night Cream Glow MC

Industry Impact and Consumer Protection

This significant recall action demonstrates BPOM’s commitment to protecting Indonesian consumers from potentially dangerous beauty products while maintaining market integrity. The predominance of contract-manufactured products among recalled items highlights systemic issues in third-party manufacturing oversight and quality control.

The enforcement action sends a clear warning to Indonesia’s cosmetics industry about regulatory expectations and the severe consequences of safety violations. With mandatory halal certification requirements approaching in 2026, the industry faces increasing regulatory scrutiny extending beyond basic safety standards.

BPOM provides detailed information about recalled products, including manufacturer names, registration numbers, and specific ingredient compositions, through official channels to ensure complete market transparency and consumer awareness.

This comprehensive recall represents one of the most significant cosmetics safety enforcement actions in recent Indonesian regulatory history, underscoring the critical importance of rigorous quality control and regulatory compliance in the country’s expanding beauty market.

Original Article:

Kompas. (2025, September 9). Tren BPOM Tarik 34 Kosmetik Mengandung Bahan Berbahaya, Ini Daftar Produknya. Retrieved from https://amp.kompas.com/tren/read/2025/08/01/150000265/bpom-tarik-34-kosmetik-mengandung-bahan-berbahaya-ini-daftar-produknya