The Health Sciences Authority seizes Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream after dangerous mercury levels and other harmful substances were found.
On October 25, 2024, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced that it had seized all quantities of Q-nic Care Whitening Underarm Cream, a product sold at Lucky Plaza, after investigations revealed the presence of very high levels of mercury, a banned substance in cosmetic products. The cream, which was marketed as a safe and natural solution for whitening and deodorizing, also contained the potent steroid betamethasone valerate.
The product was found to pose significant health risks, including skin irritation, rashes, and more severe effects such as dizziness, headaches, kidney damage, and organ toxicity due to mercury absorption. Betamethasone, when used improperly, can cause thinning of the skin, high blood pressure, and other serious conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome.
In response to the findings, the HSA has taken action to remove the product from local e-commerce platforms like Carousell, Shopee, and Lazada. Two sellers are currently assisting with investigations, and the public has been urged to stop using the cream.
