The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health announced the recall on 22/7. Eight of the 13 recalled batches have formulas that do not match their registered documentation. These products, labeled "Image" and "Image Skincare", are manufactured by Image International Manufacturing, LLC, and distributed by Minh Khuong Trading Co., Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City.
The remaining 5 batches were recalled for using language that could mislead consumers into believing the products are medicinal. These products’ labels included claims such as "reduces inflammation, strong antioxidant, prevents bacteria", "heals damage, slows the aging process", and "antibacterial, ensures the integrity of the skin's protective barrier".
The recalled products, primarily cleansers, serums, and other skincare items, include:
IlumaTM Intense Exfoliating Cleanser (113g bottle)
Ageless Total Facial Cleanser (177ml bottle)
I-Peel Lightening Lift® Peel Forte (118ml bottle)
Image Skincare The Max Serum (30ml bottle)
Image Skincare The Max Creme (48g jar)
Vital C Hydrating Hand And Body Lotion (170g bottle)
Image Md Youth Serum (30ml bottle)
Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser (177ml bottle)
Local health departments have been instructed to notify businesses to immediately cease the sale and use of these products. Businesses are required to return the products to their supplier and ensure their disposal.
The DAV has also revoked the 8 cosmetic product notification numbers associated with the recalled products. Furthermore, the agency has suspended the review and acceptance of cosmetic product registration dossiers from Minh Khuong Trading Co., Ltd. for the next 6 months.
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Low-quality skincare products can cause skin damage. Photo: Pexels |
Low-quality skincare products can cause skin damage. Photo: Pexels
Health experts warn that products with incorrect formulas may contain unsafe ingredients, posing a risk of adverse reactions and reduced health protection. Substandard products can cause irritation, allergies, long-term skin damage, and potential toxicity from the absorption of harmful substances through the skin.
Vietnamese authorities have recently uncovered numerous violations at production and business facilities, leading to the recall and destruction of counterfeit or substandard drugs and cosmetics. In June, the DAV conducted surprise inspections of 38 facilities, finding violations at 17. Inspections of 865 manufacturing, import, and trading facilities across 20 provinces and cities revealed violations at 48.
Le Nga
