The decision, announced on 11/8, applies to five products, including essences for treating dark spots, restoring skin, and general skincare, as well as a face mask. All are marketed by the Hanoi-based company. The affected products are Slightly Dark Beauty Essence, Eijun Beauty Essence, Element Repair Essence, Licorice Extract Solution, and Beauty Skin Repair Mask, all of which received certification on 11/2/2020.

While the specific discrepancies between the products' formulas and their registered documentation remain unclear, experts warn that using these products could cause allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances, and other adverse health effects.

The Drug Administration of Vietnam has ordered businesses nationwide to immediately cease sales and use of the five products and return them to their suppliers. BSSC is required to retrieve all returned products and destroy those violating regulations. Provincial and municipal Departments of Health will oversee the process.

In addition to the recall, the administration has revoked the five corresponding product certifications and suspended acceptance of new cosmetic product registrations from BSSC for the next six months.

Authorities have recently uncovered numerous violations among pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers and distributors, leading to recalls and destruction of counterfeit and substandard products. In June alone, the Drug Administration conducted surprise inspections of 38 facilities, uncovering 17 violations. Additionally, 20 provinces and cities inspected 865 manufacturing, importing, and trading establishments, finding 48 with violations.

Le Nga