The Ministry of Health recently revoked licenses and ordered a nationwide recall of 291 cosmetic products. These products contain octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), a substance that the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee has added to its list of prohibited ingredients in the beauty industry. Previously, manufacturers commonly used D4 in various skincare, hair care, and makeup items.
On 3/3, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) instructed distribution companies to immediately notify their agents, withdraw all infringing products from the market, and arrange for their destruction. The agency published a list of 291 products from numerous domestic and international brands, including: Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch makeup remover, Nitipon Physical SPF50 PA+++ sunscreen, and Attachment Hair Repair hair serum. A detailed list of the products is available here.
Doctor Nguyen Tien Thanh, a member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, explained that D4 is a cyclic volatile silicone. Cosmetic manufacturers once incorporated this compound into creams, makeup, and hair care products to enhance slipperiness, providing a smooth feel upon application. However, recent scientific evaluations have shown that D4 persists in the environment for an extended period, exhibits high bioaccumulation, is toxic to aquatic organisms, and carries the potential to disrupt the human endocrine system.
Despite these findings, Doctor Thanh advises consumers to remain calm, as the actual health risk depends significantly on the dosage and duration of exposure. The ASEAN regulatory body issued the ban primarily based on the precautionary principle, aiming to prevent long-term risks and protect the overall ecological environment. Health experts are not requiring individuals to undergo tests or special medical treatments if they have previously used products containing this chemical.
The doctor recommends that women prioritize purchasing skincare products with clear origins and from suppliers registered with regulatory authorities. Concurrently, cosmetic manufacturing and trading businesses must immediately review their formulations and entire supply chains. Doctor Thanh emphasized that regulatory bodies updating the list of prohibited substances, based on new scientific data, is an essential management activity to maintain the highest level of community safety.
Le Nga
