53 complaints lodged against company operating Beautique salons, 1 consumer charged S$370,000: CASE

UPDATE on Oct. 15, 6:52pm: This article has been updated with a statement from Beautique/DNA Brands Co.

Some 53 consumer complaints were lodged in the last two years against a company operating beauty salons in Singapore.

The complaints, which involved a monetary value of over S$980,000, saw one consumer charged at least S$370,000 for products and packages.

Warning

In an Oct. 15 press release, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) shared that the 53 complaints were lodged against DNA Brands Co from Aug. 1, 2024, to Oct. 14, 2025.

DNA Brands Co operates beauty salons under the Beautique brand, and retail stores under The Mineral Boutique brand, among others.

25 of the complaints were lodged in the last five months of 2024 and 28 were lodged in 2025.

For half of the complaints, over S$10,000 was spent on beauty products or packages.

CASE also noted that at least 40 per cent of those who complained were senior citizens aged 60 and above.

Consumers generally complained of being misled or pressured by sales assistants into purchasing excessive beauty packages or products.

Complaints against the Beautique brand are regarding their outlets in Ang Mo Kio, Orchard Plaza, The Centrepoint and Toa Payoh.

Meanwhile, complaints against The Mineral Boutique brand are regarding their outlets in NEX, Jewel and Wheelock Place.

Alert list

Following the complaints, CASE engaged DNA Brands Co to sign a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) to agree to cease its unfair practices and compensate affected consumers.

However, DNA Brands Co declined to sign the agreement.

CASE has since referred the matter to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore for investigation under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 (CPFTA).

CASE has also placed DNA Brands Co on its Company Alert List.

The CPFTA states that it is an unfair practice for a business to make misleading or false claims.

It is also an unfair practice for a business to take advantage of a consumer who is unable to protect himself, or to exert undue pressure or influence on a consumer.

Consumers who encounter such unfair practices have the right to seek recourse under the Act.

Consumers who have disputes with DNA Brands Co may approach CASE for assistance.

Advice for consumers

Consumers are advised to be careful when faced with high-pressure sales tactics, especially beauty and wellness packages.

In addition, consumers may take their time to consider the offer as well as ask for clear written information.

It is advised for consumers to ask for receipts and documentation of transactions, as well as patronise CaseTrust-accredited beauty, spa and wellness businesses.

Beautique responds

On Oct. 15, Beautique and its parent company, DNA Brands Co responded to CASE.

In its press statement, Beautique clarified that the 53 complaints represents less than 1 per cent of its customer base.

"While we are heartened that more than 99 per cent of our clients remain satisfied with our services and products, we recognise that there is always room for improvement, and we are committed to further reducing incidents of customer dissatisfaction."

On the matter regarding a consumer charged S$370,000, Beautique shared that the customer had used the majority of the packages purchased.

The matter was initially "headed for resolution" through Singapore’s legal system.

However, at the invitation of CASE, Beautique agreed "in good faith" to have the issue resolved through mediation.

"We are currently awaiting the mediation date to be set by CASE and will fully cooperate with the process to reach a fair outcome," said the statement.

Beautique's added that its written correspondence with CASE regarding the draft VCA is "well-documented by both parties".

"We are currently awaiting their formal reply and will respond accordingly once received.

Our intention has always been to engage constructively and transparently with CASE and other relevant authorities."

Top photos via Google Maps