HSA working with companies to halt sales & recall Medicube cream suspected to contain prohibited ingredient

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is aware of the recent reports on Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, and has worked with the three companies marketing it to suspend its sales, and to recall the product.

The product is suspected of containing a prohibited ingredient, Sudan Red.

It has been reported that Sudan Red, a type of dye, poses health risks due to its potential carcinogenicity and allergenic properties.

On Jul. 24, Hong Kong Customs warned members of the public about the Medicube cream, and appealed to sellers to remove it from their shelves, and for people to stop using the product.

Prohibited ingredient

Responding to Mothership's queries, HSA said it was aware of recent reports regarding the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream.

The agency added that it has worked with three companies marketing the product to recall it and suspend sales.

It has also launched an investigation and will test the products, adding that it will take relevant regulatory actions should safety concerns be detected.

Meanwhile, HSA advised consumers who have purchased the product to stop using it as a precautionary measure.

The agency further stated that Sudan Red dyes are prohibited ingredients under the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations 2007.

As such, they are not allowed in cosmetic products sold in Singapore.

Any person found to have supplied such products may face a fine of up to S$50,000 and/or a jail term of up to two years.

Online listings

Checks by Mothership on Aug. 20 showed that online listings of the product could be found on platforms such as iHerb, Shopee and Lazada.

The websites show that the product is still in stock and could be delivered by the end of August 2026.

Regulations

HSA added that cosmetic products are regulated under the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations 2007.

Under the regulations, dealers must notify HSA before any cosmetic products can be placed on the market.

The notification facilitates regulatory follow-up by HSA if safety concerns arise.

HSA pointed out that product notification is not a form of premarket approval and should not be construed as product certification or registration by HSA.

Dealers of cosmetic products must ensure that their products comply with the regulatory requirements.

This includes the prohibition and restriction of the use of certain ingredients, the reporting of serious adverse effects to HSA and product labelling.