TOKYO: Japanese cosmetics maker Kanebo on Thursday announced
it was recalling 54 skin whitening products from all over Asia
after complaints they caused discolouring that does not clear up
even after use was discontinued.
The cosmetics contain a substance called 4HPB, a synthetic version
developed by Kanebo of a natural compound, the company
said.
"Some consumers complained that they had white patches on their
skin after using the products, and we suspect a link between the
condition and 4HPB," a spokeswoman said.
A company spokesman later told AFP there had been 39 complaints
from customers in Japan.
Of those, 15 had shown no improvement in their conditions even
after they stopped using the products, he said.
The company has shipped a total of 4.36 million products in Japan
and is recalling 450,000 that have already been sold to consumers,
as well as all inventory from the domestic market.
It will also recall products on sale abroad. A total of 370,000
items have been sent to overseas markets but at present it plans
only to recall items that are on sale.
The recall affects Japan and 10 Asian territories: Taiwan, Hong
Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Taiwan is the largest overseas market for the products, a
Kanebo spokesman said.
"The problem was initially thought to be a type of skin disease,
but there was a growing concern for a link to 4HPB" which led the
company to recall the products, the spokesman said.
The Health Sciences Authority said it overseeing the voluntary
market recall by Kao Singapore of the following products in
Singapore:
Brand: Kanebo Blanchir Superior
(1) White Deep Clear Conditioner I
(2) White Deep Clear Conditioner II
(3) White Deep Clear Conditioner III
(4) White Deep Milky Conditioner I
(5) White Deep Milky Conditioner II
(6) White Deep Night Conditioner I
(7) White Deep Night Conditioner II
(8) White Deep Mask
(9) White Deep UV Day Protector
Brand: Impress
(1) IC White Lotion I
(2) IC White Lotion II
(3) IC White Emulsion I
(4) IC White Emulsion II
(5) Granmula Lotion
Brand: RMK
(1) Skintuner Brightening Light
(2) Skintuner Brightening Moist
(3) Intensive Brightening Essence
HSA said the recall is a precautionary measure taken by the
company.
It said it has not any adverse event reports relating to the use of
the products.
Consumers who have queries relating to the recall can call Kao
Singapore at 6295 1297 or email [email protected]
CNA
