BPOM Releases Warning Of 23 Dangerous Cosmetics, Some Contain Mercury

JAKARTA The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) reiterated its commitment to maintaining consumer safety from harmful cosmetic products. Through intensive surveillance activities from July to September 2025, BPOM found 23 cosmetic products that were proven to contain hazardous or prohibited materials.

These findings suggest a real risk that could threaten public health. From the results of testing and sampling, all these products contain ingredients that should not be used in cosmetics. These ingredients include mercury, retinoate acid, hydroquinon, red dye K3 and K10, as well as acid orange 7 dyes.

These ingredients are known to have a negative impact on health. One of them is mercury which causes black spots on the skin (chronosis), allergies, irritation, headaches, digestive disorders, and kidney damage.

Retinoatic acid can cause dry skin, burning taste, and risk affecting fetal health for pregnant women. Hydroquinons also have the potential to trigger hyperpigmentation and abnormal skin color changes, and can have an impact on changes in the color of the cinema and nails. While dyes such as red K3, red K10, and acid orange 7 are classified as carcinogenic. This can trigger cancer and damage organs such as the liver and nervous system.

Of the total findings, most of them are products from production contracts, which are 15 products. The rest consists of 2 local products, 5 imported products, and 1 product without distribution permits. Complete information regarding the list of products listed in the official BPOM attachment.

Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar stated that decisive steps have been taken against products that violate.

"BPOM has taken firm action against cosmetic findings that are proven to contain hazardous and/or prohibited materials," he said, quoted from the official BPOM website.

"BPOM has revoked product distribution permits and temporarily suspended activities (PSK), which include stopping production, circulation and importation activities," he added.

In addition, BPOM also ordered business actors to withdraw and destroy products that had been circulating.

"In addition, BPOM through 76 technical implementing units (UPT) throughout Indonesia has carried out control of cosmetic production and distribution facilities, including retail," said Taruna.

BPOM will also conduct further investigations, especially on products produced by parties who do not have the right or legality of production. If a criminal element is found, then the case can be continued through a legal process.

"Business actors who produce or distribute cosmetics that do not meet standards and/or requirements for safety, benefit, and quality, can be subject to criminal sanctions in accordance with the provisions of Article 435 jo," explained Taruna Ikrar.

"Article 138 paragraph (2) of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, with a maximum imprisonment of 12 years or a maximum fine of 5 billion rupiah," he added.

With these findings, BPOM urges business actors to comply with applicable regulations and prioritize consumer safety. The public is also expected to be wiser in choosing cosmetic products, not easily tempted by instant promises or excessive promotions that endanger health in the long term.