Temporary suspension of distribution for batch of cosmetics containing prohibited substance in Vietnam

Temporary suspension of distribution for batch of cosmetics containing prohibited substance in Vietnam​ (Illustrative image)

Temporary suspension of distribution for batch of cosmetics containing prohibited substance in Vietnam

In the report dated April 26, 2024 by Obagi Vietnam Import-Export Trading LLC and accompanying documents, the product Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream - Box 1 bottle 15g has been fully distributed, sold to Onpoint Company Ltd.

According to Official Dispatch1686/QLD-MP dated June 03, 2024, to ensure user safety, the Drug Administration Department announces:

- Temporarily suspend nationwide distribution of the product lot Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream, Product label information: Lot Number: Lot 0599; Mfg Date: March 01, 2023; Exp Date: February 28, 2026; Manufacturer: Denison Pharmaceuticals, LLC; Imported and marketed by Obagi Vietnam Import-Export Trading LLC.

- Reason: Individuals/organizations reported that the test sample contains Isobutylparaben, which is not allowed as an ingredient in the cosmetic product's formulation.

Previously, the Drug Administration Department received the Official Dispatch dated May 15, 2024, along with the analysis report from the Hanoi Center for Drug, Cosmetic, and Food Testing regarding the sample report of the cosmetic product Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream, Box 1 jar 15g, which contains Isobutylparaben. However, according to the database on the Cosmetic Product Notification Receipt System, Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream with notification number 202996/23/CBMP-QLD, manufactured by Denison Pharmaceuticals, LLC, does not list Isobutylparaben in its declared formulation.

In the Official Dispatch, the Drug Administration Department requests the Central Drug Testing Institute and Ho Chi Minh City Drug Testing Institute to check for Isobutylparaben and other prohibited Paraben preservatives in the aforementioned cosmetic product; send the analysis results to the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department. Additionally, it requests the health departments of provinces and centrally-run cities to notify cosmetic business establishments in their areas to cease business and use of the product lot Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream - Box 1 jar 15g; direct testing centers to take samples under their management, organize information reception reports from manufacturing, business establishments, and users; cooperate with relevant authorities to verify, trace the origin of cosmetic products containing prohibited substances.

The Drug Administration Department also requests the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department to:

- Coordinate with the Ho Chi Minh City Drug Testing Institute to check and sample the cosmetic product lot Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream - Box 15g for Isobutylparaben and other prohibited Paraben preservatives at the following units:

+ Onpoint Company Ltd;

+ Central branch - HiBeauty sales center

- Receive test results inspecting Isobutylparaben and other prohibited Paraben preservatives in the aforementioned cosmetic product from the Central Drug Testing Institute and Ho Chi Minh City Drug Testing Institute; handle violating organizations and individuals (if any) as per current regulations and report the inspection results and violation handling to the Drug Administration Department.

Simultaneously, the Drug Administration Department requests Obagi Vietnam Import-Export Trading LLC, Onpoint Company Ltd, and Central branch - HiBeauty sales center to provide information and cooperate with the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department and Ho Chi Minh City Drug Testing Institute to sample the Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream - Box 15g for Isobutylparaben and prohibited Paraben preservative testing in the cosmetic product.

Tran Trong Tin

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE