Unlocking the Secrets to Flawless Skin: Unveiling the Truth Behind Two Recalled Skin Whitening Products Containing Banned Substances

On August 7th, the Drug Administration Department of the Ministry of Health issued an urgent notice ordering the nationwide recall and destruction of the product “White Sac Hong – Whitening, Sunscreen and Moisturizing Cream” (250g box). The product’s label information includes: Lot number: DW010525, Manufacturing date: 9/5/2025, Expiration date: 36 months from the manufacturing date, and Manufacturer: Khang Hung Thinh Trading Services Co., Ltd. (address: 568 Nguyen Trai, Ho Chi Minh City).

The recall was initiated due to the product failing to meet quality standards and having unclear origins.

Prior to this, authorities collected a sample from Thanh Van shop (address: 695 Dien Bien Phu, Tra Vinh province) for quality testing. Results indicated that the product’s label did not list Methylparaben and Propylparaben as ingredients, yet these substances were detected during the examination.

Notably, verification on the National Portal of Enterprise Registration did not yield any existence of Khang Hung Thinh Trading Services Co., Ltd. at the declared address of 568 Nguyen Trai, Ho Chi Minh City.

On the same day, the Drug Administration Department also announced the recall and destruction of “Alpha 3 Plus + Arbutin Collagen Lotion” (250g box), with label information indicating Thai origin, manufacturing date of 10/5/2023, and expiration date of 10/5/2026. Notably, this product also lacked a lot number and information about the entity responsible for releasing it to the market.

The recall was initiated due to the product’s failure to meet quality standards and unclear origins. The cosmetic sample was also obtained by the Inspection Center of the Tra Vinh Department of Health from the aforementioned Thanh Van shop. The sample failed to meet quality standards in terms of appearance inspection and labeling requirements. Furthermore, a data search revealed that a receipt number for the product’s cosmetic declaration had not been issued for “Alpha 3 Plus + Arbutin Collagen Lotion.”

To ensure the safety of consumers, the Drug Administration Department requests that the Department of Health inform businesses and consumers to immediately cease trading the “White Sac Hong – Whitening, Sunscreen and Moisturizing Cream” (250g box) and “Alpha 3 Plus + Arbutin Collagen Lotion” (250g box). Return the products to the supplying entity, carry out the recall and destruction of all violating products, and supervise the implementation of this notice.

Additionally, coordinate with media organizations to inform cosmetic businesses, consumers, and the public about the recall to prevent further trading and use of these two products. Organize the reception of reports from manufacturing, business, and consumer entities, and coordinate with relevant agencies to inspect, verify, and trace the origins of the aforementioned products.

The Department of Health of Vinh Long province and Ho Chi Minh City is requested to coordinate with relevant agencies to inspect Thanh Van shop and Khang Hung Thinh Trading Services Co., Ltd. regarding their compliance with cosmetic business regulations. Trace the origins of the products in question and handle any violations in accordance with the law.