FDA warns public vs. use of fake Korean face masks, beauty products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged the public to be on the lookout for counterfeit versions of Korean face masks and other beauty products as these could pose potential health hazards.

According to Lei Alviz' report for 24 Oras on Wednesday, an official distributor of original Korean face masks confirmed that fake versions of the products were being sold in the market.

The FDA has also warned the public against counterfeit versions of branded lip gloss, mascara and whitening cream products reportedly being sold.

"Wag po tayo basta-bastang bumili kung saan-saan. Medyo...mag-duda din po tayo 'pag medyo sobra namang mura 'yung binili nating produkto," Ofelyn Cabrido, an officer from the FDA's Center for Cosmetics Regulation and Research, said.

According to the FDA, counterfeit products, which did not go through the required safety assessment, could contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to the skin or may even be contaminated with heavy metals like lead and mercury.

The FDA said the use of these products may also lead to adverse effects such as skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock and even organ failure. 

"Hindi nga po siya dumaan sa pagsusuri ng FDA, hindi po natin ma-a-assure 'yung kanyang kalidad. Hindi po tayo sigurado doon sa ligtas na paggamit ng produkto na 'yan. Kasi ang maaring laman nito ay hindi talagang safe na mga ingredients," Cabrido explained.

A dermatologist likewise warned that substandard cosmetic products often cause skin problems.

"The patient can have allergic reaction which is very, very common among skin care products that are substandard...There could also be some acne formation. Extreme cases naman kapag hindi na-control ang allergy ang tinatawag na anaphylaxis," Dr. Jean Marquez said. —Margaret Claire Layug/LDF, GMA News