PUBLIC CAUTIONED AGAINST THE USE OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS CONTAINING HYDROQUINONE

The Volta Regional Head of Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mr. Gorden Akurugu has issued a caution to the residents of the Volta Region and its environs against the patronage of cosmetic products with Hydroquinone as part of its ingredients. He stressed that continuous use of aforementioned product would lead to the health complications.

In educating the public, the Regional Head who spoke on West FM's Morning Show said that in January 2017, the FDA no longer permitted the addition of Hydroquinone in cosmetic products following the requisite standard set by the Ghana Standards Authority (GS 227:2-2017), which obligated that cosmetic products should be free of hydroquinone due to its health implications.

He added that, in spite of the directive on the substance, it appears some section of the public is yet to understand the rationale behind the decision of the Authority as some cosmetic product importers are still smuggling products with hydroquinone into the country, whilst some individuals on the local market are engaged in the trading of the products containing the aforementioned substance.

Mr. Akurugu warned that, research has shown that indiscriminate and extensive use of cosmetics containing Hydroquinone inhibits melanin production which is responsible for skin color and this has the propensity of causing skin cancer. Also, It can lead to the thinning of the skin, poor wound healing, the development of permanent stretch marks, excessive sweating, bad odor, among others.

Apart from its effect on the skin, he added that hydroquinone has been found to expose users to acute toxicity from oral exposure and can cause diseases such as thyroid disorder, leukemia, and liver diseases.
Likewise, the public is advised to desist from mixing other products containing steroids which are medicinal products to cosmetics.

He restated that the FDA would continue to ensure public health and safety but for the Authority to carry out its activities successfully, the public is advised to adhere to the issued directive and abstain from using such products.