KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - The National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) has banned 12 cosmetic products that contain ingredients, including scheduled poisons, that are dangerous to health.

The products are Felisa Gentle Peeling Solution, Krim Malam Rahsia Rimba, Biocosmet Whitening Essence Cream, H2O + Waterwhite Brightening Night Cream, Magixpress Lightening Plus, A.Vant Cream, Eriesya Spa Beauty Cream, Natasya Krim Herba, Temulawak Whitening Pearl Cream Papaya, Ratna Sari Whitening Night Cream, Atika Beauty Renewal Night Cream and Chantique Whitening Night Cream.

The bereau cancelled the registration of the products over the past 11 months because they contained the prohibited ingredients tretinoin (retinoic acid) and hydroquinone.

NPCB no longer allows the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of these products, and must be removed from the shelves.

Tretinoin, used to control acne, decongests the pores by peeling the superficial skin layer. The problem is that the acne would get worse before it gets better, and side effects include scaling of the skin, stinging, swelling or flushing.

In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration recommended that products with hydroquinone be sold only under prescription because it was a possible carcinogen and for a possible link found in studies in Africa to a skin disorder called ochronosis.

Last year, NPCB banned six cosmetic products for similar reasons -- Khazanah White Pembersih Wajah, Gloskin Krim Malam & Siang, Reena's Astringen Lanjutan, Skin Desires Deep Whitening Cleansing Milk, EETYE Whitening Cream and O'Lynn Skin Lightening Cream.