The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued a warning to the public against purchasing or consuming four products: ‘EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream,’ ‘HONEY Q Dietary Supplement Product,’ ‘SLIME 7D ADVANCE Slimming Pill,’ and ‘FINOS.’
Two individuals encountered negative effects following the use of two of these items. After conducting tests, HSA has identified potent or prohibited ingredients in these products (refer to the table provided).
| Product name | Potent or banned ingredients | Source |
| ‘EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream’ | Arsenic (toxic heavy metal) Betamethasone (potent steroid) Salicylic acid (exfoliating agent) | Retail website and local e-commerce platforms |
| ‘HONEY Q Dietary Supplement Product’ | Sibutramine (banned medicinal substance) Benzyl sibutramine (banned substance) Fluoxetine (antidepressant) Diphenhydramine (antihistamine) | Local e-commerce platforms |
| ‘SLIME 7D ADVANCE Slimming Pill’ | Sibutramine (banned medicinal substance) | Local e-commerce platforms |
| ‘FINOS’ | Orlistat (weight loss medicine) Sennosides (laxative) | Local e-commerce and social media platforms |
The product ‘EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream’ was available for purchase on a retail website (www.euzema.com) located in Malaysia and on Carousell, a domestic e-commerce platform.
On the other hand, ‘HONEY Q Dietary Supplement Product,’ ‘SLIME 7D ADVANCE Slimming Pill,’ and ‘FINOS’ were marketed on various local e-commerce and social media platforms, including Lazada, Qoo10, Shopee, and eBay.
HSA has collaborated with the administrators of these local platforms to eliminate the listings affected by these products. Two sellers are cooperating with ongoing investigations. Additionally, HSA has informed its Malaysian counterpart about these products, given that they were purportedly manufactured in Malaysia and sold by sellers or websites based in the country.
Consumer had skin reaction after using ‘EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream’ for eczema
A man in his 30s experienced a skin reaction, characterized by purpura (purplish red spots caused by small bleeds under the skin), after using ‘EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream’ for his eczema over the course of a year. His doctor suspected that the adverse skin reaction was due to ‘realgar,’ a mineral containing arsenic that was indicated on the cream’s label. The incident was reported to HSA. The consumer had obtained the cream from www.euzema.com, a website that claimed the cream could effectively treat eczema with its powerful natural formula, being steroid-free, containing 100% all-natural herbs, and having no side effects. HSA conducted tests and found exceedingly high levels of arsenic (over 430 times higher than allowable limits), betamethasone, and salicylic acid in the cream.
Arsenic, a toxic heavy metal, can result in skin irritations, contact dermatitis (manifesting as skin rashes and blisters), or peeling skin when externally applied. Prolonged use of products with elevated arsenic levels may lead to arsenic poisoning. Betamethasone, a potent steroid, should only be used under strict medical supervision due to the serious adverse effects it can cause if misused. Salicylic acid, used to address skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and dandruff, may cause dry, irritated, and red skin if used excessively.
Consumer experienced adverse reactions after taking slimming product that claimed to be herbal and natural
HSA received reports from the public concerning adverse reactions to ‘HONEY Q Dietary Supplement Product,’ ‘SLIME 7D ADVANCE Slimming Pill,’ and ‘FINOS,’ all marketed for weight loss and claiming to be herbal and natural. One consumer experienced vomiting and headache after taking ‘FINOS.’ Despite claims of being free from banned substances, HSA’s testing revealed potent medicinal ingredients, including sibutramine, benzyl sibutramine, fluoxetine, and orlistat in ‘SLIME 7D ADVANCE Slimming Pill.’ Sibutramine, previously a prescription-only weight loss medicine, has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The use of sibutramine and benzyl sibutramine may lead to serious adverse effects such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, anxiety, and heart attacks. Fluoxetine is a prescription-only medicine, and orlistat is a pharmacy-only medicine, both requiring supervision by a medical professional.
Consumer Advisory:
If you are currently using ‘EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream,’ it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as the cream contains arsenic and a potent steroid, both posing significant health risks. Prolonged steroid usage can suppress the body’s natural steroid production, and abrupt cessation without medical supervision may result in severe withdrawal symptoms, such as adrenal insufficiency. This condition can manifest as confusion, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, and seizures.
For those consuming ‘HONEY Q Dietary Supplement Product,’ ‘SLIME 7D ADVANCE Slimming Pill,’ and ‘FINOS,’ it is advised to cease usage immediately and consult a doctor if any health concerns arise. Quick-fix solutions for weight loss are not recommended, and a balanced diet combined with appropriate exercise is the preferred method for weight control. If assistance is needed in managing weight, consulting a doctor or dietitian is advisable.
Exercise caution with products claiming miraculous recovery from chronic medical conditions or boasting about being ‘100% all-natural’ or ‘free of side effects.’ Such products may contain undisclosed ingredients that can be harmful to health.
When purchasing items online, especially from unfamiliar sources, be cautious as the origin and manufacturing conditions of these products are uncertain, and they may be tainted with harmful substances. It is recommended to buy from reputable pharmacies, recognized retailers’ websites, or those with an established retail presence in Singapore. Adulterated products are often produced under substandard conditions without proper quality control, and different batches of the same product may vary in ingredient composition or contain different types of contaminants.
Seller and Supplier Advisory:
All sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately. HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with banned and prohibited substances or potent ingredients. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $10,000.
Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products may contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
HSA: Health Sciences Authority
Link to the HSA announcement: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/hsa-alert-four-adulterated-products
HSA Press Release (Annex A and B): https://www.hsa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/pr_euzema_honeyq_slime7d_finos_21nov2023_final489f261b018b48029c2a178d89a4fc63.pdf
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