Today's Edition
KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s health authority recently updated its list of contaminated products that pose serious hazards, with dozens of unsafe items added in the first quarter of the year. Among these are cosmetic products and supplements that claim to be used for weight loss, body building, and other health reasons.
Many of those flagged were found to contain heavy metals — such as lead and mercury — as well as steroids that should be used only under medical supervision. There were also supplements that contained chemicals that may increase the risk of cancer, while some had inappropriate ingredients like paracetamol, which is used for fever.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has been updating this list of adulterated products since 2016. It currently includes some 3,165 items, compiled from January 1, 2016, until March 27, 2025. More than 40 were added in the first quarter of the year.
Alerting the public not to purchase any of the items on the list, the DoH said on its website: “Some of these products were found to be contaminated with biological traces such as yeast, mould, bacteria or with heavy metals. Others were found to be adulterated with undeclared pharmaceutical substance.”
These products can “cause a serious danger for consumers”, it said, “because they are manufactured and stored under unhygienic conditions and not following the good manufacturing practices”.
Check Your Cosmetics
Many of the items added in March were those that claim to have cosmetic benefits, from skin lightening lotions to anti-acne creams.
UAE-based dermatologists reiterated the need to be extra cautious in choosing products for their skin.
“Cosmetic products, especially those that are meant for topical use, are sometimes not taken seriously by the general public. However, some contain ingredients that are practically useless to spend money on, or can be outright dangerous for health,” said Dr. Saman Zeeshan, Aesthetic Doctor and Medical Director for Champs-Elysees Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai.
A lot of so-called "whitening cream or glow cream" claim to give quick results but at the expense of the user's health, said Dr. Ameena Jaleel, Dermatologist at Prime Medical Center Jumeirah Branch.
“Some of these contain very strong steroids and heavy metals like mercury in high levels, which can cause skin damage — and even serious hazards like renal failure when used long term. Many a times, it’s difficult to revert patients back to normal skin as their skin becomes dependent or addicted to these products,” she said.
Dr. Zeeshan pointed out that mercury as an ingredient in skincare could be dangerous. “The use of which can lead to lots of topical and systemic effects. While the simpler ones include skin rash and burns, the more damaging effects from continued use of mercury-based creams can lead to harmful effects on kidneys as well as nerve,” the specialist said.
Dr. Rishi Hassan, Dermatology Specialist at Burjeel Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, urges consumers to be meticulous in checking the ingredients of products that they use or plan to use.
“Some unapproved products, particularly those marketed for skin lightening, anti-aging, or rapid weight loss, may contain steroids, mercury, hydroquinone, or other potent substances without proper labelling,” said Dr. Hassan.
"When used without medical supervision, these ingredients can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, cause thinning, increase sensitivity to UV radiation, and accelerate cellular damage."
Among the items that DoH flagged on its list, Dr. Hassan is particularly concerned about those found to contain steroids.
"Topical or oral steroids, when used without medical supervision, can cause serious skin and systemic side effects. Prolonged or inappropriate use may lead to skin thinning, increased sensitivity, acne, pigmentation changes, and a rebound worsening of the original condition," he said.
Dr. Jaleel added that "very potent steroids" - such as clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate - should not be used on the face. "These may cause skin thinning and permanent scars, stretch marks, infections, rosacea, sun sensitivity, among other issues."
How to Access the List
The specialists lauded the authority for its effort to keep track of these unsafe products.
"The DoH's list is very helpful and commendable. It's an excellent initiative that plays a crucial role in protecting public health by raising awareness about unsafe products," said Dr. Hassan.
The list is accessible to all and it can be found on https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/resources/Adulterated-Products.
Consumers can easily use the database as a reference to check whether a product they are interested in contains any harmful ingredients.
One can simply enter the product name on the search area and, if it has been found to be contaminated, it will appear on the list.
Dr. Zeeshan advised the public to mindful when making a purchase for their skin and cosmetic products, "specially if buying something after getting tempted through social media".
"While it's entertaining to follow trendy accounts on social media, it's also important to filter out the noise and look and follow some educational content also so as to make good decisions about skincare. Most importantly, one must ask their doctors who are knowledgeable about skin health and science, and are also aware about Health Authority regulations," she said.
