Phnom Penh – Cosmetic products, including lotions and facial creams, that claim to drastically whiten skin in a short period, such as those frequently advertised on social media, are unlikely to be safe or compliant with established standards. According to Mr. Teng Bunthon, the founder of the Cosmetic Consulting Association, claims of achieving quick whitening results like “skin becoming clear, pale, or even bluish white in just three days” often indicate the presence of prohibited substances or ingredients used in dangerously high concentrations. These may include mercury, steroids, high levels of hydroquinone, and certain strong acids.
Mr. Teng Bunthon emphasized that the use of such products carries significant health risks. Consumers may experience immediate issues like skin irritation, thinning skin, increased sun sensitivity, acne breakouts, and allergic reactions. More alarmingly, prolonged use, particularly of products containing mercury, can lead to severe and lasting damage to the kidneys, nervous system, and overall health.
To safeguard public health from the dangers of substandard cosmetic products, the Cosmetic Consulting Association founder urged the public to exercise extreme caution when encountering advertisements for lotions that promise excessively fast whitening results. Mr. Teng Bunthon advised consumers to only select cosmetic products that are properly registered, have clear origins, and adhere to guidelines set by competent authorities. This vigilant approach is crucial for protecting users’ health and safety.
Mr. Teng Bunthon further noted a significant issue within the Cambodian market: a number of cosmetic products in circulation are illegally imported and distributed. These products often bypass the necessary registration and quality control checks by regulatory bodies, a concern highlighted by the Ministry of Health’s consistent discovery of non-compliant items.
In response to these challenges, the Cosmetic Consulting Association appealed to all relevant ministries and institutions, especially the Ministry of Health, to enhance their inspection mechanisms. Mr. Teng Bunthon elaborated: “Given the widespread circulation of cosmetic products, particularly through online channels and retail stalls, the oversight by competent authorities must be further strengthened. Verifying product registration, origin, and chemical composition is paramount to preventing the sale of products that contain banned or health-hazardous substances.”
The association’s observations point to several critical shortcomings in Cambodia’s cosmetic sector. These include insufficient enforcement of existing laws, limited public awareness regarding safety standards, and the persistent presence of banned substances in parts of the market. Mr. Teng Bunthon proposed a multi-faceted approach to tackle these issues, advocating for: stronger enforcement by authorities, increased routine product inspections and testing, educating vendors on industry standards and professional ethics, and actively encouraging consumers to be more cautious and informed in their product choices.
These warnings follow recent developments. On June 26, the Ministry of Health announced the discovery of five cosmetic products containing mercury and salicylic acid in concentrations exceeding standard limits, posing serious health risks to users. The identified products were: N-QUEEN Glow White Lotion, OG Cosmetics Anti Acne & Whitening Night Cream, KissMe Vitamin Plus Premium Night Cream, Bliss Night Cream, and Na Sar Clarity Advance Night Cream.
Furthermore, in late 2025, the Ministry of Interior received over 200 complaints from individuals affected by fast-whitening lotions sold online. This statistic was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, Minister of Interior, during the 2026 Internet Safety Day campaign held on February 17, 2026, at the Royal University of Agriculture.
During the event, Mr. Sar Sokha highlighted that while online sales can involve general fraud, another concerning aspect is deceptive advertising that exaggerates product capabilities, such as the rapid whitening claims made for lotions. He expressed frank concern, stating, “These online lotion sellers promise white skin in a few weeks, or even 10 to 20 days. While it might whiten, ultimately, it leads to allergic reactions and rashes. I believe no scientific method can whiten skin in a week or ten days unless harmful chemicals or addictive substances are involved. And once you’re addicted, you can’t stop.”
