Thiruvananthapuram: The Drugs Control Department has seized spurious cosmetic products valued at ₹9.64 lakh during a multi-phase enforcement drive in and around the city, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said on Wednesday. Samples of face creams and lipsticks collected during the operation were tested in the department's drug testing laboratories in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam and found to contain unsafe levels of mercury.
Mercury far above legal limits in two face creams
According to the Minister, the department's targeted checks revealed that while the legally permissible limit for mercury in cosmetics is 1 part per million (ppm), two brands of face cream — identified as ‘Faiza’ and ‘Goree’ — contained mercury levels as high as 20,000 ppm. The creams, reported to be manufactured in Pakistan, reportedly reach the market without purchase bills, the Minister said, prompting steps to withdraw them from sale.
"The seized products include items found in violation of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and those manufactured and distributed without mandatory manufacturing and marketing licences and permits," the Health Minister said.
The seizures formed part of Operation Soundarya, an initiative by the Drugs Control Department to curb the sale and distribution of spurious cosmetic products that pose health risks. The ministry said inspections focused on a range of consumer items including lipsticks and baby-care products such as powders, oils and soaps.
- Samples of face creams sold in the market were collected following concerns about health issues among children and teenagers associated with excessive use of certain creams.
- Samples were sent for analysis to the department's testing facilities in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam.
- Products found to exceed legal limits or lacking proper licences were seized and steps taken to remove them from sale.
Phased seizures and value recovered
The Health Minister provided a breakdown of seizures completed up to the end of July under successive phases of the operation. In aggregate, the department recovered cosmetics worth ₹9.64 lakh. The phased values are recorded as follows:
| Phase | Value seized (₹) |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | ₹5.09 lakh |
| Phase 2 | ₹2.50 lakh |
| Phase 3 | ₹1.50 lakh |
| Phase 4 | ₹55,000 |
Officials said that products seized included those that contravened the Cosmetics Rules, 2020 as well as items that were manufactured or marketed without the mandatory licences and permits. The department intensified scrutiny after reports of adverse effects among younger users linked to indiscriminate application of certain face creams.
Health authorities emphasised that mercury in cosmetics can cause serious health problems, especially with prolonged exposure. The department did not specify whether any adverse health events had been formally recorded in connection with the batches tested but acted pre-emptively to withdraw hazardous products from retail circulation.
The seizures underline the regulatory challenge posed by unlabelled or illicit imports, particularly those that enter the market without invoices or clear provenance. The department's action also signals closer surveillance of personal-care items sold through informal channels and neighbourhood retailers across the district.
Consumers are advised to purchase cosmetics only from authorised outlets, check for valid manufacturing and marketing licences on packaging, and report suspect products or adverse reactions to the Drugs Control Department. The Health Minister said further enforcement steps would continue as required to protect public health.
