Kuala Lumpur:Consumers are being urged not to take for granted the safety of cosmetics, health supplements, or traditional remedies simply because they are labeled as 'natural' or have a history of traditional use, according to Dr. Siew Ee Ling, a toxicologist from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Siew emphasized that while traditional knowledge can provide valuable insights, it is crucial that product safety is evaluated based on actual formulation, intended use, and exposure conditions. She clarified that the term 'natural' only describes an ingredient's origin and does not inherently confirm a product's safety or purity under its intended usage.
Dr. Siew further noted that botanical ingredients can vary widely in terms of plant species, part used, extraction method, and concentration, which can lead to possible allergic reactions or contamination with heavy metals, pesticide residues, or harmful microorganisms. During a recent public webinar on product safety, she reiterated the message, 'Don't Guess, Test,' urging consumers and manufacturers to differentiate between marketing claims and scientific evidence.
Highlighting the importance of comprehensive safety assessments, Dr. Siew warned that inadequate evaluations could leave critical evidence gaps, potentially leading to allergic sensitization, skin irritation, systemic toxicity, and increased risks for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. She also addressed the challenges of digital commerce, cautioning that online availability or overseas shipping does not necessarily ensure safety or independent verification, making product traceability essential.
Dr. Siew advised consumers to look beyond absolute claims like '100 per cent safe' or 'no side effects' by checking for clear ingredient disclosures, valid batch identification, and verifiable corporate accountability, rather than relying on influencer endorsements. She mentioned that shoppers can verify product status through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency's (NPRA) official product-search system, noting that medicines and health supplements require formal registration, whereas cosmetics follow an online notification system.
For the industry, Dr. Siew encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate risk-based safety planning early in their research and development processes to avoid costly reformulations later. Early assessments can identify unsuitable ingredients or evidence gaps before scale-up, helping to reduce avoidable reformulation and repeat testing. She emphasized that safety should be part of responsible innovation from the beginning, not an afterthought.