India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has warned consumers against two unauthorised cosmetics labelled as made in Pakistan after tests found excessive heavy metals beyond specified limits.

Which creams has CDSCO flagged?

The regulator has identified Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream in a public health alert issued by its Cosmetics Division.

Both products are labelled “Made in Pakistan” and were found to be unauthorised for import and sale in India. CDSCO said the products had not received the required registration certificate from the competent authority.

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Heavy metals found beyond specified limits

According to CDSCO, testing and analysis found that the two cosmetics contained heavy metals exceeding specified limits.

The regulator warned that this may pose health risks to consumers, including toxic effects. The official notice does not specify which heavy metals were detected or provide their measured concentrations.

CDSCO has advised consumers not to purchase or use the two products. It has also asked establishments and individuals not to sell, distribute or advertise them and directed enforcement authorities to ensure they are not sold in their jurisdictions.

What consumers should check

The regulator has advised consumers to buy authorised cosmetics and check product labels for key regulatory information, including:

  • Manufacturing licence number
  • Manufacturer's details
  • Batch number
  • Manufacturing date
  • Expiry date
  • Registration number for imported cosmetics

Cosmetic products in India are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.

Why the alert matters

The CDSCO warning highlights both a product-safety issue and a regulatory-compliance issue. The two creams were not registered for import as required, while laboratory testing also found heavy metals above specified limits.

The alert therefore does not establish that every product of a particular category is unsafe; it specifically concerns the two products identified by CDSCO and similarly named products mentioned in its advisory.