In a significant crackdown, Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has removed a staggering 3,336 illegal health product listings from various online platforms over the course of just one month. This includes dangerous do-it-yourself (DIY) beauty injectables, dermal fillers, and prescription medications like antibiotics.

The operation was conducted between September 23 and October 23, resulting in not only the removals but also 1,471 warnings issued to sellers on popular e-commerce and social media platforms including Amazon Singapore, Carousell, eBay Singapore, Facebook, Lazada, Qoo10, Shopee, and even TikTok.

HSA describes this endeavor as a “first-of-its-kind large-scale collaboration” with these online platform administrators, signaling a concerted effort to protect consumers from substandard or counterfeit products that pose significant health risks.

Eye-Opening Statistics

Approximately 48 percent of the removed listings were related to aesthetic enhancement products. A total of 1,611 items—including DIY beauty injector kits, dermal fillers, Botulinum toxin, and various skin treatments marketed as solutions for conditions like acne and eczema—were identified. These products often attract consumers looking to enhance their appearance without the involvement of certified medical professionals.

The remaining listings targeted included a variety of medical and cosmetic products such as contraceptives, antifungal medications, contact lenses, and male vitality supplements. Alarmingly, about 40 percent of these products were classified as prescription-only or pharmacy-only medicines, highlighting how readily available dangerous substances can be when sold online.

Health Risks Ahead

HSA has warned that products sold on unauthorized platforms have not gone through proper evaluations for safety, quality, and efficacy. DIY aesthetic beauty injectables, particularly, should only be administered by qualified medical practitioners and require official approval from HSA. Additionally, consumers are reminded that even common items like contact lenses need to be dispensed by certified professionals.

The outcomes of using unapproved products can be dire, leading to severe adverse reactions, including irreversible health damage.

Legal Consequences for Violators

The authority is taking a tough stance against illegal sellers. In September, a 32-year-old man received Singapore’s largest fine to date—S$266,500 (about US$198,000)—for selling counterfeit cosmetics through multiple accounts on Lazada.

Earlier in August, a woman was sentenced to two weeks in jail and fined S$19,000 for promoting unregistered health products via her home-based aesthetic services on social media. The HSA confiscated 51 types of such products from her premises, including potentially harmful dermal fillers.

Moreover, a shocking incident involving a four-year-old child diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome after using an unregistered skin cream emphasizes the critical need for vigilance. The cream, which had been purchased online, contained strong steroids that should not have been available without supervision.

What’s Next?

The HSA reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and safety. Anyone found guilty of supplying illegal health products may face jail time of up to three years, fines reaching S$100,000, or even both. As a result, this operation not only highlights the growing dangers of online shopping for beauty and medical products but also reinforces the essential role of regulatory authorities in safeguarding consumer health.

Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sellers or products to avoid falling victim to dangerous and illegal health commodities online.