Brolamen serum scare: FDA warns against unregistered wrinkle eraser

Brolamen, a serum claiming to instantly eliminate crow’s feet, received a cautionary notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after being showcased in an online video today. Weerachai Nalawachai, the FDA’s Deputy Secretary-General, disclosed that upon a more in-depth investigation, the product, which lacks Thai labelling, was not located in the Thai cosmetics product database.

“Narrowing of the eyes while applying the serum, as seen in the video, caused wrinkles at the corner of the eyes. However, once the Brolamen serum was applied, the user stopped squinting, making the wrinkles disappear. Therefore, the disappearance of wrinkles could be due to facial muscle movement.”

Weerachai further stated that such cosmetic advertising could violate the Cosmetic Act 2020, punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. This is due to the misleading impression given to consumers that the product can instantly reduce wrinkles, a claim that is false or exaggerated and leads to misunderstandings about the essence of the cosmetics.

Upon further investigation, it was found that the account that shared the aforementioned video was based overseas. The FDA will continue to monitor advertising and strictly enforce law violations to prevent consumers from falling prey to exaggerated advertisements, added Weerachai.

The FDA’s deputy secretary-general warned consumers to be cautious when choosing to purchase health products from online platforms. He advised against being swayed by advertisements that boast exaggerated benefits.

Before purchasing, consumers should verify that the product has been registered with the FDA or the Provincial Public Health Office at the FDA’s website, www.fda.moph.go.th, under the heading Health Product License Check.

The product should have a Thai label clearly stating all necessary information, including the cosmetic name and trade name, type of cosmetics, name of all ingredients used, usage instructions, name and address of the manufacturer or importer, net volume, production batch, production and expiration dates, warnings, and registration number.

Consumers who encounter advertisements for health products making exaggerated claims or who experience harm from using health products can complain to the FDA’s hotline, 1556, or email: [email protected], or P.O. Box 1556, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11004, and Provincial Public Health Offices nationwide, reported KhaoSod.