FAJAR.CO.ID, MAKASSAR — Apart from Mira Hayati and Dg Sila, another suspect in the mercury skincare case named Agus Salim suddenly came into the public spotlight.
The South Sulawesi Regional Police announced the determination of the suspect as the owner of the Ratu Glow skincare brand recently.
Even though he has been named a suspect, Agus Salim has not yet been arrested. This decision raised various questions and disappointment among the public.
Agus Salim is known as the owner of beauty products that are popular in the local market, one of which is Ratu Glow.
This company is famous for its skincare products which are claimed to provide effective skin care.
However, behind the popularity of this brand, it has now been revealed that there is a legal case linking Ratu Glow to the dangerous ingredient mercury.
Fajar.co.id search, Agus Salim was previously involved in a legal case, to be precise, on Wednesday, May 22 2024, Agus Salim underwent legal proceedings at the Makassar District Court.
Based on the indictment of the Public Prosecutor (JPU), the owner of Ratu Glow is suspected of producing and/or trading goods that do not meet the standards and requirements set out in law.
One of the serious violations revealed was the absence of labels or explanations regarding the composition of the product, instructions for use, and the ingredients used in the product.
Furthermore, laboratory test results from BPOM Makassar show that several products from Ratu Glow contain dangerous ingredients such as mercury and retinoic which are strictly prohibited in cosmetic products.
How can consumers identify safe skincare brands in light of recent scandals like the Ratu Glow case?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Mercury Skincare CaseEditor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Siti Rahma, a prominent expert in dermatology and skincare regulations. We’re discussing the recent developments in the mercury skincare scandal linked to the Ratu Glow brand. Welcome, Dr. Siti!
Dr. Siti Rahma: Thank you for having me! This is a significant issue, and I’m glad to discuss it.
Editor: To start, can you explain why the use of mercury in skincare products is a concern?
Dr. Siti Rahma: Absolutely. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can have serious health consequences. When absorbed through the skin, it can lead to mercury poisoning, which may affect the nervous system and kidneys. It can also cause skin irritations and may lead to more severe complications over time.
Editor: Recent news brought Agus Salim, the owner of Ratu Glow, into the spotlight as a suspect in this case. However, despite being named a suspect, he hasn’t been arrested yet. What is your take on this aspect?
Dr. Siti Rahma: It’s quite troubling. The fact that he has been named a suspect but hasn’t faced arrest raises concerns about accountability. In cases like this, swift legal action is crucial to deter other manufacturers from engaging in similar practices. The public deserves to see that regulations are being enforced.
Editor: The public reaction has been one of disappointment. How do you think incidents like this affect consumer trust in skincare brands?
Dr. Siti Rahma: Trust is fundamental in the beauty industry. Such incidents can severely damage consumer confidence, not only in the brand involved but also in the industry as a whole. People may become skeptical of products that claim to be safe and effective if they feel that regulatory bodies are not adequately protecting them. It also emphasizes the need for greater vigilance and education about safe skincare practices.
Editor: In your view, what steps should authorities take moving forward to address this issue effectively?
Dr. Siti Rahma: There needs to be a comprehensive strategy! First, the authorities must act decisively against those violating regulations to show that these actions have consequences. Secondly, increased education for consumers about the dangers of unregulated products is essential. Lastly, we need stronger regulatory frameworks that not only punish offenders but also prevent such situations from arising in the future.
Editor: That’s a valuable perspective, Dr. Siti. Given the popularity of beauty products like those from Ratu Glow in local markets, how can manufacturers ensure they abide by safety standards?
Dr. Siti Rahma: Manufacturers must prioritize consumer safety over profit. This means investing in quality control, sourcing ingredients responsibly, and staying updated on regulations. Building a culture of transparency can also help; brands should be open about their ingredient sourcing and testing methods to reassure consumers.
Editor: Thank you very much for sharing your insights with us today, Dr. Siti. This issue definitely highlights the critical importance of safety and regulation in the beauty industry.
Dr. Siti Rahma: Thank you! I hope that this situation leads to positive reforms that can protect consumers in the future.