Dull skin, acne, hair loss, cellulite... for every perceived beauty problem, there is a wide variety of products that will promise you quick, miraculous solutions. Whether these products will actually deliver the promised results or whether they are safe for use is uncertain.
Many of these cosmetic products are available for sale online, from local or overseas websites, and are often recommended in online reviews. It is worth noting, however, that these online reviews are difficult to verify and may not be written or posted by genuine consumers.
Well-meaning friends or relatives may also recommend products to you, but what has worked well for them may not work in the same way for you. Health conditions vary from person to person, and non-medical professionals who are unaware of your medical history will not be able to advise you on which products are suitable or safe for you to use. For example, you may have a known sensitivity towards certain skincare ingredients, and your friend recommending you to try a certain product may not know about it.
All in all, it is better to exercise caution when it comes to cosmetic products. Promises of miraculous results or convincing online reviews may tempt you into trying a product, but by the time you find out that your body reacts adversely to the product, it may be too late.
Woman suffers chemical burns from unlabelled product
A visit to a beauty parlour in Orchard Road took an unfortunate turn for a female consumer in her 20s, when she purchased two bottles of an unlabelled facial solution that was supposed to brighten up her skin. After two to three days of daily application, the consumer suffered chemical burns and skin peeling. Her skin turned red and itchy, and required treatment by a skin specialist.
The beautician who sold her the product had acquired the facial solution 'RDL HYDROQUINONE TRETINOIN Babyface Solution 3' from an online platform for use in her beauty parlour, and also poured it into unlabelled brown glass bottles for resale to her customers as “magic water”.
Tests done by HSA confirmed that the facial solution contained hydroquinone and tretinoin. These are potent medicinal ingredients used for the treatment of skin conditions, which should only be prescribed by a doctor and used under medical supervision. The consumer was unaware of these potent ingredients as the glass bottles were not labelled.
How to safely use cosmetic products
Cosmetic products (such as skincare products, toothpastes, shampoos, make-up and perfumes) are intended for external use on the body.
While they are considered to be of lower risk than other health products as they are not consumed by mouth, the ingredients in cosmetic products may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. The most common issue linked with the use of cosmetic products is skin sensitivity or allergy to their ingredients.
As a consumer, you should exercise care and discretion when using cosmetic products:
- Consider the source of the products. Always buy your cosmetic products from reliable or established outlets.
- Beware of miraculous claims. Such claims should be viewed with caution, as they are not backed by scientific evidence or clinical studies. Such products may also contain undeclared potent medicinal ingredients which can cause serious side effects.
- “Endorsed by HSA" or "Approved by HSA” claims are misleading. Cosmetic products do not require approval from HSA before being sold or marketed in Singapore.
- Read the label before purchase. Check for ingredients that you may be allergic or sensitive to. Do not purchase products which do not have a proper label with important information, such as product ingredients and instructions on how to use the product.
- If it’s a new product, test the product before use. Try the product on a small area of skin, usually behind your ear or on the inside of your forearm. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, it is most likely safe for you to use.
- Maintain hygiene levels. Wash your hands before using cosmetic products so as not to transfer bacteria from your hands to your face. Keep your make-up brushes and sponges clean. Do not share make-up as it could cause cross-contamination of germs and bacteria.
- Follow instructions for use and storage. Do not use cosmetics for uses other than its intended one. For example, do not use a lip pencil as eyeliner as it could contain ingredients that may irritate your eyes. Store cosmetics according to instructions on the label as improper storage may cause the product to deteriorate.
You can help us combat adulterated, counterfeit and substandard health products. Report any suspicious sale or advertising of medicines, cosmetics and health products to HSA through e-mail or phone at 6866 3485.
You can purchase all sorts of unexpected items with your FSA funds, including travel essentials, first-aid kits, heating pads and more.
FSA StoreMany skin care products SPF moisturizers and hand cream are FSA-eligible, as are acne treatment and prevention products. You can even buy a light therapy device for acne treatment with your FSA.
Some skin care products, such as toner or spot treatment, require a prescription from your doctor to be eligible. Treatments for conditions such as eczema and rosacea also require a prescription, and anything with mainly cosmetic purposes -- such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion -- does not qualify.
Related: Good Skin Care Can Actually Be Super Simple. Here's What to Do
2. Condoms, pregnancy tests and fertility kits
Let your FSA pay for your sexual health and family planning needs. Condoms, pregnancy tests, fertility kits and pregnancy monitors are all FSA-eligible purchases. With a prescription, you can also purchase female contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches and IUDs with FSA money.
3. Glasses and sunglasses
For those who weren't born with perfect vision, an FSA covers prescription glasses and sunglasses, even high-end brands like Ray-Ban and Versace. Just make sure to visit your optometrist for an updated prescription before purchasing a pair (you can use your FSA to cover the optometry exam, too).
As long as you have a prescription, you can buy sunglasses with your FSA money.
FSA StoreWear contact lenses instead? You can also pay for those with your FSA money.
4. Staple medications
Over-the-counter medications do require a prescription to be FSA-eligible, but a simple visit to your doctor could allow you to stock up on pain relievers, allergy medicine, heartburn relief, antacids and other medicine cabinet staples. Check the FSA Store's list of eligible OTC medications.
5. Heating and cooling pads
Struggle with lower back pain or nagging injuries? Heating and cooling pads can help, and you can purchase them with FSA funds. Many brands and types are available on the FSA Store online, but you can also just pick one up from your local drugstore.
6. First-aid kit
Pretty much any first-aid kit is FSA-eligible, and this is one way to get around the prescription required for over-the-counter pain medications: Many first aid kits include travel-sized bottles of pain relievers, and you don't need a prescription to buy a first-aid kit.
7. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a surprisingly expensive essential -- most cost at least $10 and go up in price significantly from there, depending on the brand you choose. Use your hard-earned FSA dollars to pay for it. SPF lip balm and mineral sunscreen are also covered.
Read more: Best Sunscreen for 2022
8. Thermometer
Your FSA funds cover a whole range of thermometer types and brands, including smart thermometers. Choose from digital, in-ear, forehead, mouth and other designs.
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9. Blood-pressure monitor
Your FSA funds cover a variety of blood-pressure monitors, including the Quardio Arm, Omron Evolv and the Withings Wireless, all of which are compatible with Apple Watch and iPhone.
10. Other home medical devices
Blood pressure monitors aren't the only at-home medical devices you can purchase with your FSA. You can also buy oximeters, stethoscopes, home medical tests, glucose tests and monitors, CPAP accessories, medical alert devices, emergency equipment such as a defibrillator, inhalers and respiratory masks.
In addition to home medical devices, you can also buy items like acupressure pads and foam rollers with your FSA card.
FSA Store11. Breast pump
For new moms, breast pumps and breast pump accessories are covered under an FSA. This includes cleaning wipes, disposable nursing pads, reusable baby bottles, tote bags and breast milk coolers.
12. Shoe inserts and foot care
You can buy shoe inserts, as well as toe cushions and arch braces, with your FSA. Wart removers and other foot grooming treatments, such as callus trimmers, are also qualified FSA expenses. You may even be able to purchase a foot massager with your FSA.
13. Sleep aids
Oral sleep aids are only eligible with a prescription from your doctor, but you can purchase sleep masks, vaporizers, bed warmers and other non-prescription sleep aids with your FSA funds.
Memory foam neck pillows are just one of many sleep and travel products you can buy with FSA money.
FSA Store14. Travel preparation
According to the IRS Publication 502, you can't pay for a vacation with your FSA money -- but you can buy travel essentials with those funds. For example, travel pillows, sunscreen, motion sickness bands and more are all eligible FSA expenses.
Bonus: Alternative medicine
Wanting to try out acupuncture, chiropractic care or another complementary medical treatment? This ultimately depends on your employer, but many businesses allow employees to use their FSA funds for these kinds of health treatments.
If your employer does allow you to use FSA money for this, make sure to check with the clinic or practice you want to visit, too.
Some virtual providers and apps also take FSA accounts to pay for membership fees.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.