PUBLISHED ONAugust 28, 2026 9:30 AMBYSean LerThe Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has completed its investigations into the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, following reports that it may contain a prohibited dye called Sudan Red.
In an updated statement to AsiaOne on Friday (Aug 28), the authority said its testing detected small amounts of Sudan IV in two samples of the product sold by Venus Beauty.
The affected batches — 2E122I.2E117I and 2E191G.2E193G — were then recalled on Aug 26.
HSA confirmed that the prohibited ingredient was not detected in the samples submitted by APR SG and Rirora International.
Sale of such unaffected batches has been allowed to resume.
To ensure consumer safety, it has instructed all three companies to make sure that every batch of the cream intended for sale in Singapore is tested by an accredited laboratory for the presence of Sudan Red dye, before they are supplied to retailers.
The test reports of their products for sale in Singapore must also be submitted to the authority.
Sudan Red dyes are prohibited in cosmetics sold in Singapore, and have been linked to potential carcinogenic and allergenic effects.
It is also not permitted for use as food dyes, according to Singapore Food Agency.
The concern first emerged in Hong Kong, after Hong Kong Customs alerted members of the public on July 24 that laboratory tests on the cream found the presence of Sudan Red, and told consumers there to stop using it.
Medicube has emerged as one of South Korea's most recognisable skincare brands in recent years, gaining a strong international following through social media platforms.
The Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream is one of the brand's most popular products.
Marketed as containing PDRN, an ingredient derived from salmon DNA, and collagen, the cream is widely available on e-commerce platforms and has built a substantial following among fans worldwide.
HSA highlighted that the quantities detected in the affected batches are in small quantities, and that it is unlikely to pose any serious health risks from previous use, although consumers should not continue using the affected products.
They are also advised to contact the seller if they have concerns related to refunds.
The authority has also not received any local reports of adverse events associated with the product to date.
"Consumers are also advised not to purchase or use cosmetic products from dubious or unfamiliar sources, particularly where the source or quality of the products cannot be verified.
"Consumers should purchase from reputable retailers with an established presence in Singapore so that there is recourse should problems arise," HSA said.
It reiterated that under the regulations, dealers must notify HSA before supplying cosmetic products in Singapore.
It also emphasised that a notification does not mean that the product has been evaluated, approved, certified or endorsed.
Instead, such notification is intended to facilitate regulatory follow-up by the authority if safety concerns arise.
Any person who supplies cosmetic products that do not comply with the regulatory requirements, including having prohibited ingredients in their products, may face enforcement action.
Those found to have supplied such products may face a fine of up to $50,000, jail of up to 2 years, or both.
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