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Product safety reportOPSS

Wau Wa Eczema Herbal Cream safety warning over a banned ingredient

Banned cosmetic ingredientSerious risk

Product Safety Report for Wau Wa Eczema Herbal Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.

  • Wau Wa Eczema Herbal Cream: photo from the OPSS notice of 19 Mar 2024
    Product image from the OPSS safety notice

What to do now

Wau Wa Eczema Herbal Cream contains an ingredient that is banned in cosmetics in the UK.

  1. Stop using it now.
  2. Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
  3. Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
  4. If you cannot reach the seller, Trading Standards can be told through Citizens Advice.

Why it matters. Substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and some steroids can damage the skin and, with long-term use, other organs. They are only allowed in prescription medicines, if at all.

If someone has been hurt

Look out for

  • redness, burning, thinning or discolouration of the skin
  • a rash

Get help urgently

  • if you have used it for a long time, or have skin damage, speak to your GP or a pharmacist

This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.

Getting your money back

A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.

If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.

From the official notice

Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2312-0063). Quoted as issued.

Summary

Product Safety Report for Wau Wa Eczema Herbal Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.

The risk

The product presents a serious chemical risk as following analysis the product was found to contain 47.1 mg/kg Betamethasone Dipropionate. Betamethasone Dipropionate is a glucocorticoid substance and is not permitted in cosmetic products.

The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.

Advice to consumers

Destruction of the product.

Additional information

PSD case number: 2312-0063

Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards

Product description

White herbal cream supplied in a brown jar with a black lid

Open the OPSS notice

Questions

Why has Wau Wa Eczema Herbal Cream been reported?

Wau Wa Eczema Herbal Cream contains an ingredient that is banned in cosmetics in the UK. Substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and some steroids can damage the skin and, with long-term use, other organs. They are only allowed in prescription medicines, if at all.

How do I know if my product is affected?

The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.

What should I do now?

Stop using it now. Gently wash off any product left on the skin.

Can I get a refund or a repair?

A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.

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