The Ministry of Health has issued a notice blacklisting ten domestically made cosmetics which contain dexamethasone and chloramphenicol.

The ten substandard cosmetics include nine types of lotions, gems, anti-allergy essence and masks, produced by the Guangzhou Shimei Cosmetics Co., Ltd. and an anti-allergy moisture mask produced by Gelamei cosmetic Co., Ltd.

The two cosmetics companies are both based in south China's Guangdong Province.

The notice said cosmetics containing dexamethasone, or "skin opium", will make skin seem improved at primary stage. However, if customers use such cosmetics in a long term, their skin will become atrophic, thin and dark and they may suffer other skin diseases.

After customers stop the application of such cosmetics, their skin usually becomes dry, grows rashes and are susceptible to sunshine and high temperature, said the notice.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2007)