Editor’s Note
Hong Kong Customs has issued a safety warning over a collagen cream found to contain the banned ingredient Sudan Red. In response, Medicube refutes the claim, citing a Korea-accredited test showing no detection, and has submitted its report to authorities.
Hong Kong Customs previously alerted the public to an unsafe collagen cream, with test results showing the product contained the banned ingredient Sudan Red. For safety reasons, the public is advised to stop using it. Medicube issued a statement on social media yesterday (25th) refuting the claim, stating that the product was tested by a Korea-accredited testing institution and found “not detected” for Sudan Red. The relevant test report has been submitted to Hong Kong Customs for reference. (Government News Agency)
Comprehensive report by Lan Meijing
Published: July 26, 2026 at 01:35 PM
Hong Kong Customs stated the day before yesterday (24th) that after conducting inspections and test purchases of a collagen cream in various districts, the product was sent to the Government Laboratory for testing. Results showed the product contained Sudan Red, a banned ingredient under cosmetic safety technical specifications. Customs urged the public to stop using the product and advised retailers to immediately remove it from shelves. Medicube issued a statement on social media yesterday refuting the claim, stating that the product was tested by a Korea-accredited testing institution and found “not detected” for Sudan Red, with the relevant test report submitted to Hong Kong Customs for reference.
Customs stated the day before yesterday that, following up on earlier media reports, it identified a potentially unsafe collagen cream on the market. Customs officers immediately conducted inspections and test purchases of the product in various districts, sending it to the Government Laboratory for testing. Results showed the product contained Sudan Red, a banned ingredient under cosmetic safety technical specifications, potentially violating the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance. The product packaging only included English and Korean warning or cautionary statements, lacking relevant Chinese warnings, potentially violating the Consumer Goods Safety Regulation.
Customs urged the public to stop using the product and advised retailers to immediately remove it from shelves. Customs recommended that when purchasing and using beauty products, consumers should not buy or use products with unknown ingredients or origins; if discomfort occurs after use, stop using and consult medical professionals; and patronize reputable merchants.
Korean medical beauty brand Medicube issued a statement on social media yesterday refuting the claims. The company stated that the product was tested by a Korea-accredited testing institution, with Sudan Red results showing “not detected,” and the relevant test report has been submitted to Hong Kong Customs for reference.
Medicube emphasized that it has always complied with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and testing procedures in various countries and regions, and has maintained active communication with Customs regarding the incident. The company has submitted relevant information to Customs as requested, and based on its understanding, Customs has not arranged further on-site investigations. The company stated it is continuously and carefully reviewing the situation, cooperating with Customs for any supplementary information, verification, and related procedures required.
Regarding product labeling matters, Medicube said it is also conducting a detailed review of current Hong Kong laws and regulations, and if adjustments or improvements are confirmed necessary, it will cooperate and handle the matter in accordance with the law and regulations.