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On March 2025, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a public health warning about Sweetrip Whitening Freckle Removal Cream, a skin lightening product that marketed without an appropriate Certificate of Product Notification (CPN). The intention of the product is freckle removal and lighten skin color, but it is being sold in the marketplace in an unauthorized manner and may pose a risk to consumer's health. [1]

Sweetrip Whitening Freckle Removal Cream Advisory (March 2025)

Recall , May 23, 2025

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On March 2025, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a public health warning about Sweetrip Whitening Freckle Removal Cream, a skin lightening product that marketed without an appropriate Certificate of Product Notification (CPN). The intention of the product is freckle removal and lighten skin color, but it is being sold in the marketplace in an unauthorized manner and may pose a risk to consumer’s health. [1]

Reason for the Advisory

The product was found to be marketed under the Safety Regulation without a proper authorization approval from the law. Frequently, Sweetrip Whitening Freckle Removal Cream lacks proper product notification, which is regulatory requirement for enabling special cosmetic products to be marketed in the Philippines. Wrong products may intend hazardous chemicals too which can have major health implications for the consumer using the products in an unsafe manner. The advisory indicates reflects the necessity of authorizations to be in place before the products are put into the markets. [2]

Root Cause Analysis

The product was available on the market and had not been approved with a Certificate of Product Notification (CPN) as verified after the Philippines FDA delivered a public health warning. The product does not have necessary safety assessments and may have unregulated or harmful ingredients that could have adverse health effects when used on the skin. The lack of approval and compliance with regulatory requirements was the reason for this advisory. [3]

Product Description

  • Brand: Sweetrip
  • Product Name: Whitening Freckle Removal Cream
  • Intended Use: Freckle removal and skin whitening
  • Issue: Unauthorized sale due to lack of CPN
  • Regulatory Classification: Public Health Advisory

Issue Identified

Sweetrip Whitening Freckle Removal Cream was found being marketed illegally. It did not have a Certificate of Product Notification (CPN), which may raise concerns if there are issues regarding safety, efficacy and compliance with the regulatory framework for cosmetics laid down by the Philippines FDA. Unauthorized cosmetics might contain chemical substances that can result in skin irritation, allergic reactions and others when applied. The advisory had a warning to consumers not to use the product, and a warning to manufacturers or other persons regarding compliance with regulatory standards.

FRL-Sweetrip Whitening Freckle Removal Cream

Regulatory Body Concerns

  • FDA Advisory: The Philippines FDA flagged the product for marketing without authorization.
  • Failure to Comply with Safety Standards: There is no CPN or product safety assessments, and that presents a risk to consumers.
  • Public Health Risk: Unauthorized product that can contain harmful substances or contaminants should be of concern.

The advisory warned consumers to refrain from using unregulated products. [4]

Manufacturer’s Consumer Guidance

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines has issued a public health warning regarding the illegal sale of Sweetrip Whitening Freckle Removal Cream. Consumers who purchased the product should:

  • top using the product immediately.
  • Return or dispose of the product as soon as possible to avoid potential health risk.
  • Report any effects to their healthcare provider or report to the FDA’s MedWatch system.

The company that made the product must submit a valid product notification and prove safety for the product to be sold again in the marketplace.[1]

FRL Commentary

This public health advisory brings the compliance of cosmetics to regulatory expectations to the forefront. Food Research Lab offers the following recommendations for cosmetics manufacturers to ensure they do not find themselves in a similar situation:

  • Always obtain the required product notification from the appropriate regulatory body before a cosmetic product leaves the warehouse.
  • Ensure all the ingredients are compliant and that the product has undergone all safety testing for any harmful ingredients.
  • Double check product labels for proper ingredient representation and ensure no misleading or incomplete information is marketed.

Stay Informed About Regulatory Recalls

FRL provides professional regulatory consulting and compliance services to manufacturers of cosmetics to ensure their products can be sold in the market.

Concluding Remarks: The Importance of Regulatory Compliance for Cosmetic Products

This advisory emphasizes the dangers of marketing unauthorized cosmetic products. It stresses obtaining the proper approvals, testing the ingredient’s risks, and meeting health and safety standards to protect consumer health. Cosmetic manufacturers must make regulatory compliance a priority to ensure their product is safe, effective, and complies with applicable regulations.

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