Kaohsiung Seizes Illegally Made AHA Cosmetics; Suspected Distribution to Medical Facilities Leads to Legal Action
The Kaohsiung City Health Bureau has seized illegally manufactured alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) cosmetics from Chi Ying International Co., Ltd., which allegedly produced and sold the products to medical facilities without proper authorization. The case has been referred for prosecution.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 13:52
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 14:09 (17 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 14:10 (0 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Reporter Lin Chiao-Lien, Kaohsiung, 12th) The Kaohsiung City Health Bureau has discovered that a cosmetics company, suspected of lacking distributor qualifications, illegally manufactured a large batch of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) cosmetics of unknown origin and allegedly sold them to multiple medical institutions. The Health Bureau stated today that the company has been referred for legal action.
The case originated from a citizen complaint received by the Health Bureau in April this year. A citizen reported suffering extensive facial burns after receiving an AHA peel treatment at a dermatology clinic. When the Health Bureau traced the product's origin, it found that Chi Ying International Co., Ltd., located in the Xinxing District, was suspected of lacking distributor qualifications and illegally manufacturing large quantities of AHA cosmetics of unknown origin. The bureau has cooperated with the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau to refer the case for judicial investigation.
In a press release issued today, the Health Bureau stated that it began investigating products used in treatments in April. It found that the involved company was suspected of illegally formulating AHA cosmetics without approval. On-site inspections seized chemical raw materials, empty bottles, label printers, and sealing equipment, suggesting the company may have formulated, repackaged, labeled, and distributed the products to medical facilities.
To clarify the product's origin and distribution channels, the Health Bureau stated that the case is being directed by a prosecutor, with simultaneous investigations conducted by the Health Bureau and the Qianzhen Station of the Kaohsiung City Investigation Office under the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau. This is to trace whether related products have been distributed through other channels and prevent unknown cosmetics from continuing to harm public health.
The Health Bureau emphasized that cosmetics manufactured without legal procedures or of unknown origin could affect safety. AHA peel products, in particular, have a certain level of irritation. Improper concentration or unknown ingredients could cause skin burns, redness, swelling, or even permanent damage. The bureau urged the public to verify product origin and treatment safety when receiving aesthetic medicine or dermatological treatments.
The Health Bureau pointed out that the involved company is suspected of violating Article 8 of the "Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Management Act." Subsequently, according to Article 22 of the same act, it may face a fine of between NT$20,000 and NT$5 million. Additionally, according to Articles 15 and 17, the company has been ordered to immediately recall the relevant products and notify local health authorities and related associations to assist in tracing and preventing further distribution. (Editor: Li Hsi-Chang) 1150612
The case originated from a citizen complaint received by the Health Bureau in April this year. A citizen reported suffering extensive facial burns after receiving an AHA peel treatment at a dermatology clinic. When the Health Bureau traced the product's origin, it found that Chi Ying International Co., Ltd., located in the Xinxing District, was suspected of lacking distributor qualifications and illegally manufacturing large quantities of AHA cosmetics of unknown origin. The bureau has cooperated with the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau to refer the case for judicial investigation.
In a press release issued today, the Health Bureau stated that it began investigating products used in treatments in April. It found that the involved company was suspected of illegally formulating AHA cosmetics without approval. On-site inspections seized chemical raw materials, empty bottles, label printers, and sealing equipment, suggesting the company may have formulated, repackaged, labeled, and distributed the products to medical facilities.
To clarify the product's origin and distribution channels, the Health Bureau stated that the case is being directed by a prosecutor, with simultaneous investigations conducted by the Health Bureau and the Qianzhen Station of the Kaohsiung City Investigation Office under the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau. This is to trace whether related products have been distributed through other channels and prevent unknown cosmetics from continuing to harm public health.
The Health Bureau emphasized that cosmetics manufactured without legal procedures or of unknown origin could affect safety. AHA peel products, in particular, have a certain level of irritation. Improper concentration or unknown ingredients could cause skin burns, redness, swelling, or even permanent damage. The bureau urged the public to verify product origin and treatment safety when receiving aesthetic medicine or dermatological treatments.
The Health Bureau pointed out that the involved company is suspected of violating Article 8 of the "Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Management Act." Subsequently, according to Article 22 of the same act, it may face a fine of between NT$20,000 and NT$5 million. Additionally, according to Articles 15 and 17, the company has been ordered to immediately recall the relevant products and notify local health authorities and related associations to assist in tracing and preventing further distribution. (Editor: Li Hsi-Chang) 1150612
FAQ
Who is the party involved?
Chi Ying International Co., Ltd. in Xinxing District, Kaohsiung.
When was it discovered?
Discovered in April 2024 after a citizen complaint.
What are the penalties?
Fines up to NT$5 million.