The National Director of Pharmacy and Drugs of the Ministry of Health (Minsa), Uriel Pérez, reiterated to the public to suspend the use of Montblanc Lady Emblem Elixir, Valentino Valentina, and Montblanc Lady Emblem fragrances, whose registrations were canceled through resolutions issued in March 2026, due to their prolonged use potentially causing health damage.
Licensed Pérez emphasized that the products contain 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), also known as lilial, a substance prohibited in cosmetics due to its possible adverse effects.
This measure responds to an international alert issued by European regulatory authorities, which periodically update lists of substances restricted or prohibited in cosmetics, used as a reference for sanitary surveillance in Panama.
He explained that although these products had health registration, upon verification of their ingredients, the presence of non-permitted components was detected, so their health registration was canceled and they were removed from the market.
“The call to the public is clear: if you have any of these products at home, you must stop using them as a preventive measure,” he stated.
He detailed that the risk is mainly associated with chronic exposure, that is, with continuous use over years, as some of these substances could have carcinogenic effects or affect reproductive health.
However, he mentioned that occasional use does not represent a significant immediate risk.
Minsa also warned about the purchase of cosmetics over the internet or in unauthorized sites, where these products could continue to circulate irregularly, even at low cost.
Finally, it reiterated that it maintains permanent surveillance of more than 700 substances included in international lists and will continue to issue alerts to protect the population's health.
