Corpse-skin injections seized in HK raise safety & ethical concerns

The Department of Health has seized unregistered injectable products on the market that claim to contain human tissue -- popularly dubbed "corpse-skin injections." Beauty industry representatives say the products raise potential safety and ethical concerns.

The pursuit of youthful skin is nothing new. But when it comes to injectable beauty treatments, the risks may go beyond what meets the eye. Touted as "corpse-skin injections" this South Korean product -- which promises to restore skin to the condition of a 20-year-old -- has come under scrutiny after the Department of Health raided four beauty treatment premises last Friday where more than 100 vials of suspected Part 1 poisons were seized.

They include 20 vials of "corpse-skin injection" found in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. Given the claims that the product contains human tissue, its importation and use may raise regulatory issues under the Human Organ Transplant Ordinance. Police arrested a 38-year-old woman on suspicion of offences including the unlawful commercial dealing in human organs.

The Federation of Beauty Industry (HK) says if the tissue really comes from donated human remains and is subsequently commercialised, it not only flags ethical issues but also public health concerns as the human tissues could carry cells, genetic material or diseases from the donors.