40% of complaints made against beauty firm were by senior citizens, 1 person charged $370,000: Case
Update on Sept 3, 2026:
The Mineral Boutique Limited has clarified that it was not part of the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore’s (CCS) investigation into DNA Brands Co.
The Hong Kong-registered company is the owner of The Mineral Boutique brand and trademarks.
In an Aug 11 clarification, CCS said references to The Mineral Boutique in its investigation concerned specific Singapore outlets operated by DNA Brands.
“The Mineral Boutique Limited, and any outlets other than those named above trading under The Mineral Boutique brand trademarks, were not subject to this investigation,” CCS said.
The Mineral Boutique Limited said it supports the continued identification of the relevant Singapore outlets to help affected consumers access the refund process, but asked that they be clearly distinguished from the company and its wider business.
The affected The Mineral Boutique outlets identified under the refund scheme are at Jewel Changi Airport, NEX and Wheelock Place. Consumers who may be eligible for the refund scheme can continue to contact the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) directly.
Original article:
Beauty company DNA Brands Co has declined to agree in writing to cease its unfair practices and to compensate affected consumers, said the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) in an Oct 15 media release.
DNA Brands Co operates beauty salons under the Beautique brand and retail stores under The Mineral Boutique brand, among others.
Between Aug 1, 2024, and Oct 14, 2025, Case received 53 complaints against the company.
Consumers reported being misled or pressured into purchasing excessive beauty packages or products. In one complaint, a consumer was charged at least $370,000.
At least 40 per cent of complainants were senior citizens. In half of the complaints, the amounts spent exceeded $10,000.
There were complaints against Beautique outlets in Ang Mo Kio, Orchard Plaza, The Centrepoint and Toa Payoh; and The Mineral Boutique outlets in Nex, Jewel Changi Airport and Wheelock Place.
In October 2024, Stomp reported that Stomper Amos alleged that his 68-year-old mother was "pressured" into buying a $1,200 skincare product from The Mineral Boutique in Nex shopping mall on May 24, 2024.
Although the payment was eventually refunded, the Stomper complained: "According to my mother, she expressed the intention to leave the shop numerous times, but the sales people insisted that she remain seated to test the products.
"The retail manager even offered her a slice of cake, using a soft approach to make my mother part with her money. Feeling embarrassed, my mother eventually made the purchase."
A spokesperson for The Mineral Boutique later told Stomp the company made a police report against the Stomper for defamation and harassment.
In its media release, Case said that after receiving the complaints, the association engaged DNA Brands Co to sign a Voluntary Compliance Agreement to cease its unfair practices and to compensate affected consumers, but the company declined to do so.
Case referred the matter to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore for investigation under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and placed DNA Brands Co on its Company Alert List.
Explore more on these topics
See something interesting? Contribute your story to us.
