The controversy over unsafe SK-II cosmetics produced by Procter & Gamble (Japan) Co showed little sign of abating this weekend, with industry experts warning quality inspection loopholes were putting customers at risk.

As the company withdrew its SK-II products and shut its 96 sales counters, customers expressed anger, as well as confusion about the overall safety of cosmetics. "Who should be responsible for our loss?" one consumer asked.

"My skin was sore for several days after I used their eye cream. I made a request for a refund days ago, but it was not answered. There is no way that the brand can just withdraw from the market and give customers no compensation," said a middle-aged female consumer in Beijing surnamed Hu.

Hu's anger was shared by thousands of SK-II customers across the country, especially after the brand suspended all refunds last Friday.

Over the weekend, there were reports that P&G's Chinese website was hacked and clashes broke out at some of its stores.

Law experts believe the incident reflects loopholes in the country's Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights.

"The current law states that the producer should be responsible for consumers once the products have been proved harmful to their physical health," Qiu Baochang, a senior lawyer in consumer rights with Beijing-based Huijia Lawfirm, told China Daily.

"But in case of more ambiguous cases, which have not caused obvious harm to customers, the law doesn't state clearly whether the producer should be responsible for a refund," said Qiu.

Qiu suggested that the law be modified swiftly for the maximum benefit of the consumers.

On the other hand, Qiu reminded consumers not to believe without scrutiny what has been promised in advertisements. "Many adverts just exaggerate the effect of the products. Customers should use common sense," said Qiu.

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