Warning issued over illegal skin lightening products sold in local shops
Britons are being warned not to buy or use illegal skin lightening products, which are reportedly being sold in butchers, specialty food stores, convenience stores and online across the UK.
Consumer watchdog Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) found that many of these products contained banned substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and powerful corticosteroids. These hazardous ingredients pose significant health risks, including serious skin damage, infections, and complications during pregnancy.
CTSI former chief executive Tendy Lindsay stressed that although the impact was most pronounced among people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, all Britons must remain vigilant.
He stated: “We increasingly see these products being sold in everyday local shops, sometimes without fully understanding the risks involved. But the law is clear: Consumer Safety First.”
Lindsay also expressed deep concern about the social pressures driving demand for these products. “Colourism and harmful beauty standards can create vulnerability, and unscrupulous merchants can exploit these insecurities for profit,” she added.
“Everyone deserves to feel confident in their natural skin, and everyone deserves to be protected under the law. We urge businesses to check their supply chains carefully and seek advice from Trading Standards where necessary. We also encourage consumers to report their concerns. Enforcement action will be taken where necessary to protect communities from harm.”
CTSI cited a recent case where a South London beauty shop was fined over £30,000 for selling dangerous skin lightening products; More cases are currently pending in the courts.
Consumers are advised to never use skin lightening products on children, to purchase only from verified sellers, not to purchase cosmetics from online marketplaces, and to always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any product intended to change skin tone.
Kerry Nicol, CTSI’s director of external affairs, said last year: “I am truly surprised that these procedures are being carried out in the UK.
“These are not harmless beauty treatments; these are medical-style procedures performed without any clinical supervision, regulation or accountability.
“The consequences can be devastating. These procedures may be common abroad, but in the UK we apply the highest safety standards and these products and procedures have no place on UK shores.”
“We call for urgent regulation of an industry that has the potential to cause great harm to consumers.”
