UK Shoppers Alert: Illegal Skin Lightening Kits Spread in Stores
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a stark warning to UK consumers about the proliferation of harmful and illegal skin lightening products. These items are increasingly found in a diverse range of outlets, including butchers, specialist food shops, and small grocery stores, posing serious health risks.
Health Risks and Banned Substances
Many of these products contain substances that are strictly prohibited under UK law due to their potential for severe and sometimes irreversible harm. High levels of hydroquinone, mercury, and potent corticosteroids are commonly detected, linked to skin damage, infections, organ damage, and pregnancy complications. Tendy Lindsay, former chair of the CTSI, emphasized that the sale of such items is not only dangerous but unlawful, with shops legally obligated to ensure product safety regardless of size or awareness.
Social Pressures and Personal Stories
The demand for skin lightening products is driven by complex social factors, including colourism within some Black and Asian communities. Lindsay expressed deep concern over these pressures, noting that unscrupulous traders exploit insecurities for profit. Personal accounts highlight the risks: a woman named Arlène shared experiences of colourism leading to use of harmful products without understanding their illegality, while Daniel from Essex suffered permanent skin damage from unlabelled lotions containing hydroquinone, described as "the biological equivalent of paint stripper."
Enforcement and Consumer Advice
In south London, a beauty store was fined over £30,000 for selling dangerous skin lightening products, with further cases in progress. The CTSI advises consumers to check for proper labelling in English and a UK-based manufacturer or importer. Products listing banned ingredients or lacking clear labels should be avoided. Additionally, consumers are warned against using these products on children and urged to consult healthcare professionals before altering skin tone.
Growing Online Market
The CTSI reports a rising market for these creams on social media, where influencers promote products without oversight. Shoppers are cautioned to avoid unverified sellers, online marketplaces, and to report suspicious items or adverse reactions. Awareness and education are deemed essential alongside enforcement to protect vulnerable groups.
