Trading Standards officers have reported the sale of illegal skin lightening products across the UK
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has reported the sale of illegal skin lightening products in a range of outlets, including small grocery shops and butchers.
According to the CTSI, many of these products are illegal in the UK and have been found to contain banned substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and powerful corticosteroids.
These ingredients are prohibited because of the serious risks they pose to health, including skin thinning, organ damage, infections and pregnancy related complications.
Tendy Lindsay, former chair of the CTSI, said, “Under UK product safety and cosmetics legislation, these ingredients are strictly prohibited because of the serious and sometimes irreversible harm they can cause.”
The influences driving consumers to skin lightening products
The standards body cited “complex social and personal factors, including colourism” as one influence driving consumers towards skin lightening products.
An investigation by the BBC revealed that some users are unaware the products they are using contain illegal substances; Daniel from Essex described using an unlabelled skin whitening lotion as a teenager to try combat dark patches on his skin that were caused by acne, unaware that it contained hydroquinone.
Daniel told the broadcaster that after seeing drastic results he started to use similar products on his whole body to maintain lighter skin, but this resulted in permanent skin damage which he is still dealing with the effects of today.
Lindsay, added, “As a Black woman and a long-standing advocate for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, I want to be absolutely clear: the sale of illegal skin lightening products is not only dangerous, it is unlawful.
“Trading Standards officers have clear powers to investigate, seize unsafe goods, remove them from sale and prosecute those who place non-compliant products on the market.
“Businesses, whether large retailers or small independent shops, have a legal responsibility to ensure the products they sell are safe, properly labelled and compliant with the law. A lack of awareness is not a defence.”
Lindsay continued, “I am also deeply concerned about the social pressures that fuel demand for these products. Colourism and harmful beauty standards can create vulnerability, and unscrupulous traders exploit those insecurities for profit.
“Everyone deserves to feel confident in their natural skin and everyone deserves protection under the law. We urge businesses to check their supply chains carefully and seek advice from Trading Standards where needed.”
Richard Knight, CTSI lead officer for cosmetics and beauty, said, “We urge consumers in England and Wales to report any suspicious cosmetic products or if they have experienced any adverse reactions after using a product to Trading Standards immediately by calling the free Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
“In Scotland, contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or if in Northern Ireland, call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.”
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