Prevalence and drivers of demand for the skin lightning products
Examples of the communication, outreach and awareness raising
Global
Sri Lanka
Social media
The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) leads a social media campaign highlighting the health risks of skin-lightening products: Facebook initial post
The National Poisons Information Centre raised awareness about hidden toxic risks in skin-lightening products during the National Poisons Prevention Week 11-17 August 2025
The Sri Lanka College of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine has launched an online survey, an art competition and a video competition on the theme “Fair, dark or brown – we are all beautiful”
Educational material
Video
Jamaica
Public Awareness and Media Outreach – 2023 Highlights
A social media awareness campaign was launched in 2023 to engage the public on the dangers of mercury in SLPs. One highlight was a Twitter (X) Space discussion with over 100 participants, featuring a representative from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. These online platforms play an important role in helping bridge knowledge gaps, especially among young adults.
Community engagement also included VOX POP discussions and an Eastern Jamaica radio program focused on the harmful health effects of mercury in SLPs. Additionally, the issue was addressed during a panel discussion at the Minamata COP 5 side event, bringing global attention to the topic.
Public Awareness and Media Outreach – 2025 Highlights
The nationwide social media campaign and media outreach continued to educate the public about the health risks of mercury in SLPs. The Ministry of Health and Wellness led a radio interview in Western Jamaica highlighting these dangers.
At the Jamaica International Beauty Expo, with over 10.000 attending, the campaign engaged small-scale cosmetic cream manufacturers and distributors, while vocational and beauty training institutions pledged to include lectures on mercury risks in their programs. The awareness drive featured multimedia content, infographics, public lectures, and interactive table discussions to spark dialogue and promote safer beauty practices.
