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The use of skin fairness products that frequently contain toxic ingredients is associated with significant adverse health side effects. Due to the high prevalence of use in Asian and African countries, skin fairness product use is recognized as a growing public health concern.

Background. Skin lightening is very popular among women and some men of the Caribbean, and its popularity appears to be growing. The lightening of skin colour is done to produce a lighter complexion which is believed to increase attractiveness, social standing and improves one’s potential of being successful.

This policy brief focuses on the findings of a recently completed study, carried out to investigate the health threats and challenges, due to use of Skin Whitening Creams (SWCs) in some selected main cities of Pakistan. In light of these findings, described and discussed in its following pages, this policy brief presents recommendations.

World Health Organization Fact sheet webpage on Mercury in health, including Key facts, Exposure to mercury, Health effects of mercury exposure, How to reduce human exposure from mercury sources, Mercury use in vaccines and pharmaceuticals, Political agreement and WHO Response.

Cosmetic skin lightening is practiced worldwide. Mercury is a well-documented melanotoxin added to some lightening products. However, mercury can cause many dermatologic, renal, and neurologic problems. The Food and Drug Administration limits the amount of mercury in cosmetic products to trace amounts, 1 ppm.

Somali women often use creams and soaps to lighten skin tone, fade freckles or get rid of age spots. Use of these products raises a health concern, as some have been found to contain mercury. This article describes an investigation that involved interviewing Somali women about skin-lightening practices and the products they use and then testing those products for mercury.

[ French ] Les Dangers de la Dépigmentation (France 2 en direct), Isabelle Mananga Ossey (Association Label Beauté Noire).

ABSTRACT

Background Hydroquinone has been used for decades as a skin lightening agent. As a result of concerns about mid-term effects like leukomelanoderma en confetti and exogenous ochronosis, its use in cosmetics has been banned since January 2001.

Concise International Chemical Assessment Documents (CICADs) are the latest in a family of publications from the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) — a cooperative programme of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).