Trading standards officers have warned that illegal skin lightening products are being sold in an increasingly wide range of UK outlets, including butchers, specialist food shops and small grocery stores. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said many of these products contain substances banned because of the serious health risks they pose, including skin damage, infections and pregnancy complications.
The products are being found more frequently in Asian and Arab stores, as well as specialist butchers and grocery stores catering to diverse communities. Tendy Lindsay, former chair of the CTSI, said the sale of such products is 'not only dangerous, it is unlawful.' She added that many contain banned substances such as high levels of hydroquinone, mercury or potent corticosteroids, which are prohibited under UK product safety and cosmetics legislation due to the risk of 'skin thinning, organ damage and other long-term health complications.'
The CTSI noted that use of skin lightening products is influenced by complex social and personal factors, including colourism in some Black and Asian communities. In a recent BBC Morning Live report, a woman named Arlène described experiencing colourism and racism related to her skin tone from a young age, leading her to use products containing banned ingredients without understanding the risks. Another case involved Daniel from Essex, who used an unlabelled skin whitening lotion as a teenager to combat dark patches from acne. The lotion contained hydroquinone, described by the Local Government Association as 'the biological equivalent of paint stripper.' He later used similar products on his whole body, resulting in permanent skin damage.
Lindsay expressed concern about the social pressures that fuel demand for these products, saying 'colourism and harmful beauty standards can create vulnerability, and unscrupulous traders exploit those insecurities for profit.' Enforcement action is under way, with a beauty store in south London recently fined more than £30,000 for selling dangerous skin lightening products, and further cases progressing through the courts. Trading Standards and partner organisations say awareness and education are essential alongside enforcement, particularly for groups most exposed to the risks.
Consumers are advised that legally sold cosmetic products in the UK must display ingredients in English and include the name and address of a UK-based manufacturer or importer. Products listing hydroquinone, mercury or corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate or betamethasone, or lacking clear UK labelling, should be avoided. The CTSI also warns against using skin lightening products on children and advises speaking to a doctor or dermatologist first. It highlighted a growing market for such creams on social media, where influencers are promoting products without proper oversight, and cautioned shoppers to avoid unverified sellers, online marketplaces and to report any suspicious beauty products.
