(qlmbusinessnews.com . Wed 18th Feb, 2026) London, UK —
Health Risks Exposed: The Dangers of Illegal Skin Lightening Products in Britain
Watchdog Issues Warning Over Illegal Skin Lightening Creams on Sale Across the UK
In an alarming revelation, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a stern warning about the widespread sale of illegal skin lightening products in butchers, specialist food outlets, and on the internet across the UK. These hazardous products, which have been found to contain forbidden substances such as hydroquinone, mercury, and powerful corticosteroids, pose serious health risks including skin damage, infections, and complications during pregnancy.
Tendy Lindsay, a committed advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a member of the CTSI, expressed strong condemnation, stating, “As a black woman deeply involved in advocacy for fairness and inclusivity in society, it's imperative that I underscore the dangerous and illegal nature of these skin lightening products. The practice is not only harmful but is against the law.”
Authorities are alarmed by the increasingly diverse locations where these illicit products are being sold. The CTSI is urging the public to steer clear of these creams and to report any retailers that persist in selling them.
The distribution of these products is driven by complex social and personal factors, notably colourism – a form of discrimination that prefers lighter skin tones over darker ones. This issue was recently spotlighted by the Reporters, underlining the dangers and widespread availability of these illegal products.
In a candid interview with Morning Live, Daniel Murrell-Williamson from Essex shared his experience with a toxic skin lightening cream that he used for two months at the age of 17, hoping to conceal dark patches caused by acne. Unaware that it contained banned substances, Daniel explained, “I noticed my skin complexion lightening and felt compelled to maintain the results, fearing my skin would revert to its original tone.” The illegal cream, comprising hydroquinone, not only risked skin deterioration but also posed grave threats of cancer and damage to the liver and kidneys.
Arlene Dihoulou, another individual who used skin lightening creams, cited experiences of colourism and racial discrimination as factors that led her to seek out these harmful products, unaware of the risks involved.
In London, a cosmetics retailer in Peckham faced a £30,000 fine in November for the second instance of selling illegal skin lightening creams. Since 2002, within the borough of Southwark alone, 62 businesses or persons have been prosecuted for dealing in these products.
The CTSI advises the public against using skin lightening products on children, purchasing from unverified sellers or online marketplaces, and using such cosmetics without consulting a doctor or dermatologist first.
Lindsay voiced deep concern over the societal issues fuelling the demand for these products, highlighting the vulnerabilities created by colourism and damaging beauty standards. She also cautioned suppliers, including those ignorant of the illegality of their actions, that “unawareness does not absolve one from responsibility.”
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