Mark Whitehead 30 September 2019

Councils issue warning over toxic skin-lightening creams

Local government leaders have warned of the dangers of skin-lightening creams that 'act like paint stripper' and increase the risk of cancer.

The Local Government Association (LGA) is urging people to avoid illegal creams after recent seizures by councils of dangerous products.

They fear criminals are exploiting a soaring market by making inferior toxic products which are being sold by rogue retailers, online and at car boot sales and market stalls.

Many of the toxic creams contain the bleaching agent hydroquinone - described as the biological equivalent of paint stripper – while others can include potentially deadly levels of mercury.

But the illegal products typically list their often harmful ingredients incorrectly.

Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, said: 'Skin creams containing banned ingredients are very dangerous and could seriously damage your health, scar you for life and even kill you, so they should be avoided at all costs.

'Consumers should always check the ingredients of their skin creams, be suspicious of very low prices which are likely to indicate the lotion is fake and potentially harmful, and never use a product containing hydroquinone.

'If the product doesn’t display the ingredients at all, then don’t use it.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Finance Business Partner

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 to £52860
Are you ready to take on a role where your financial expertise makes a real difference? We’re looking for a motivated and commercially minded Finance Business Partner to join our team, with a focus on housing and temporary accommodation. This opportunit Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Senior HR Adviser

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO4 - £47,532 to £50,574
We’re entering an exciting new chapter. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Customer Service Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band C SCP 5-8 (£25,583- £26,824 per annum)
We are looking to recruit for a Customer Service Officer to join an established team at Sandwell Libraries Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

BCF Lead Projects Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£37,280 - £41,771) per annum
Are you passionate about empowering vulnerable adults and helping them lead independent, safe, and dignified lives? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Senior Cleansing Technician x 2 Posts (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 6, £25,989 - £28,142
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner