Authorities in the United Kingdom are warning the public about the growing presence of illegal skin lightening products being sold in a surprising range of retail outlets. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has raised the alarm that these unregulated cosmetics — often found in butchers, specialist food stores, small grocery shops and online platforms — frequently contain harmful, banned substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and potent corticosteroids.
These chemicals are prohibited under UK cosmetics and product safety laws because of the serious health risks they pose, including skin damage, infections and potential complications during pregnancy.
Experts stress that the issue is not confined to niche beauty shops but is increasingly being spotted in everyday local stores, sometimes without vendors understanding the risks involved in selling them. Tendy Lindsay, former chair of the CTSI, highlighted that while the impact is particularly pronounced among people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities — who are often specifically targeted by sellers — all consumers should exercise caution and avoid using such products. She also pointed to the broader social pressures, including colourism and harmful beauty standards, that drive demand for skin‑lightening products and leave people vulnerable to exploitation.
Public safety officials are urging shoppers to only buy cosmetics from verified, reputable sellers, avoid products with unclear labelling or unknown ingredients, and report any suspicious items to local trading standards teams. They also emphasise that illegal skin‑lightening products should never be used on children or bought through online marketplaces without clear regulatory oversight. Some businesses have already faced enforcement action, including fines exceeding £30,000, for selling banned creams, and more cases are progressing through the courts.
The warning from the CTSI underscores the importance of consumer awareness and legal compliance in the beauty market, as well as the ongoing efforts to protect public health from dangerous, unlawful products.
