We see ads for fairness creams everywhere.  What’s not advertised is the negative reactions to these creams, nor their harmful ingredients. As part of MissMalini’s “Brown is Beautiful” campaign, I’d thought I share some information you would not see in any commercial.

Hydroquinone

The main purpose of this ingredient is to stop melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. However, hydroquinone has actually been banned by certain EU countries, like France, Spain and Switzerland, for use in cosmetics. The Food and Drug Administration noted that this product is linked to cancer from the results of animal studies, and caused cases of ochronosis (where dark blue pigments appear on the skin).

Mercury

Some fairness creams may also contain forms of mercury. Mercury also works against melanin production. Mercury is toxic, and use of fairness creams that contain mercury could result in absorption through the skin.

False Hope

The above ingredients are components of some fairness creams, but they aren’t in the ones you see in the media. This paper, a case study of one particular brand, reveals very interesting information. This heavily advertised cream has no hydroquinone. However, it cannot reach the melanin in the skin to stop it. In fact, it does not have to prove it works at all as it is not medicinal. However, it may lead one to use more stronger, and dangerous creams, when they see no results.

So MissMalini readers, please share this information with your friends, and spread the word that Brown is Beautiful!