Skin lighteners in South Africa contain illegal ingredients, says new study

A recent study in South Africa reveals that skin-lightening creams made with illegal ingredients are being sold in Cape Town.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Cape Town.

As part of the study, two products from pharmacies and 27 from informal vendors were surveyed, BDlive reported.

All the 22 products containing illegal ingredients such as mercury, hydroquinone, betamethasone and clobetasol were sold by informal vendors.

Though European Union banned skin lighteners, one third of the illegal products were found to be from Europe.

University of Cape Town dermatology head Nonhlanhla Khumalo said: "The biggest problem lies with the port authorities who are supposed to ensure (imported cosmetics) comply with the law.

"Some products listed illegal ingredients on the label. Someone should have stopped them."

Despite being banned from cosmetics in the country, mercury that may cause kidney and nerve damage is being used in skin lighteners.

The country permits only 2% of hydroquinone in prescribed medicines as it may cause permanent damage to the skin.