This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
June 26, 2020
Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, has announced plans to rename its popular skin-lightening cream, Fair & Lovely, in response to growing criticism over its racist connotations.
The company's Indian and Bangladeshi arms said they would stop using the word 'Fair' in the name, citing a commitment to celebrating all skin tones.
Sanjiv Mehta, head of Hindustan Unilever, stated, "We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty."
Unilever Bangladesh also denied that the brand was a bleaching product, stating, "The brand has never been and is not a bleaching product."
The decision comes amid a global backlash against racism, with several companies, including L'Oreal and Johnson & Johnson, facing criticism for their skin-lightening products.
Unilever's move has sparked controversy on social media, with some users praising the decision and others condemning the company for not going far enough.
