This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
Kenya's Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has taken a significant step towards protecting consumers by seizing six skin lightening products, including Caro Light, in Nakuru.
The products, which include Dermaclair, Skin balance gel, Movate cream, Epiderm cream, Coco pulp, and Maxi light, have been found to contain harmful ingredients such as Hydroquinone, Mercury, Steroids, or Hydrogen peroxide.
According to KEBS, these compounds are prohibited for use in cosmetics, and the agency aims to rid the market of products that do not meet required standards.
KEBS has clarified that all skin care creams, lotions, gels, and soaps containing hydroquinone, steroids, and hormonal preparations should be registered by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of the Ministry of Health for medical use.
However, six products that are registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to be used as medicines for various skin conditions include Betnovate, Mediven, Diprosone, Nerisone, Hydrocortisone, and Oxy 5/10.
These products should only be used on the recommendation of a medical doctor and for such period of time as the doctor may prescribe. They should not be sold in the open market but only in registered pharmacies and chemists.
Several African countries, including Rwanda and Ghana, have also banned the use of skin bleaching products due to their harmful ingredients, which can cause kidney failure and other illnesses.
