This archive report was first published on 23 November 2019.
KEBS Bans 6 Skin Lightening Creams in Kenya ¶
Kenya's KEBS has banned six skin lightening creams due to their hazardous chemicals, including hydroquinone, mercury, and hydrogen peroxide.
The banned creams are Dermaclair, Skin balance gel, Movate cream, Epiderm cream, Coco pulp, and Maxi light.
KEBS has warned that these creams are hazardous to human skin and should not be sold in the market as beauty products.
According to KEBS, these creams should be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to be used for medical purposes only.
KEBS has taken a bold step in banning these creams, following in the footsteps of other African countries like Rwanda and Ghana that have also banned the use of skin lightening creams.
KEBS has urged the public to be cautious when using these creams and to report any adverse effects to the authorities.
On November 22, 2019, KEBS issued a statement warning the public about the dangers of these creams.
"Today, we are recalling these creams that were banned by KEBS because they are hazardous to human skin in Nakuru County. Our goal is to ensure that products that do not meet quality standards are removed from the market," the statement read.
KEBS has also emphasized that these creams should not be sold in the market as beauty products but in pharmacies and drug stores.
"These creams should not be sold in the market as other products but in pharmacies and drug stores," KEBS said.
Kenya has joined other African countries in banning the use of skin lightening creams due to their hazardous chemicals.
