Unauthorized Skin Lightening Products Seized Over Health Risks

Health Canada has seized certain unauthorized skin lightening products over concerns that they pose serious health risks.

On Feb. 5, Health Canada announced that it had seized from retailers several health products used to lighten, whiten, bleach or fade skin that were not authorized to be sold in Canada. These skin lightening products include creams and gels that contain prescription drugs, which may pose serious health risks.

Prescription drugs should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional because they can cause harmful side effects if they are used for unauthorized purposes.

According to Health Canada, it has seized several unauthorized skin lightening health products that contain prescription drugs, such as betamethasone dipropionate, clobetasol propionate or hydroquinone.

“These products may pose health risks, such as blisters, scarring, skin weakening or deterioration, bone loss, decreased ability to fight infection, and, in the case of hydroquinone at concentrations greater than 2%, possibly cancer,” Health Canada warns.

Additionally, some unauthorized skin lightening products may contain mercury, which is a heavy metal. Health Canada has taken measures to limit Canadians’ exposure to heavy metals due to the risk of harm they pose.

“Skin exposure to mercury may result in skin rashes, skin discolouration and scarring, and reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections,” according to Health Canada. “Absorbing too much mercury through the skin may result in the accumulation of the metal in vital organs of the body.”

Toxic effects of mercury in the body may include brain damage, concentration problems, insomnia, irritability, kidney damage, and memory loss.

Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use the products. Consumers who see the products for sale should inform Health Canada so that it can take action to prevent the products from being sold in Canada. The products may cause serious harm, particularly to children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In December 2019, Health Canada seized the following six prescription skin lightening products: H20 Jours Naturel Cream Aloe Vera, H20 Jours Naturel Papaya Cream, Nadinola Extra Strength Formula Skin Discolouration Fade Cream, Neoprosone-Gel Forte, Visible Difference Cream Spots Remover, and White Express Fast Action Cream Advanced Formula.

On Jan. 3, Health Canada seized two more unauthorized skin lightening products that allegedly contained hydroquinone 4 per cent, a concentration that is higher than allowed in products without a prescription. These products are: ZO Medical Melamin-C Skin Bleaching & Correcting Crème with 20% Vitamin C and ZO Medical Melamix Skin Lightener & Blending Crème.

Before purchasing a product, it is important to read the product label to make sure it has a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Drug Identification Number (DIN) to ensure that the product is authorized for sale in Canada. Report any unauthorized products to Health Canada.

Health Canada says it will continue to take action against companies that sell unauthorized skin lightening products online or in Canadian stores. It will also work with the Canadian Border Services Agency to prevent the import of unauthorized skin lightening products.

Have you used or seen any unauthorized skin lightening or bleaching products sold in stores? Tell us more in the comments below.

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