Ban on two skin-whitening creams
▶ Cancer fears prompt withdrawal of Faiza beauty cream and Unitone 4 White
Two over-the-counter whitening creams containing ingredients that could cause cancer were yesterday withdrawn from sale.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention banned the sale of the creams for failing to list an ingredient with links to cancer and possible severe side-effects.
Faiza beauty cream and Unitone 4 White claim to whiten skin and remove brown spots.
Officials said they both contain hydroquinone, a substance thought to be a carcinogen, yet it was not mentioned on the packaging nor the products’ accompanying leaflets.
Inspectors discovered the hydroquinone only when the products were analysed.
A 2015 circular by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi states that products containing hydroquinone can be sold only with a prescription.
“Hydroquinone, without the supervision of a doctor, could lead to severe consequences and disfigurement,” said Dr Farhan Rasool, a dermatologist at Universal Hospital. “There are several studies showing that hydroquinone may act as a carcinogen in rodents.
“It is important for buyers to check if hydroquinone is listed as an ingredient. If it is, then take it under a doctor’s supervision so that if any potential side-effects develop we can recognise it and manage it.
“We understand that having fair and clear skin is very important to many women, but their health is more important.”
Skin whitening products, popular around the world and especially in Asia and Africa, are used to reduce the amount of pigmentation in the skin to treat irregularities such as discolouration, age spots or acne scars.
They are sometimes also used to make the skin appear lighter. But misuse can lead to conditions such as exogenous ochronosis – a blue-black pigmentation disorder from longterm use of creams containing hydroquinone.
Faiza was also found to contain mercury in higher amounts than the one part per million of metal allowed in cosmetics by the US Federal Drug and Food Administration.
Exposure to the metal can cause liver problems, muscle spasms, stomach aches, nausea and neurological problems. Fazia has been totally banned and it is now illegal to sell this product.
Dr Amin Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary at the ministry, said the ministry monitors all pharmaceutical products, supplements and stimulants that claim to be medicinal.
It urges the public to be careful when taking supplements because unlicensed and unregistered products could put lives at risk.
The beauty creams, as well as food supplements and a brand of faulty contact lenses, have been withdrawn from the local market.