Gov’t Officials Seize 7 Skin Lightening Products Banned in Kenya

Officers from Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on Friday seized seven skin lightening products that are banned from the Kenyan market.

The products; Caro Light, Dermaclair, Skin Balance Gel, Movate Cream, Epiderm Cream, Coco Pulp and Maxi Light were impounded in Nakuru town. KEBS said the seven products were found to contain different compounds that are prohibited for use in cosmetics.

“These creams among others have been found to contain Hydroquinone, Mercury, Steroids or Hydrogen peroxide. The mentioned compounds are prohibited for use in cosmetics,” KEBS stated.

“It is our intention to rid the market of products that do not meet the required standards.” 

KEBS requires skincare creams, lotions, gels, and soaps that contain hydroquinone, steroids, as well as hormonal preparations, are registered by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board for medical use only.

“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,” KEBS says.