SarahK - I too would like to thank you for your interesting article and research. What Causes Dull Skin and How to Manage Dull Skin While there weren’t other available resources proving Fair and Lovely’s supposed mercury content, I wouldn’t take this limited information lightly. Still, the researchers noted changes in the brains, livers and kidneys of mice they applied the cream to, indicating toxicity. A Vietnamese skin-whitening cream has even been linked to the death of a 23-year-old woman.Īs I researched Fair and Lovely, I came across more than one study (conducted by the same group of researchers) that claimed that Fair and Lovely does indeed contain mercury – though in small amounts. ![]() While this is good news for prospective Fair and Lovely users, you should keep in mind that there have been several cases of people suffering severe side effects from whitening creams that either did not fully disclose ingredients or that were tampered with reproductions of actual whitening products. According to one study, niacinamide decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness in subjects, and works by inhibiting melanosome transfer. Supposedly, the combination of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and sunscreen agents help to protect and lighten skin. I couldn’t figure out exactly what the lightening agent in Fair and Lovely was until I read their FAQ section. All in all, though, this is certainly not the most frightening list of ingredients I have come across. And most worrisome is Fair and Lovely’s final, ambiguous ingredient: perfume. Fair and Lovely also lists the less than stellar phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben and propyl paraben in its ingredients. There are concerns regarding tocopheryl acetate and pyridoxine hydrochloride regarding cancer and contact dermatitis. There are some other components to watch out for, though. And the packaging makes no mention of hydroquinone, clobetasol or mercury. At only $4.59, the serum is downright cheap. Though the company actually produces several versions of the Fair and Lovely cream, Preksha, a fellow TIA staff member, happened to come across the Fair and Lovely Multi Vitamin Cream For Clear Fair Skin at an Indian ayurvedic store in Queens, New York. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest product reviews and save 10% on all orders over $50ĭo Fair and Lovely products contain any of these dangerous ingredients? Not according to their website. Exposure to mercury can damage the brain, nervous system and kidneys, and is especially harmful to pregnant women who may actually poison their unborn children by using skin whitening creams containing the toxin. ![]() However, the FDA limits mercury to 1 part per million or 0.0001%. It is banned for use in cosmetics in Japan but, surprisingly, is only restricted in Europe, Canada and the U.S. According to a New York Times article, long term use of a whitening cream containing clobetasol may lead to paper thin, easily bruised skin, hypertension, elevated blood sugar, and stretch marks.Īrguably the most common substance that is often found in skin lightening creams – but shouldn’t be – is mercury. ![]() Steroids, especially clobetasol, are another worry. As of right now, the FDA has approved up to 2% usage in products, though the National Toxicology Program is currently conducting studies because of carcinogenetic concerns. Hydroquinone is perhaps the most controversial skin-lightening agent that you should keep a look out for. The question is, are these products – specifically Fair and Lovely – safe? Do they work, and if so, how?īefore looking into Fair and Lovely product ingredients, it is important to be aware of what you should avoid in any skin whitening cream. While the creams are the biggest selling skincare product in India, they are also quite popular with Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians in the U.S., Canada, and other countries. Research firm Global Industry Analysts believes that the worldwide market for skin lighteners will exceed the $2 billion mark by 2012. According to Bloomberg, sales of skin whiteners in general recently increased 17 percent (to $432 million) in only 9 months. Fair and Lovely, a Unilever brand that promises to lighten dark skin, has become increasingly more profitable since its creation in the 1970s. After writing about BB Creams and their extreme popularity in Asia, I was pointed in the direction of another serum that has been huge for decades now.
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