Product safety reportOPSS
Anise Shealight Skin Fading Cream Face & Body (Batch AOS18, 18/06/2023) safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Anise Shealight Fading Cream Face & Body (Batch AOS18, 18/06/2023) presenting a serious chemical risk.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
2 identifiers listed for this notice.
Anise Shealight Skin Fading Cream Face & Body (Batch AOS18, 18/06/2023)
- Batch codePrinted on the pack, often next to the date mark. It may start with L or LOT.
- AOS18
- 18/06/2023
What to do now
Anise Shealight Skin Fading Cream Face & Body has been flagged because it contains a substance that cosmetics sold here must not contain.
- Stop applying it straight away.
- Wash the skin where it was applied with mild soap and water.
- The marketplace has removed the listing. Contact the seller through your order history to ask for a refund.
- Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service if the seller does not respond.
Why it matters. Substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and some steroids can damage the skin and, with long-term use, other organs. They are only allowed in prescription medicines, if at all.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- redness, burning, thinning or discolouration of the skin
- a rash
Get help urgently
- if you have used it for a long time, or have skin damage, speak to your GP or a pharmacist
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
Sellers on online marketplaces do not always run recalls themselves, so you may need to ask for your money back. The platform’s help pages explain its buyer protection scheme.
Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) and Consumerline (0300 123 6262) give free advice if you get stuck.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2312-0008). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Anise Shealight Fading Cream Face & Body (Batch AOS18, 18/06/2023) presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The products within the affected batch present a serious chemical risk as following analysis, the cream was found to contain 4.2% w/w hydroquinone which is a prohibited substance in cosmetics. Hydroquinone is a skin sensitiser and may cause allergic contact dermatitis.
There was also an absence of fragrance allergens on the ingredient list.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.
Action taken
The products within the affected batch have been seized and destroyed.
Advice to consumers
The products within the affected batch have been seized and destroyed.
Additional information
PSD number: 2312-0008
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
185g plastic pot of yellow skin lightening cream.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Anise Shealight Skin Fading Cream Face & Body been reported?
Anise Shealight Skin Fading Cream Face & Body has been flagged because it contains a substance that cosmetics sold here must not contain. Substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and some steroids can damage the skin and, with long-term use, other organs. They are only allowed in prescription medicines, if at all.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the batch code on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Stop applying it straight away. Wash the skin where it was applied with mild soap and water.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
Sellers on online marketplaces do not always run recalls themselves, so you may need to ask for your money back. The platform’s help pages explain its buyer protection scheme. Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) and Consumerline (0300 123 6262) give free advice if you get stuck.
