Product safety reportOPSS
Bright White Teeth Whitening Pen sold on eBay safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Bright White Teeth Whitening Pen presenting a serious chemical risk.
What to do now
Bright White Teeth Whitening Pen sold on eBay contains an ingredient that is banned in cosmetics in the UK.
- Stop using it now.
- Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- If you cannot reach the seller, Trading Standards can be told through Citizens Advice.
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
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2503-0197). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Bright White Teeth Whitening Pen presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk as it was found to contain 7.32% hydrogen peroxide, which exceeds maximum permissible limit. Hydrogen peroxide can damage to the protective enamel of teeth. Improvements are also required to labelling.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 and the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.
Action taken
The goods have been seized by the local authority and have been destroyed. The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (eBay).
Advice to consumers
The goods have been seized by the local authority and have been destroyed. The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (eBay).
Additional information
PSD notification number: 2503-0197
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
A 2ml tooth whitening pen packaged in a shiny blue box.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Bright White Teeth Whitening Pen sold on eBay been reported?
Bright White Teeth Whitening Pen sold on eBay contains an ingredient that is banned in cosmetics in the UK. 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?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Stop using it now. Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
Where was Bright White Teeth Whitening Pen sold on eBay sold?
The notice names eBay. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
