Product safety reportOPSS
Carotone Clarifying Cream safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Carotone Clarifying Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
What to do now
Carotone Clarifying Cream contains an ingredient that is banned in cosmetics in the UK.
- Stop applying it straight away.
- Wash the skin where it was applied with mild soap and water.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- 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
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 (opss-1cwzv8t). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Carotone Clarifying Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk as it was found to contain 3.7% w/w hydroquinone and 103mg/kg (0.01%) clobetasol propionate.
Hydroquinone is a skin sensitiser and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Clobetasol propionate is a Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid) and exposure to it may cause skin irritation.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.
Action taken
The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.
Advice to consumers
The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2501-0012g
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
A yellow and orange circular tub of clarifying cream, 300ml.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Carotone Clarifying Cream been reported?
Carotone Clarifying Cream 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 applying it straight away. Wash the skin where it was applied with mild soap and water.
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.
