Product safety reportOPSS
Citroclear Skin Whitening Accelerator safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Citroclear Skin Whitening Accelerator – Lemon Extracts Skin Lightening Lotion sold via Ebay presenting a serious chemical risk.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
What to do now
Citroclear Skin Whitening Accelerator – Lemon Extracts Skin Lightening 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 (2306-0086). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Citroclear Skin Whitening Accelerator – Lemon Extracts Skin Lightening Lotion sold via Ebay presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk as following analysis, the cream was found to contain 3.7% w/w hydroquinone which is prohibited in cosmetic products. Hydroquinone is a skin sensitiser and may cause allergic contact dermatitis and is not permitted in this type of product.
The product also required improvements to labelling and markings.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.
Action taken
The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (eBay). We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.
Advice to consumers
The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (eBay).
We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2306-0086
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
Product within a plastic bottle of yellow cream. The bottle was marked: ‘Citroclear, Skin Whitening Accelerator, lemon extracts, e 500ml – 16.9 fl.oz. Gandour, Côte d’Ivoire, 36M’
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Citroclear Skin Whitening Accelerator – Lemon Extracts Skin Lightening been reported?
Citroclear Skin Whitening Accelerator – Lemon Extracts Skin Lightening 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?
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?
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.
Where was Citroclear Skin Whitening Accelerator – Lemon Extracts Skin Lightening sold?
The notice names eBay. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
