Product safety reportOPSS
Cocopulp Skin Lightening Cream safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Cocopulp Skin Lightening Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
What to do now
The issue with Cocopulp Skin Lightening Cream is a prohibited ingredient, of a kind often found in illegal skin-lightening and imported cosmetics.
- Stop using it now.
- Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
- This is a safety report rather than a manufacturer recall: the listing has been taken down, but the seller may not contact you. Get in touch with the seller through the marketplace.
- 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
Contact the seller through your order history and say that the product is the subject of an OPSS safety report. Keep screenshots of the listing and your order.
If the seller does not respond, the marketplace’s own dispute process or your card provider is the next step.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2406-0124). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Cocopulp Skin Lightening Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
Following analysis, the cream was found to contain 4.7% w/w hydroquinone. The product’s labelling also proved unsatisfactory as it failed to list appropriate allergen information.
Hydroquinone is not permitted in this type of product as it is a skin sensitiser and may cause allergic contact dermatitis.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.
Advice to consumers
The product has been withdrawn from the market.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2406-0124
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
300ml plastic pot, white lid, printed wraparound label. Containing white cream.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Cocopulp Skin Lightening Cream been reported?
The issue with Cocopulp Skin Lightening Cream is a prohibited ingredient, of a kind often found in illegal skin-lightening and imported cosmetics. 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?
Contact the seller through your order history and say that the product is the subject of an OPSS safety report. Keep screenshots of the listing and your order. If the seller does not respond, the marketplace’s own dispute process or your card provider is the next step.
