Product safety reportOPSS
Even Tone Body Lotion safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Even Tone Body Lotion presenting a serious chemical risk.
What to do now
Even Tone Body Lotion 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 (2508-0200). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Even Tone Body Lotion presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk as it has been found to contain 3.2% w/w hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is prohibited in cosmetic products as it is a skin sensitiser and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. The product also contains 78.1 mg/kg (0.008% w/w) clobetasol propionate. Clobetasol propionate is a Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid) which is prohibited in cosmetic products as exposure to it could cause skin irritation and may damage the endocrine system.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (‘The Cosmetics Regulation’).
Action taken
The import has been rejected at the border.
Advice to consumers
The import has been rejected at the border.
Owners are advised to stop using the product immediately, and contact the distributor purchased from to request redress.
Additional information
PSD notification number: 2508-0200a
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
Plastic bottle with pump dispenser containing white cream – 250ml. An ingredients list was not present.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Even Tone Body Lotion been reported?
Even Tone Body Lotion 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.
