Product safety reportOPSS
Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Serum safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Fair & White So White skin lightening cream presenting a serious chemical risk due to the presence of hydroquinone.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice 
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
1 identifier listed for this notice.
Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Serum
- Batch codePrinted on the pack, often next to the date mark. It may start with L or LOT.
- 22089X-1
What to do now
The issue with Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Serum is a prohibited ingredient, of a kind often found in illegal skin-lightening and imported cosmetics.
- Stop applying it straight away.
- Wash the skin where it was applied with mild soap and water.
- 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.
- 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
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 (2301-0123). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Fair & White So White skin lightening cream presenting a serious chemical risk due to the presence of hydroquinone.
The risk
Following analysis the liquid was found to contain 8.3% w/w hydroquinone, which is not permitted to be used in cosmetics. There was also required information missing such as the absence of the name and address of the responsible person in the UK, the absence of a period after opening indication, the use of an incorrect name (hydroxyphenol) on the ingredient list and the absence of fragrance allergens on the ingredient list.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.
Action taken
The product has been destroyed at the border.
Advice to consumers
The product has been destroyed at the border.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2301-0123
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
Packaged in a pink card box containing a 30ml glass bottle of pink liquid. The box was marked, Paris, Fair&White, So White!, Skin Perfector Serum.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Serum been reported?
The issue with Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Serum 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?
Compare the batch code on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the 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?
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.
