Product safety reportOPSS
Pretty White! Lightening Oil Care safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Pretty White! Lightening Oil Care presenting a serious chemical risk.
What to do now
Pretty White! Lightening Oil Care has been flagged because it contains a substance that cosmetics sold here must not contain.
- Stop using it now.
- Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
- The marketplace has removed the listing. Contact the seller through your order history to ask for a refund.
- 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
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 (2508-0034). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Pretty White! Lightening Oil Care presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk as following analysis the cream was found to contain 382 mg/kg (0.038% w/w) clobetasol propionate. Improvements are also required to product marking and labelling.
Clobetasol propionate is a Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid) which is prohibited in cosmetic products as exposure to it could 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 notification number: 2508-0034c
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
Pink liquid cosmetic sold in a pink bottle with red lid, 60ml/2.02 fl.oz.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Pretty White! Lightening Oil Care been reported?
Pretty White! Lightening Oil Care 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 using it now. Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
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.
