Product safety reportOPSS
Purec Egyptian Magic Whitening Face & Body Lotion safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Purec Egyptian Magic Whitening Face and Body Lotion presenting a serious chemical risk due to the presence of hydroquinone and glucocorticoids.
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.
Purec Egyptian Magic Whitening Face & Body Lotion
- Batch codePrinted on the pack, often next to the date mark. It may start with L or LOT.
- m/f 20/08/2021
What to do now
Purec Egyptian Magic Whitening Face & Body Lotion contains an ingredient that is banned in cosmetics in the UK.
- Stop using it now.
- Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- 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
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2301-0119). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Purec Egyptian Magic Whitening Face and Body Lotion presenting a serious chemical risk due to the presence of hydroquinone and glucocorticoids.
The risk
Following analysis, the cream was found to contain 3.1% w/w hydroquinone, which is not permitted for use in cosmetics.
The product was also found to contain two glucocorticoid substances, clobetasol propionate and betamethasone dipropionate. Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids) are prohibited in cosmetic products. None of the mentioned chemicals were listed as ingredients on the ingredients list supplied with the product.
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: 2301-0119
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
300 ml Peach Bottle with Gold Lid. Magic Whitening Gold with Egg Yolk and L-Glutathione
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Purec Egyptian Magic Whitening Face & Body Lotion been reported?
Purec Egyptian Magic Whitening Face & Body Lotion contains an ingredient that is banned in cosmetics in the UK. 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 using it now. Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
