Product safety reportOPSS
White Secret Skin Lightening Lotion safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for White Secret Skin Lightening Lotion presenting a serious chemical risk.
What to do now
White Secret Skin Lightening 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 (2406-0120). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for White Secret Skin Lightening Lotion presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk as following analysis, the cream was found to contain 4.0% w/w hydroquinone and 141mg/kg (0.14%) clobetasol propionate.
Hydroquinone is not permitted in this type of product as it is a skin sensitiser and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Clobetasol propionate is prohibited in cosmetic products as exposure to it could cause skin irritation and may damage the endocrine system.
The product’s labelling proved unsatisfactory as it failed to list these ingredients along with instructions of use after product has been opened and allergen information.
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: 2406-0120
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
500ml plastic bottle, containing white lotion. Orange lid, printed label with image.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has White Secret Skin Lightening Lotion been reported?
White Secret Skin Lightening 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?
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?
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.
