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Product safety reportOPSS

White Secret Specialised Cream safety warning over a banned ingredient

Banned cosmetic ingredientSerious risk

Product Safety Report for White Secret Specialised Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.

  • White Secret Specialised Cream: photo from the OPSS notice of 14 Feb 2025
    Product image from the OPSS safety notice

What to do now

The issue with White Secret Specialised Cream is a prohibited ingredient, of a kind often found in illegal skin-lightening and imported cosmetics.

  1. Stop using it now.
  2. Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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 (opss-1yfrrmv). Quoted as issued.

Summary

Product Safety Report for White Secret Specialised Cream presenting a serious chemical risk.

The risk

The product presents a serious chemical risk, as it was found to contain 499mg/kg (0.05%) clobetasol propionate.

Clobetasol propionate is a Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid) and exposure to it may 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 case number: 2501-0012f

Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards

Product description

A yellow and orange circular tub of clarifying cream, 70g.

Open the OPSS notice

Questions

Why has White Secret Specialised Cream been reported?

The issue with White Secret Specialised Cream 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?

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?

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.

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