Which skin lightening products are dangerous and should be avoided?

Posted on September 13, 2009

Did you know that at best, ONLY 15% of all skin lightening products actually work! The remaining 85% simply don’t!

It is indeed tragic that some greedy and unscrupulous skin lightening product manufacturers are using well known dangerous ingredients to push their unsafe skin whitening creams.

Your number one defence against such companies is through simple, personal education. Remember that, knowledge is power!

If you can simply find out which are the best and most scientifically proven – the most effective ingredients for any worthwhile skin lightening product; then you’re always going to be a winner!

See our earlier post, listing the BEST, top-11 ingredients, currently being used in quality and effective skin whitening treatments. Look out for these in any skin whitening or bleach treatment that you plan to buy – and you simply can’t go wrong!

Here and now, we will look at ingredients that you need to AVOID at all costs. Basically they are three dangerous chemicals:

(1) Hydroquinone

This was once touted as the most effective ingredient for skin whitening. Although it can quickly reduce the appearance of dark skin patches, it is considered equally dangerous. The FDA allows only 2% hydroquinone.

It is known to cause a variety of serious complications such as leukemia, thyroid problems and liver damage.

Reputable manufacturers now use effective alternatives of Hydroquinone such as Arbutin, kojic acid and Vitamin C.

(2) Mercury

Mercury has been used in skin lightening creams since the 1900’s – its use in cosmetics has been banned in the European Union (EU) since 1976 and also now in the United States.

It causes blood poisoning and severe kidney problems – beware, the list of mercury poison symptoms is a long one.

The inclusion of mercury in skin bleach creams does however seem to work a short-lived wonder – because as soon as you stop using the cream, skin discolouration unfortunately returns and the long term damage to your health is a tragic extra.

(3) Steroids

It’s well known that steroids are mostly harmful chemicals banned in Europe and several other countries. The use of steroids in skin lightening creams, causes thinning of the skin resulting in wrinkles and stretch marks.

The above 3 ingredients are simply not worth it – especially when you look at your short and long term health effects. So, it is best to avoid them and use a 100% natural skin lightening solution instead.