When good looks can kill

Counterfeit beauty products contain dangerous substances but newly launched self-test kits can spot them

Published: 2 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

Recent news about a Khon Kaen woman whose skin was damaged after she used a whitening lotion stirred widespread concern over the safety of cosmetic products on the market today.

The news brought attention to the issue, and authorities once again cracked down on illegal, and often dangerous, beauty products. This happens almost every other month, and it seems like no matter how much the issue is highlighted, the sneaky producers try harder and manage to sell them to gullible customers.

In this latest case, it was found the cream, labelled "3-Day Brighten and Re-Whiten Lotion", contained hydroquinone _ a substance that may lead to temporary or permanent discolouration, irritation and corrosion of the skin. The question is, how do you know for sure that the cream you are using doesn't also contain hydroquinone?

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pete
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Discussion 1 : 02 Oct 2012 at 09.251
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Creams containing hydroquinone are banned by the FDA in the US for over the counter sale. They are also banned by the EU states.
Problems are that Thais are so vain they will try any method to whiten their skin colour without taking heed of the risks.
Product labeling in Thailand is another area that badly needs improvement.
TV adverts are still of course the biggest curse as manufacturers can get away with anything, even the impossible.
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When good looks can kill | Bangkok Post: lifestyle