Hundreds of Skin-lightening Cosmetics with Ingredient Linked to Cancer Seized

Hundreds of illegal skin-lightening products that contain a chemical linked to cancer have been seized at Heathrow Airport.

Two consignments of potentially dangerous cosmetics were confiscated in the space of a few weeks after their shipment into the UK from Nigeria.

The products contained hydroquinone - a skin-bleaching ingredient that is banned in Britain and the EU - which is thought to increase the risk of skin cancer by exposing skin to more of the sun's rays.

They are also linked to thinning and discolouration of the skin as well as liver and nerve damage.

The shipments, seized earlier this year by Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards officers, contained 385 creams, oils and soaps under brand names such as White Express, Skin Light, Clear Essence, CLinic Clear and Caro White.

They had been destined for importers in south London but trading standards officers prevented them from reaching consumers when they were intercepted at the airport before being sent to a trading standards inspection point in Surrey.

Steve Ruddy, head of Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, said: “Cosmetics like these have been banned in Britain since 2001 and yet we’re still uncovering attempts to ply a trade in them at the expense of people’s health.

“Working with border force staff, we’ll continue doing all we can to keep people safe from products such as these potentially life-threatening creams and stop them ending up in stores or being sold online in this country.”