BSTI bans 19 'skin whitening' products

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has banned the sales, distribution, storing and commercial advertising of 19 skin whitening creams and lotions as they are harmful to human health.

A BSTI release issued Sunday also called for consumers to refrain from using these products.

Laboratory testing found harmful levels of mercury in 18 creams and one lotion, as well as both mercury and hydroquinone in two products, the release adds. These products can cause numerous health complications if used for a long time.

The banned products include Goree cream of Pakistan's Goree Cosmetics, Chadni cream of SJ Enterprise, New Face cream of QC International, Dew cream of Creative Cosmetics, Noor Herbal Beauty cream of Nood Gold Cosmetics, Golden Pearl cream of Golden Pearl company, Dr Rashel night cream of China's Xhunazhu Bio-Technology, and more.

/KN/