You may have them in your cupboards. Maybe, you use them, still. Beware: they are dangerous, illegal, harmful… and are the subject of a recall or ban by the European sanitary authorities. Underneath, you may find all the cosmetic products targeted by the RAPEX alert system this week: skin lightening products containing hydroquinone and a shampoo for children perserved with isobutylparaben.
Skin lightening product
Brand: White Express 
Name: Extra Whitening Lotion
Batch number: U53
Barcode: 3700607904004
• Country of origin: Congo
• Notifying country: United Kingdom
Risk type: chemical
The product contains hydroquinone (measured value: 3.9%). Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation and dermatitis and might also induce cancer.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures ordered by public authorities (to: Importer): Import rejected at border
Skin lightening cream
Brand: Caro Light 
Name: Lightening Beauty Cream
Batch number: L: 11A03113
Barcode: 9501101370579
• Country of origin: Congo
• Notifying country: United Kingdom
Risk type: chemical
The product contains hydroquinone (measured value: 4.5%). Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation and dermatitis and might also induce cancer.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
**Measures ordered by public authorities*: Import rejected at border
Skin lightening cream
Brand: Clinic Clear 
Name: Whitening Body Oil
Batch number: 006196
Barcode: 6181100284249
• Country of origin: Congo
• Notifying country: United Kingdom
Risk type: chemical
The product contains hydroquinone (measured value: 0.9%). Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation and dermatitis and might also induce cancer.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
**Measures ordered by public authorities*: Import rejected at border
Skin lightening cream
Brand: Rapid Clair 
Name: White absolute
Batch number: U255
Barcode: 3700607900013
• Country of origin: Congo
• Notifying country: United Kingdom
Risk type: chemical
The product contains hydroquinone (measured value: 4.1%). Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation and dermatitis and might also induce cancer.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
**Measures ordered by public authorities*: Import rejected at border
Shampoo/Bath Gel
Brand: Unknown 
Name: Shampoo and Bath Gel
Batch number: 14218
Barcode: 4042288200242
• Country of origin: Greece
• Notifying country: Bulgaria
Risk type: chemical
The list of ingredients on the packaging indicates that the product contains isobutylparaben. This paraben might be toxic for reproduction and development and might specifically target the male reproductive system.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
**Measures taken by economic operators (by: Retailer)*: Stop of sales
Source
• Rapid Alert System - Weekly Reports, Report 09, European Commission, February 28, 2020
