02/11/2022
KEBS Bans 435 Cosmetics Brands Over Contamination With Mercury, Hydroquinone.
The Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KEBS) has banned 435 different brands of cosmetics over their alleged contamination with mercury and hydroquinone forms of drug compounds.
According to a statement issued by KEBS on Tuesday, the said beauty products including soaps, skin-lightening creams and lotions have not been registered by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of the Ministry of Health for medical use and should only be applied under the directions of a medical doctor.
KEBS, therefore, prohibits the sale of the listed brands, further threatening legal action against any firm found dealing in the products.
“KEBS wishes to notify the public that the below-listed cosmetic brands are banned and therefore should not be sold. The products contain harmful substances which are hydroquinone, mercury and its compounds,” read the statement.
“The prohibition/ban is aimed at protecting unsuspecting consumers and discouraging dumping of these products in the Kenyan Market. Hydroquinone, Mercury, oxidizing agents and hormonal preparations are used for treating various medical conditions."
The statement added: “They are classified as drugs and should be applied only upon the advice and direction of a medical doctor. All skincare preparations like creams, lotions, gels, soaps, etc. containing hydroquinone, steroids and hormonal preparations should be registered by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of the Ministry of Health for medical use.”
KEBS cautions on the long-term effects of the products such as rashes, swelling, redness or peeling, fatigue, weakness, bone pain, skin discolouration, kidney damage, digestive illnesses, and nervous diseases
Products which have been quantified fit for use include; Betnovate, Mediven, Diprosone, Nerisone, Hydrocortisone, 0xy 5 and 0xy 10.
Here is the full list of the outlawed products.
SOAPS CONTAINING MERCURY AND ITS COMPOUNDS
1. Movate
2. Mekako
3.