Abstract
Background: Bleaching agents produced by registered companies in developed countries have regulated concentrations. But various local skin lightening agents produced in Africa, especially Nigeria have no identified active agent. This study determined the levels of potentially toxic heavy metals constituents of bleaching agents commonly used by Nigerians. Methods: Twelve different types of skin lightening creams (Extra white, Make me white, Extract, Perfect white, UV lightening, Pure skin, Body treat, Dodo up, Bronze tone, White express, Peau Claire and Otentika) available Nigerian markets were randomly collected based on their usage and availability. Three non- lightening creams served as the controls for this study. Levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium and arsenic were determined in both lightening and non- lightening creams (controls) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: All lightening creams 12/12 (100%) contained significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of mercury compared with the control. 11/12 (91.7%) of the lightening creams contained significantly (p>0.05) higher levels of lead compared with the control. Levels of arsenic were significantly (p<0.05) higher in 11/12 (91.7%) of the lightening creams compared with control. Levels of cadmium increase significantly (p<0.05) in 4/12 (22.92%) of the lightening creams compared with the control. 4/12 (22.92%) of the lightening creams contained significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of chromium compared with control.
Highlights
Skin bleaching is a purposeful lightening of the skin, pigment removal or body beautification by using chemicals [1]
Lightening, Pure skin, Body treat, Dodo up, Bronze tone, White express, Peau Claire and Otentika) being used by young adult females in Lagos, Nigeria were randomly collected based on their usage and availability
Another three non- lightening creams such as Vaseline were purchased from a supermarket
Summary
Skin bleaching is a purposeful lightening of the skin, pigment removal or body beautification by using chemicals [1]. It can lead to permanent or temporary alteration of the color of the outer layer (epidemics) of the skin [2]. This practice cuts across all ages, races, beliefs and ideologies. The young female adolescents have been identified as most prone to skin bleaching practice [4]. Survey reports these figures of users in specific countries; Senegal 27 %, Mali 25 %, Togo 59 %, South Africa 35 %, Nigeria 77 %, Hong Kong 45 %, Republic of Korea 28 %, Malaysia 41 %, Philippines 50 % and Taiwan 37 %.
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