Skin-lightening Creams Research Articles

Knowledge, Prevalence and Determinants of the Use of Skin-Lightening Creams among University Undergraduates in Babcock University

The quest for lighter skin has become a dangerous obsession fueled by societal beauty standards and cultural norms. The purpose of this study was to analyze the inspiration prompting the use of these products among undergraduate students using descriptive research surveys. This study examined the knowledge, prevalence and determinant of the use of skin lightening creams among three hundred and thirty (330) undergraduates of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo. through a simple random sampling technique using self-structured questionnaires. Data was collected with the use of SPSS and frequency count. Pearson correlation was used to draw conclusions on the hypothesized statement of study. The researcher found a significant relationship between knowledge of skin lightening creams and its determinant of use, with over half of respondents (56.37%) agreeing that lightening creams could cause kidney failure. Treatment of hyperpigmentation was the motivating factor among 57.58% of respondents. There is therefore a need for undergraduate students to be provided with adequate education regarding the dangers of skin lightening creams and be encouraged to visit appropriate health facilities for skin disorders instead of self-meditating.

Assessment of some heavy metals for their potential health implications in the skin whitening creams available in Pakistani cosmetic market

ABSTRACT Skin whitening creams may contain impermissible levels of toxic metals, especially the non-regulated products. The present work aims to check the quality of selected skin whitening products sold in Sargodha, Pakistan for their heavy metals content because these products are in direct and in frequent contact with the skin and mucous membranes causing hazardous effects. Quantification of the metals under study was made using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry after wet digestion of the samples. The results show that the concentrations of heavy metals are ranked as follows: As (263 ppm) > Pb (26 ppm) > Cr (2 ppm) > Cu (0.7 ppm) > Cd (not detected). The calculated p value of 0.00 (>0.05) depicts a significant difference in the levels of heavy metals in the same creams and for the same metal among different creams. The normality of the data was checked by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests, while metal-to-metal correlation was determined by the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Comparison of the results with limitations set by the international regulatory bodies showed that the levels of As, Pb and Cr in these creams are above the safety limits. A strict monitoring is suggested during the manufacturing process to avoid any detrimental effects.

Preparation of self-preserving personal care cosmetic products using multifunctional ingredients and other cosmetic ingredients

The development of self-preserving personal care cosmetics represents a significant advancement in the cosmetics industry, offering safer and more natural alternatives to consumers. This study focused on the preparation of such formulations using multifunctional ingredients along with other cosmetic components. Five unique multifunctional ingredients (MFIs) were identified based on their antimicrobial properties: sodium coco PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, ricinoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, raspberry ketone, and sorbitan caprylate. Through meticulous experimentation, 150 combinations of MFIs were prepared and tested to understand their synergistic actions. From these trials, three synergistic antimicrobial compositions were determined: sodium coco PG-dimonium chloride phosphate: ricinoleic acid: raspberry ketone in the ratios 1:6.3:6.3 and 1:6.3:15.7. Sodium coco PG-dimonium chloride phosphate: palmitoleic acid: sorbitan caprylate at a ratio of 1:12.5:37.5. These synergistic compositions exhibited enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared with their individual components, as evidenced by their lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values. Incorporating these formulations into three distinct personal care cosmetic products, including a color protection shampoo, body wash shower gel, and skin-lightening cream, the study further validated their effectiveness. A Preservation Challenge Test study revealed that all three antimicrobial compositions successfully preserved the cosmetic formulations for up to 28 days. This method of product preservation not only ensures consumer safety and stability but also reduces the need for potentially conventional preservatives. In conclusion, the appropriate use of multifunctional ingredients in combination with meticulous formulation techniques has led to the successful development of self-preserving personal care cosmetics. These formulations offer a promising avenue for the cosmetic industry, catering to the rising demand for natural, effective, and consumer-friendly cosmetic products.

Formulation and Stability Evaluation of Topical Creams Containing Arbutin and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Effects of Croda Wax Concentration on Physical Characteristics

Background: Arbutin and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are widely recognized for their exceptional antioxidant properties, making them valuable ingredients in treating various skin disorders. These compounds are frequently incorporated into skincare products aimed at improving skin health, reducing hyperpigmentation, and providing anti-aging benefits. Objective: The study aimed to develop and evaluate the stability of topical creams containing arbutin and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, using varying concentrations of Croda Wax as an emulsifying agent, to determine their efficacy and suitability for dermatological applications. Methods: Three formulations of skin lightening cream were prepared, each with different Croda Wax concentrations (2%, 2.5%, and 2.9%). The formulations underwent a water-in-oil emulsion process using a mechanical homogenizer. Physical characteristics such as color, odor, texture, and stability were assessed over 28 days. Stability was further evaluated through phase separation tests at centrifugation speeds of 4000, 4500, and 5000 rpm, and by observing changes under various temperatures and humidity conditions. Results: All formulations exhibited stability with no phase separation. The 2% Croda Wax formulation showed the most favorable results, maintaining a white color with minimal changes over 60 days. pH values ranged from 5.85 to 6.31, indicating stability suitable for skin applications. Conclusion: The formulated creams with arbutin and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate demonstrated excellent physical stability, making them suitable for addressing skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and inflammation.

Assessment of prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and risk factors among children and pregnant women in Bihar, India

BackgroundWhile modeled estimates and studies in contaminated areas indicate high lead exposure among children in Bihar, India, local data on lead exposure in the child population is limited. ObjectivesTo characterize lead exposure, and assess potential sources of lead exposure among a state-representative sample of children and their pregnant mothers residing in Bihar. MethodsBlood samples were collected from 697 children under five and 55 pregnant women from eight districts in Bihar. Blood lead levels were determined using capillary blood and a portable lead analyzer. Household demographics, home environment, behavior, and nutrition information were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews with primary caregivers. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential risk factors and elevated blood lead levels. ResultsMore than 90% of children and 80% of pregnant women reported blood lead levels ≥5 μg/dL. Living near a lead-related industry and pica behavior of eating soil were significantly associated with increased odds of having elevated blood lead levels. Additional risk factors for having a blood level ≥5 μg/dL included the use of skin lightning cream (aOR = 5.11, 95%CI: 1.62, 16.16) and the use of eyeliners (aOR = 2.81, 95%CI: 1.14, 6.93). Having blood lead levels ≥10 μg/dL was also significantly associated with the household member who had an occupation or hobby involving the use of lead (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.13, 2.72). DiscussionElevated blood lead levels were prevalent among children and pregnant women in Bihar, indicating the urgent need for a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention strategy.

Uncovering Right-Wing Digital Enclaves and Reactionary Politics: A Feminist Multi-Method Examination of a Transplatform Campaign

ABSTRACT In October 2021, an advertisement for a fairness cream by the Indian company Dabur ignited a fierce controversy, unveiling deeply ingrained ideologies of lesbophobia, misogyny, colorism, casteism, and Hindu victimhood. The ad, featuring a lesbian couple performing the Hindu ritual of Karwa Chauth after using the skin whitening cream, sparked criticism for its attempt to integrate same-sex couples into mainstream Hindu society through skin tone modification and heteronormative religious rituals. This paper highlights a critical feminist approach to the use of data analytics tools. The data we examined closely in this manner helped us uncover transplatform strategies employed in the production of homophilous affective right-wing digital enclaves. The data from Twitter provided us an entry point. This work reveals a transplatform campaign supporting right-wing reactionary politics, uncovering networks spreading misogyny, lesbophobia, casteism, colorism, and a sense of Hindu victimhood.

Formulation, characterization, and antibacterial testing of cream supplemented with Aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) gel and Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus L.) rhizome ethanol extract

Various brands and forms offer a wide array of cream-based cosmetic products. However, only some of these products meet safety specifications. <em>Aloe vera</em> and nutgrass, two plants rich in bioactive compounds, possess anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for health-safe cosmetic formulations. This research was conducted to develop antibacterial cream formulations incorporating these natural additives. The study focused on quality, organoleptic testing, and the formulated cream's antibacterial assessment. The research methodology encompassed several key processes: preparation of <em>Aloe vera</em> gel and nutgrass rhizome ethanol extract, formulation of the cream, quality testing by SNI 16-6069-1999 standards, organoleptic testing as per SNI 01-2346-2006, and antibacterial activity testing using <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> ATCC 25923 and <em>Escherichia coli</em> ATCC 25922 bacterial strains. Results indicated that the cream formula enriched with <em>Aloe vera</em> gel and nutgrass rhizome ethanol extract meets the standards for skin-lightening creams and exhibits significant antibacterial capabilities. Furthermore, it was observed that the antibacterial effectiveness of the cream increases with the concentration of the nutgrass rhizome ethanol extract. These findings highlight the potential for integrating natural ingredients into modern cosmetic formulations, providing therapeutic and aesthetic benefits. This approach not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also leverages the natural properties of <em>Aloe vera</em> and nutgrass to enhance the product's functionality in skin care applications

Detection of Mercury in Skin Lightening Cosmetics Marketed in Katsina Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

Deliberate use of metals as active cosmetic ingredients has been banned in many countries due to their persistent nature, toxicity and transdermal exposure over a certain period of time. Fifteen (15) samples were purposively sampled to cover the most frequently used brands as the samples for the study. The samples cover five (5) of each of the skin lightening creams, lotions and soaps from different cosmetics shops in Katsina central market and other outlets within the metropolis of Katsina. Qualitative inorganic analysis was conducted for the detection of the presence of mercury in the samples. Also quantitative analysis of the mercury was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The results for the qualitative inorganic analysis showed that all the samples were mercury (II) positive with 0.5N KI reagent through the formation of reddish orange precipitate, and no positive reaction of mercury was detected using 2.0N NaOH reagent. Quantitative analysis of the mercury revealed the presence of mercury in all the analyzed samples. The concentration of mercury ranged from 27.7 ± 0.0006 to 61.5 ±0. 0007 ppm. From the results obtained, it is thus evident that the analyzed samples were mercury (II) positive and above the recommended WHO permissible limit. Therefore, there may be a serious health hazard to the users of such products in Katsina metropolis. It is recommended that periodic analysis of such skin lightening products should be conducted by the regulatory bodies to ascertain their safety to the users.

Evaluation of mercury in skin lightening creams commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago and their associated health risk

Objectives: This study investigated the presence of mercury in commonly used over the counter skin-lightening creams available in Trinidad and Tobago. The objective of this study was to evaluate if skin-lightening creams commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago contained Mercury, and establish the health risks presented by these products. Methods: Nineteen skin-lightening creams were analysed using Cold Capor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS). Margin of Safety (MoS) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculations were used to assess risk to users. Results: Of the nineteen creams assessed, sixteen contained high concentrations of mercury (0.294-14414.5 µg/g), only three creams had no mercury detected. 9 of the 19 samples contained levels of mercury that exceed the Minamata convention’s accepted limit of 1µg/g, with 3 samples exceeding 3800.000 µg/g. Risk assessments using MoS and HQ showed that 3 of the samples were unsafe for use and are considered hazardous. The study also revealed that many creams do contain mercury even if it did not constitute part of the product formulation. Conclusions: The data infers that some manufacturers do add mercury to their formulations while others are the victims of contaminated raw materials. MoS and HQ show that 21% of the samples were unsafe and 16% can be considered hazardous for human use. It is possible that with such levels of mercury in these products and the popularity of these products within the Caribbean Community and its diaspora, that there exists a significant amount of members with higher than acceptable mercury levels, with undiagnosed clinical symptoms.

Prevalence of Skin Lightening Product Usage among the Young Generation in Lahore after Puberty: A Comprehensive Study

Background & Objective: The desire for fairer skin has become a global phenomenon, with colonial remnants in South Asia being identified as contributory factors to the perception of white skin as supreme. Skin lightening products (SLPs) are commonly used to reduce melanin concentration in the skin and achieve a lighter complexion. While SLPs can be medicated for treating hyperpigmented disorders and other skin conditions, their predominant use is for brightening the skin tone. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of SLP usage among males and females in the young generation in Lahore, Pakistan, and assess their knowledge and perception of the associated risks. Additionally, the study will examine the ingredients commonly found in SLPs and their potential adverse effects. Methodology: The instrument employed for the study was self-administered Questionnaire designed by the researcher. The data collected were analyzed as descriptive and bivariate using percentages, mean and median. Result: The study found that a significant percentage of young males and females in Lahore, Pakistan, use skin-lightening products, with social media and advertisements influencing their knowledge about these products. While participants were aware of potential harm from skin-lightening creams, many could not identify the active ingredients. Study highlighted the need for more inclusive beauty standards and consumer education campaigns. The study's results contribute valuable insights into the multifaceted landscape of skin tone perceptions, skin whitening product usage, and the associated complexities. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of considering cultural, psychological, and health-related aspects.

MOF derived metal oxide nanohybrids with in situ grown rGO: a smart material for simultaneous electrochemical sensing of HQ and RS

A GCE modified with HKUST-1/rGO/CuO/α-Fe2O3 for the individual and simultaneous electrochemical detection of environmental pollutants HQ and RS in skin whitening creams and hair toners.

Exogenous Ochronosis: Clinicopathological Correlation in Indian Patients and the Practical Applicability of the Dogliotti and Phillips Classification Systems.

Exogenous ochronosis (EO) results as a complication of long-term usage of skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone or other bleaching agents. Duration of use and concentration of hydroquinone in the product are noted to be key factors that decide the occurrence of EO. With more cases being reported globally, current classification systems lack practical applicability and may not be adequate for detecting early cases. Dermoscopy and clinicopathological correlation are very important for early diagnosis of EOto avoid undue overuse of hydroquinone leading to further deterioration of pigmentation. We report a series of six patientsin one year with EO with the minimum duration of use of hydroquinone being three months to the development of ochronosis. The most common strength of hydroquinone used was 2%, documented in 5/6 cases. Three out of six patients (50%) had discordant findings according to the Dogliotti classification, while four out of six patients (66.7%) had discordant findings according to the Phillips classification. Our findings suggest that EO can occur with a shorter duration of hydroquinone use, even at lower percentage strengths. We propose that it may be more useful to accept the clinical presentation supported by dermoscopic features as adequate actionable findings, consider all the histopathological stages as warning signs of ochronosis or impending ochronosis, and terminate the use of hydroquinone in such patients.

Becoming white(r): skin-whitening creams for white women? Contradictory cosmetics in early twentieth-century Spain

ABSTRACT The market for skin-whitening creams in Spain exploded in the early twentieth century. Marketing whiteness presented a particular challenge because of the contradictory nature of the pursuit: if even white people had to strive for whiteness, it was surely exposed as a construction, rather than a natural state of being. Skin-whitening products thus went against the “ordinary, neutral, even universal” manner in which whiteness was traditionally represented, as outlined in Dyer’s White (2017, xvi). How could skin-whitening creams sell whiteness without stripping it of the invisibility that made it so powerful? To add to the challenge, marketing whiteness presented a particular problem in Spain, a country so sensitive about its whiteness. Studying the changes in the advertising approaches of two case studies in Spain, Crema Tokalon and Cera Aseptina, reveals that the term blanquear was introduced very gradually, only appearing explicitly as a unique selling point in 1930. By 1933, it was removed almost as quickly as it was added. Despite this retraction, I argue that the colour white remained central to the appeal of skin-whitening products in Spain. Whiteness had not become unsellable; rather, it had become invisible, woven into other desirable traits, such as religiosity, cleanliness and suitability for marriage.

Exogenous Ochronosis: Characterizing a Rare Disorder in Skin of Color.

Exogenous ochronosis is a rare dyschromia that primarily impacts those with skin of color. It is characterized by blue-black pigmentation and is associated with the long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone. Commonly confused with other dyschromias, the use of skin lightening topicals can cause paradoxical skin darkening in patients with known exogenous ochronosis. This is highly distressing to patients, often worsening the underlying dyschromia and making treatment more difficult. A 10-year retrospective analysis was conducted that revealed 25 patients with exogenous ochronosis. The average patient used a skin lightening cream for 9.2 years, with exogenous ochronosis most commonly arising on the cheeks (68%), forehead (24%), and temples (20%). Furthermore, this study identified that patients with exogenous ochronosis may respond well to treatment with Q-switched Alexandrite laser and microneedling. The incidence of exogenous ochronosis is likely to increase as demographics shift and access to a wide range of over-the-counter topicals becomes more available, both in the United States and worldwide. Therefore, it is imperative to better characterize exogenous ochronosis to identify best treatment practices for all patients.

The Potential of Various Cosmetic Preparations of Tomato Fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) in Medicinal Uses: A Systematic Literature Review

In the cosmetic field, tomatoes can be processed into various preparations that can be used to maintain and improve skin health. Extracts or other natural ingredients derived from tomatoes can be used in cosmetic products. This study is a systematic review study with the aim of exploring the potential of various tomato cosmetic preparations in improving health. The literature search process was carried out on various databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar) regarding the potential of various cosmetic preparations of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) in medicinal uses. This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) recommendations. Extracts or other natural ingredients derived from tomatoes can be used in products such as skin-lightening creams, anti-aging face masks, moisturizers, cleansing soaps, and enzyme peels.

Reported Side-Effects of Using Skin-Lightening Products in Aden-Yemen: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice

Background: Skin lightening creams & products (SL) contain certain dangerous chemicals such as mercury, steroids such as; Clobetasol propionate (CP), hydroquinone (HQ), and a host of others that have negative health implications.
 Aims: The study focused on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of using these creams, as well as reporting the most common side-effects related to using these products.
 Methods: This study design was a cross-sectional study from August to October 2021, conducted in different governmental and private dermatological clinics and community pharmacies in Aden-Yemen. 
 Results: A total of 154 women were involved in this study, 58.4% in the age range from 21 to 30 years. About 57% were single and had a high level of education; 61.0% of the participants were university graduates. Nearly half (51.9%) of the participants agreed that they used the SL product due to the climate condition. Around two-thirds (67.5%) of them did not know the ingredients of the SL product. About three-forth (74.7%) knew that SL products might cause unwanted side effects to the skin. Nearly half (53.9%) of participants used SL products to get light skin tone, 23.4% used them for medical purposes, and 23.4% used them for both purposes. Most females had a good practice of stopping using these products during pregnancy (90.9%) and breastfeeding (88.3%). The most reported side effects of using SL products were acne vulgaris (44.2%), followed by pigmentation (26.0%), skin atrophy (22.1%), and the appearance of lines on the skin (striae) (20.1%). 
 Conclusions: A significant proportion of respondents in the cross-sectional study had overused and misused bleaching agents regardless of age, income, education, or marital status. Continuous use of these products without control will lead to complicated side effects on the skin and overall body systems.

A poly(neutral red)/porous graphene modified electrode for a voltammetric hydroquinone sensor

In this work, a glassy carbon electrode was modified with poly(neutral red)/porous graphene (PNR/P-Gr/GCE). The electrode was developed for use in an electrochemical sensor to determine hydroquinone (HQ) in skin whitening creams. The electrode was prepared by drop casting P-Gr on the GCE surface, followed by electro-polymerization of neutral red in deep eutectic solvent (DES) without an acid dopant. The fabrication of the electrode was optimized and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The electrochemical properties of the electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The PNR/P-Gr/GCE was used to determine HQ by adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltammetry (AdSDPV). Under optimal detection conditions, the electrode was 2 and 5 times more sensitive toward HQ than a P-Gr/GCE and an unmodified electrode, respectively. The developed electrode determined HQ concentrations from 0.005 to 70 µg mL−1 and exhibited a detection limit of 1.7 ng mL−1. The preparation of the electrode showed good repeatability (RSDs between 2.19 and 3.83%, n = 15), reproducibility (RSD < 1.87%, n = 6), and anti-interference properties. The proposed method successfully quantified HQ in skin whitening creams with recoveries between 89 ± 2 and 105.1 ± 0.2%. There was no significant difference at a 95% confidence level between the results obtained using the proposed method and those from UV-derivative spectrophotometry. This electrode presents a promising approach to HQ determination in skin whitening creams.

Nephrotic syndrome of minimal change disease following exposure to mercury-containing skin lightening cream: A case report and literature review

Long-term exposure to mercury-containing skin lightening cream can cause mercury-related nephropathy, among which, membranous nephropathy (MN) and minimal change disease (MCD) are the main pathological types. In contrast to these two conditions, MCD with IgA deposition is not a common disease. In the present study, we report a 65-year-old Asian woman who developed nephrotic syndrome following long-term use of mercury-containing skin lightening cream. The urine mercury level of the patient was significantly increased, and the results of the renal biopsy indicated diagnosis of MCD with IgA deposition. Following three courses of treatment with sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS) alone and discontinuation of the skin cream, the symptoms of the patient were relieved without use of glucocorticoids, with proteinuria turning negative and a significant reduction in urine mercury levels. During the 6-month follow-up period, routine urinalysis remained normal. By reviewing relevant published literature, we summarized the pathological characteristics, possible mechanism of action, and treatment strategies of mercury poisoning-related MCD. The possibility of mercury poisoning should be considered for patients with nephropathy and history of use of skin lightening cosmetics. In these patients, the urine mercury levels should be measured in time so that mercury removal therapy can be implemented early.

Effects of Whitening Cream: A Cross-sectional Study in Tertiary Care Setting

Aim: To determine the side effects of skin whitening creams in a tertiary care facility.&#x0D; Methodology: The current cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of dermatology, Peoples University of Medical &amp; Health Science for Women Nawabshah (PUMHSW), Sindh, Pakistan from January 2019 to July 2019. A total of 140 consecutive patients were included in the study matching the inclusion criteria. All the demographic clinical variables and follow-up data were recorded on a proforma designed for the study, the data collected were statistically analyzed and the results were tabulated.&#x0D; Results: In this study we observed various side effects in patients who used whiting creams. Redness showed in 81 patients (57.85%), flushing in 86 patients (61.42%), sensitivity in 99 patients (7.14%), acne in 52 patients (37.14%), thinning of skin in 77 patients (55%), pigmentation in 67 patients (47.85%),telangiectasiain 43 patients (30.71%), wrinkles in 33 patients (23.57%), and hirsutism in 44patients (31.43%).&#x0D; Conclusion: We concluded that whitening creams used in our facilityare strongly associated with several cutaneous side effects.

EFFECTS OF COMMONLY AVAILABLE WHITENING CREAMS ON THE HAIR FOLLICLES OF GUINEA PIG SKIN

BACKGROUND: The trend of lightening the skin is becoming a serious problem. Depigmentation creams are widely available as nonprescription cosmetic preparations in many local markets and shops.&#x0D; OBJCETIVES: To determine the effects of over the counter available skin whitening creams on the hair follicles of guinea pig skin. To highlight the significance of awareness in general population about the use of non-prescription skin lightening creams.&#x0D; METHODS: Sample size of 48 adult, guinea pigs were used in this experiment. The animals were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (control group) this group was applied with no cream and group II, III and IV (experimental groups) all were applied with skin whitening creams A, B and C respectively once every day, six days a week for four and eight weeks duration. The skin specimens were examined at histological level.&#x0D; RESULTS: Microscopic examination after 4 weeks duration showed variable degree of increased size of hair follicles from 104.8µm in group l to the maximum of 130.5µm in group lll. The effects were exaggerated after eight weeks duration.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: The use of skin lightening creams caused varying degrees of side effects so damage the skin.