Ivory Coast bans skin-whitening cream

skin-whitening-cream

Many Africans believe whitening creams make them more beautiful

Ivory Coast has banned skin-whitening creams because of health concerns, the health ministry says.

It says “cosmetic lightening and hygiene creams… that de-pigment the skin… are now forbidden”.

Whitening creams have been popular for years among young women – and some men – across Africa, who believe they make them more beautiful.

But medical experts say they may cause cancer, diabetes, severe skin conditions and other diseases.

“The number of people with side-effects caused by these medicines is really high,” Christian Doudouko, a member of Ivory Coast’s pharmaceutical authority, was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

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