The Japanese cosmetics company Kanebo is recalling 54 skin-whitening products in a move that has led one of Hong Kong's leading dermatologists to warn against the use of pharmaceuticals in cosmetics.
Kanebo, a big name in the global cosmetics industry, announced yesterday that it was recalling all products that contained a substance called Rododendrol (4HPB) after users complained it had left them with patchy, discoloured skin.
Dermatologist Dr Louis Shih Tai-cho said the substance, which was developed by Kanebo, should never have been added to beauty products. "It should be seen as a pharmaceutical."
Shih added: "Nobody knows whether this has any side effects. It may not necessarily be safe even if the substance is extracted from plants."
Rododendrol is said to lighten the skin by interfering with the development of melanin - a cell pigment that is the primary determinant of skin colour.
"When a substance interferes with the body balance, it should not be added into cosmetic products. It should be monitored by the Health Department as a medicine," Shih said.