Cotonou, Benin – May 8, 2026
The Benin Medicines and Health Products Agency (ABMed) has issued an immediate ban on the marketing and use of 12 widely used depigmenting cosmetic products, warning that they contain dangerous prohibited substances linked to severe and sometimes irreversible health damage.
In an official communiqué dated May 5, 2026, ABMed stated that the products damage the skin’s natural barrier, exposing users to multiple infections, pigmentary disorders, severe skin lesions, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Banned Products:
- Epiderm Crème
- Dermaclaire
- Movate
- Caro Light
- Clobetaderm White Cream
- Coco Pulp
- Fair & White
- Dermovate
- Skin Light
- Rapid Clair
- Abidjanaise
- Glutanex Injectable
These products are known to commonly contain high concentrations of hydroquinone, potent topical corticosteroids (such as clobetasol propionate), and sometimes mercury compounds — substances strictly regulated or prohibited for cosmetic use in many countries.
Serious Health Risks Explained
Health experts and regulatory bodies highlight the following dangers associated with prolonged use of these products:
- Skin Barrier Destruction and Infections: The chemicals thin the skin (atrophy) and weaken its protective layer, making it highly susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
- Pigmentary Disorders: Users often develop ochronosis — a disfiguring bluish-black or dark permanent discoloration — as well as uneven skin tone, white patches, or paradoxical darkening.
- Structural Damage: Skin becomes paper-thin, easily bruised, and prone to stretch marks, visible veins, and premature aging.
- Increased Skin Cancer Risk: Reduced melanin leaves the skin more vulnerable to UV damage, raising the likelihood of skin cancers.
- Systemic Effects: When absorbed into the bloodstream, mercury can cause kidney damage and neurological problems. Potent steroids may lead to adrenal suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes risk, and weakened immunity. Hydroquinone has been linked to potential organ toxicity with long-term use.
The Director General of ABMed, Dr. Yessounon CHABI, urged the public to immediately stop using or selling these products and their derivatives.
“The Director General… invites the population to strictly comply with the provisions of this communiqué,” the official document states. Citizens are encouraged to report any continued sales by calling 01 51 20 98 15 or via the “signaler un produit” (report a product) section on the ABMed website (abmed.bj).
Skin lightening creams remain popular in parts of West Africa due to cultural and social preferences for lighter skin tones. However, many such products sold in informal markets are either counterfeit or contain unsafe levels of active ingredients never intended for long-term cosmetic use.
This ban reflects growing efforts across Africa and globally by health authorities, including the WHO, to crack down on unregulated skin-bleaching products that pose significant public health threats.
ABMed has not yet detailed specific enforcement actions, such as product seizures, but the agency is calling for full public cooperation to protect consumer health.
