Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review May 2017 | Page 32

Ethnic Care
Lighter,
brighter, safer
Addressing the primary skin care need of African consumers, CJP Chemicals
and its international principal, Seppic, consulted with Dermscan to test
Sepiwhite MSH on Ethnic skin. The results are encouraging.
A
study by the University of Cape Town means risk-free. The dangers associated with the use of some
suggests that one in three women in South of these creams include leukaemia and cancer of the liver and
Africa bleaches her skin. In Nigeria, the kidneys. Another severe skin condition linked to these products
consumer’s mind set appears fi xated on fair is ochronosis. A form of hyper-pigmentation, ochronosis causes
skin. This has resulted in the ongoing popularity
of hydroquinone-based skin lightening
creams. Currently the Nigerian FDA permits
the skin to turn a dark purple shade. This is according to senior
researcher at the University of Cape Town, Dr Lester Davids.
Other side effects include increased exposure to UV radiation;
two percent hydroquinone in skin care sensitivity to sunlight; increased risk of hyper-pigmentation;
formulations, yet manufacturers are known contact dermatitis and skin irritation; as well as thick, leathery,
to include anything in excess of fi ve percent. and bumpy skin.
There are high-end lightening products
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and treatments that are believed to be The global desire for beautiful skin
safer than the creams sold on the informal Having a luminous and bright skin is a universal need that
market, yet doctors say they are by no concerns consumers of all ages and skin types. Caucasian
| MAY 2017 | P C Review