Toxic skin lightening creams containing damaging ingredients were seized in east London.

Toxic skin lightening creams containing damaging ingredients were seized in east London.

Steve Playle, from London Trading Standards, said: “These traders are not only playing with the lives of their customers, but they also face prosecution, fines of up to £20,000 and even the possibility of jail. Most of them know what they are doing is wrong as they hide the products under the counter or in stock cupboards.”

The council is advising members of the public who bought these creams to stop using them immediately and consult their doctor.

Source: Extracts from the Evening Standard (19 January 2016)