"The global skin-lightening market is worth over $10 billion and growing, but the unregulated products driving it contain dangerous chemicals linked to serious health risks. Zahra Khan speaks to the scientists and advocates trying to fix the problem"
"The skin is the body’s largest organ, and humans have evolved to acquire skin colour as a balance between UV protection and vitamin D synthesis. The anatomy of colour remains a relatively under-researched area of medicine, but what is known is there is a strong desire to lighten skin tone in certain communities. Skin bleaching refers to the intentional whitening of someone’s skin colour for cosmetic purposes using products such as soaps, creams and washes – and in some cases, through injections. While evening out skin tone under strict medical guidance happens, the misuse of chemicals in a highly unregulated market is driving an epidemic in some countries. This essentially alters the biochemistry of the skin.
The use of products containing harmful chemicals is on the rise, and with the global skin-lightening market valued at around $10.22 billion in 2025 (£7.5 billion) and projected to exceed $16 billion by 2032, the industry is only thriving. These chemicals have been linked to severe health conditions such as neurological damage and kidney problems, creating a major public-health concern. This demonstrates why scientists, policymakers and the public must unite to stop this harmful practice. Cultural norms, regulatory gaps and industry ethics all contribute to the problem – and beyond biology, this is colonial colourism rendered in chemical form."
Zahra Khan reports for Chemistry World January 19, 2026.
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