Injectable Skin Whitening Products & OTC Drug Recalls

The Lyon Firm is investigating a recent FDA announcement that raises consumer alarm for using injectable skin whitening products. The FDA is reviewing these “potentially harmful and illegal” products. Consumer safety advocates are taking cases of related injuries for plaintiffs nationwide.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is warning consumers of potentially dangerous products meant to lighten or whiten the skin.

Companies are manufacturing both injectable skin whitening and skin bleaching products, which experts say may be unsafe or ineffective. An investigation if underway to determine if the injectable skin whitening products contain harmful ingredients or contaminants.

These so-called injectable skin whitening products, sold online and at health spas, are marketed for injection into a vein or under the skin. The companies who sell them may promise to lighten the skin, correct uneven skin tone, or reduce blemishes. Some of these products even claim to treat real medical conditions.

The bottom line is that these types of injectable skin whitening products are unapproved drugs, and untested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To be clear, the FDA has not yet approved any injectable drugs for skin whitening, and the agency has noted, “These products pose a potentially significant safety risk to consumers. You’re essentially injecting an unknown substance into your body—you don’t know what it contains or how it was made.”

In addition to potential harm from the skin whitening products, improper injection practices at clinics may lead to serious infection or injury.

Skin Whitening Recall

A federal judge ordered Flawless Beauty LLC to halt sales and recall some products because they were unapproved new drugs that may put consumers at risk. Flawless sold skin whitening products under the following brand names:

• Relumins
• Tatiomax
• TP Drug Laboratories
• Laennec
• Saluta
• Tationil
• Laroscorbine

The Flawless products contain glutathione, vitamin C, collagen, and allegedly, human placenta.

The FDA issued warning letters to 12 companies for selling over-the-counter (OTC) skin lightening products that contain the active ingredient hydroquinone. The FDA has received reports of serious hydroquinone, including skin rashes, facial swelling, and ochronosis.

As of the time of printing, Tri-Luma, a prescription product, is the only FDA-approved drug containing hydroquinone.

Joe Lyon is a class action toxic exposure and consumer safety recall lawyer taking on defective product cases nationwide. Call the firm for a free and confidential consultation.