Are injectable skin lightening and bleaching products safe?

This is an automatically translated article.

Consumers should be cautious with skin lightening or whitening products (including whitening cosmetics and skin whitening injections). These products have a high chance of containing ingredients that are not safe for the body and may not have the desired effect.

1. What is skin whitening injection?

Skin whitening injection is basically putting into the body substances that have the ability to inhibit melanocyte pigment cells so that the skin becomes brighter and brighter. Many people prefer this beauty method because the whitening agent enters the body faster and more (compared to conventional topical and oral cosmetics) so it has a noticeable effect. However, whether or not to use injectable skin lightening and bleaching products is currently a matter of controversy.

2. Risks when whitening skin

Skin whitening injections are often advertised in retail stores and beauty spas. The product is injected into a vein, muscle or under the skin with the claim to whiten skin, correct uneven skin tone and reduce dark spots. Some products even claim to aid in the treatment of conditions such as liver disorders and Parkinson's disease.
Many consumers may not know but all drugs circulating in the market need to be approved by the Drug Administration - Ministry of Health. Currently, the agency does not issue marketing authorization for any injectable skin whitening products because of unknown ingredients and uncertain effectiveness.
In addition to the potential hazards of the product itself, improper or unsafe injection practices can transmit disease, cause infection, anaphylaxis, or lead to serious injury to the injector.

In 2017, a company in the US called Flawless Beauty was ordered by a federal judge to stop selling and recall many new products because they were not approved and pose a risk to consumers' health. Skin bleaching cosmetics are sold under the names of brands such as Relumins, Tatiomax, TP Drug Laboratories, Laennec, Saluta, Tationil and Laroscorbine...
In fact, many cosmetic companies and individuals. advertising and marketing injectable skin whitening products, skin whitening cosmetics containing glutathione, L-cysteine, tranexamic acid, collagen, sheep placenta, vitamin C ... on online platforms. These products are often said to beautify and tone the skin, but dermatologists warn consumers to be cautious with these products. They have not been proven to be safe or effective, so consult your doctor before deciding to use any new medicinal product.
If you are using any whitening cosmetics or skin whitening injections and experience effects, whether severe or mild, please visit your doctor for examination and advice as soon as possible. There are also many products on the market that have been tested and licensed by the Drug Administration - the Ministry of Health to treat certain skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation (which causes skin to darken) and darkening of the skin. melasma (causes patches on the face). These products have been determined to be safe and effective for therapeutic purposes, you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for specific assistance.

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Reference source: fda.gov