Toxic Beauty? Lawmakers Demand Crackdown on Dangerous Skin-Lightening Products
Zimbabwean lawmakers are pushing for tougher regulations on skin-lightening creams, warning that the products pose serious health risks and enforcement remains weak.
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, MPs debated new measures to address the issue, warning that these products remain widely available despite previous bans.
Harare East MP Kiven Mutimbanyoka led the discussion, proposing tighter regulations to control the sale and importation of skin-lightening creams.
Several lawmakers supported the motion, emphasizing the urgent need for tougher penalties and improved enforcement to prevent the circulation of banned products.
Midlands MP Perseverance Zhou underscored the health hazards posed by prolonged use, particularly among women.
She warned that harmful ingredients in many skin-lightening creams such as mercury, hydroquinone and steroids—could cause serious health complications, including fertility issues, liver and kidney damage and increased skin sensitivity.
Zhou urged the Ministry of Health to take immediate action and implement nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public.
Mt Darwin MP Barbra Thompson echoed concerns over the harmful effects of these creams, stressing that regulatory loopholes have allowed them to flood the market.
Murehwa North MP Noah Mangondo criticized the weak enforcement of Statutory Instrument 216 of 2019, which bans certain skin-lightening products.
He urged the government to strengthen collaboration between key regulatory bodies including ZIMRA and the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) to stop illegal imports from entering the country.
Despite the strong push for bans and stricter penalties, Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele-Tsiye called for a balanced approach to the issue.
He argued that lawmakers must take social and psychological factors into account when addressing skin-lightening practices.
Instead of making assumptions about users’ motivations, he suggested policymakers listen to those involved and ensure that public health measures do not infringe on personal choice.
According to iHarare, enforcement remains ineffective, with illegal products still reaching consumers through informal markets and smuggling routes.
Some beauty salons even offer injectable and oral skin-lightening treatments, which are unregulated and have not been clinically tested or approved by MCAZ.
With mounting concerns over serious health risks, legislators insist that unless enforcement improves, skin-lightening creams will continue to pose significant dangers to Zimbabweans.
The government now faces growing pressure to strengthen regulations and protect consumers from hazardous cosmetic products.
