East Africa Moves To Ban Hydroquinone Beauty Products

Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) are pressing for a regional ban on the manufacture and importation of beauty and hygiene products containing hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is an active ingredient that is used to lighten or bleach skin. Studies of its impact have revealed abnormal functioning of adrenal glands in users, as well as high levels of mercury.

 Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania have already put measures in place to regulate or ban the importation of the substance. However, smuggling remains a problem. 

The EALA lawmakers have passed a resolution calling for the ban and recommending that the Council of Ministers undertake a regular review of the chemical ingredients in such products to ensure certain standards in the region.