The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has warned Kenyans about dangerous chemicals found in some beauty products after seizing banned cosmetics in Mombasa.
In a statement on Thursday, October 22, KEBS said its market surveillance officers seized the prohibited cosmetics during a routine inspection in Tudor Estate and the Marikiti area of Mombasa County.
The bureau cautioned that some prohibited cosmetic ingredients can cause serious health complications, urging Kenyans to first verify the quality and certification of the beauty products before buying them.
“KEBS Market Surveillance today seized banned cosmetic products in Tudor Estate and in the Marikiti area, Mombasa. Some prohibited cosmetic ingredients can cause serious harm,” the bureau stated.
The entrance to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) headquarters in Nairobi
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KEBS
In its warning notice to customers, KEBS identified mercury, hydroquinone and potent corticosteroids among the substances contained in some of the banned cosmetic products being sold in Kenyan markets.
According to KEBS, mercury can damage the kidneys and nervous system, while hydroquinone can cause skin irritation, uneven pigmentation and blue-black discolouration.
The bureau also noted that potent corticosteroids can thin the skin, cause stretch marks, and increase the risk of infections.
To protect members of the public from the harmful substances, KEBS advised consumers to check product packaging for the KEBS Standardisation Mark of Quality before buying cosmetics.
“Before you buy your beauty products, check product labels for the KEBS mark of quality, and verify when in doubt through the 20023. You can also report concerns anonymously through the KEBS Whistleblower Policy,” KEBS noted.
The latest seizure comes amid the growing sale and use of imported and locally manufactured beauty products in the country, including skincare creams, lotions, soaps, makeup and hair treatments.
Beyond the locally manufactured beauty products, Kenya imports beauty and skincare preparations from several countries, including China, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uganda and Tanzania.
The crackdown on cosmetics forms part of KEBS' wider crackdown against illegal and non-compliant products sold in the Kenyan market.
Just hours before the latest warning, the bureau cautioned traders importing second-hand clothing after its officers intercepted a consignment containing used undergarments during an inspection.
KEBS listed used briefs, brassieres, camisoles, socks, stockings and swimwear among the prohibited second-hand textile products, directing importers to ensure their consignments do not contain the restricted items.
“Importers are reminded to ensure that consignments do not contain prohibited used textiles, including briefs, brassieres, camisoles, socks, stockings and swimwear,” the bureau stated.
A photo of second-hand clothes being sold in Nairobi's Central Business District pictured on November 3, 2022.
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Moses Muoki