Unauthorized health products promoted for lightening skin are being recalled by Health Canada as they may pose serious health risks.
On Mar. 6, a public advisory was issued to Canadians, mostly in Camrose and Calgary, Alberta, to stop using products from Brilliant Skin Essentials.
The recalled products include Brilliant Skin Essentials Brilliant Rejuv Set, Brilliant Rejuv Topical Cream, Brilliant Rejuv Topical Solution (Toner) and Rejuvenating Facial Toner.
Brilliant Skin Essentials products have been removed from primary carriers online and in warehouse locations from Dorton’s Online shop.yyc and Camrose Luxe Shoppe.
The skin-lightening materials are labelled to contain hydroquinone and tretinoin, and when used in high concentrations can cause bodily harm.
Hydroquinone at two per cent or higher is considered a prescription drug, rather than a natural health product in lower concentrations. It is a topical cream used to lighten skin darkened by conditions such as sun exposure, skin damage, pregnancy, medications and age.
Side effects include redness, dryness, blisters, scarring and increased sensitivity to sunlight and forms of skin discoloration, and have been tested for cancer after long-term exposure in animals.
Tretinoin, when used topically, is also a prescription medication that’s used to treat acne. It has been associated with birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or by children under 12 years of age. It can cause pain, irritation and swelling where applied.
Hydroquinone and tretinoin combined may increase some of the side effects associated with the drugs.
Health Canada advises consumers to immediately stop using Brilliant Skin Essentials products containing hydroquinone and tretinoin and to consult a health care professional if they have used these products and have concerns.
The government department also urges Canadians to carefully read product labels to verify products have been authorized for sale with an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).
