Opinion

Activists and consumers in many different countries simultaneously challenged major cosmetics manufacturers with persistent criticism of their skin-lightening products. Research shows the companies’ actions are neither new nor sufficient.

Cross Post Now, World

The Ivory Coast has officially banned skin-whitening creams because of health concerns. CNN reports that the country’s health minister said that “cosmetic lightening and hygiene creams… that de-pigment the skin… are now forbidden.” The skin lightening creams—used extensively in Africa, the Caribbean, America, and many Asian countries—have been linked to cancer, diabetes, and severe skin conditions reports the […]

SAN FRANCISCO — California health officials became alarmed when a 39-year-old Mexican-American woman in Alameda County was diagnosed with mercury poisoning, giving her headaches, numbness, depression and forgetfulness. Scouring her home for the likely culprit, they determined that an illegal skin-lightening cream smuggled in from Mexico was to blame. Health investigators are currently going undercover […]

Let me make this point from the very top: Gabourey Sidibe is a wonderful actress. She was pitch-perfect as the abused and ultimately triumphant teenager in Precious and rightly deserved her Oscar nomination for best actress. Watching a smart and talented African-American woman get her due in these racially tense times is something that always […]