Believe it or not, skin lightening products now account for half of the global cosmetics market, with demand continuing to surge. Research from the world’s largest market research store, Research and Markets, estimates the market at US$9 billion in 2023, projected to reach US$13.3 billion by 2030. But behind this booming industry lies a toxic truth.
In this gallery, discover the harmful lengths many women with darker skin go to in their efforts to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, and the dangerous ingredients that may be hidden in your skincare products. Click on for more.