Quick answer
A complete list of skincare products banned by BSTI and DGDA in Bangladesh due to harmful chemicals like mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids.
Want the authentic one? Every product on TheSkinProof is invoice-verified.
See banned products →The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) have identified and banned several skincare and cosmetic products that contain dangerous levels of harmful chemicals. These products pose serious health risks including skin damage, organ failure, and even cancer. Here is the complete list of 17 banned products you must know about.
Why Products Get Banned
Products are banned when laboratory testing reveals they contain harmful substances above permissible limits. The most commonly found dangerous ingredients include mercury (used for skin lightening), hydroquinone above 2% concentration, undeclared steroids, and lead-based compounds. These ingredients may show quick results but cause severe long-term damage.
The Complete List of 17 Banned Products
1. Fair & Lovely Advanced Multi-Vitamin (Counterfeit Versions)
Counterfeit versions of this popular brand have been found containing mercury levels 10,000 times above the safe limit. Only purchase from authorized retailers.
2. Goree Beauty Cream
This cream has been found to contain mercury at dangerous levels. Despite being widely sold in local markets, it has been banned by DGDA for containing toxic heavy metals.
3. Golden Pearl Beauty Cream
Laboratory tests revealed dangerously high mercury content. This cream is imported illegally and sold without proper regulatory approval.
4. Stillman's Skin Bleach Cream
Contains hydroquinone above permissible limits and has been associated with mercury contamination. Banned for sale in Bangladesh.
5. Faiza Beauty Cream
Found to contain mercury and undeclared steroids. Causes severe skin thinning, stretch marks, and rebound darkening when discontinued.
6. Chandni Whitening Cream
Contains mercury and lead compounds. Widely sold in informal markets across Bangladesh despite the ban.
7. Bio Claire Lightening Body Cream
Contains hydroquinone above the 2% limit and has been linked to ochronosis, a condition causing blue-black skin discoloration.
8. Jiaoli Miraculous Cream
A Chinese-origin cream found to contain extremely high mercury levels. Has caused mercury poisoning in multiple documented cases.
9. Yoko Whitening Cream
Contains undeclared steroids and mercury. Prolonged use causes permanent skin damage and hormonal disruption.
10. White Express Extra Whitening Cream
Found to contain mercury at 12,000 ppm (permissible limit is 1 ppm). Extremely dangerous for skin and kidney health.
11. Betnovate-N (Counterfeit)
Fake versions of this prescription steroid cream are sold over the counter. Unauthorized use causes skin atrophy, infections, and steroid dependency.
12. Dermovate (Misuse/Counterfeit)
A potent steroid cream sold without prescription. Misuse causes irreversible skin thinning and stretch marks.
13. Melatex Forte Cream
Contains high concentrations of hydroquinone and has been banned due to skin cancer concerns.
14. Skin Light Cream
Found to contain mercury and hydroquinone. Marketed as a lightening cream but causes permanent skin damage.
15. Perfect White Cream
An unregistered product found with mercury levels exceeding 15,000 ppm. Extremely toxic.
16. Diana Cream
Contains undeclared mercury and corticosteroids. Sold illegally in beauty shops across Dhaka and Chittagong.
17. Tibetan Baicao Cream
A Chinese herbal cream found to contain undeclared steroids and heavy metals. Despite herbal claims, laboratory tests confirmed toxic ingredients.
Health Risks of These Banned Products
Using these banned products can cause:
- Mercury poisoning: Kidney damage, neurological disorders, tremors, memory loss
- Skin atrophy: Permanent thinning of skin, visible blood vessels, easy bruising
- Ochronosis: Irreversible blue-black skin discoloration
- Hormonal disruption: Steroid dependency, adrenal suppression
- Cancer risk: Long-term use of hydroquinone above safe limits is linked to skin cancer
How to Protect Yourself
Always check products against TheSkinProof's banned product database before purchasing. Look for DGDA registration numbers on imported products and BSTI certification on local ones. If you are currently using any of these banned products, stop immediately and consult a dermatologist. Report sellers of banned products to the DGDA hotline or through TheSkinProof's reporting system.
Shop verified
Every product on TheSkinProof is batch-matched against importer invoices before listing, with a 2× money-back guarantee if anything is proven counterfeit. Check a batch code
Frequently asked questions
Which skincare ingredients are banned or dangerous in Bangladesh?
Mercury, high-dose hydroquinone in unregulated creams, and certain strong steroids are the main concerns — most often found in unregulated "fairness" or fast-acting spot creams. Always check ingredients and avoid products making "instant fairness" claims.
Why are mercury fairness creams dangerous?
Mercury can cause rashes, skin discoloration, kidney damage and long-term harm. It’s sometimes hidden in unbranded or counterfeit lightening creams and is exactly why buying verified, ingredient-transparent products matters.
Can banned skin-lightening creams cause permanent damage even on normal skin?
Yes, long-term use of mercury or steroid creams can thin the skin and cause dark patches or scarring on any skin type, not just sensitive skin. Stop use immediately if you notice thinning, burning, or unusual discoloration, and see a doctor.
How do I check if a skincare ingredient list is hiding a banned substance?
Read the full ingredient list for terms like mercury, hydroquinone, or an unlisted steroid, and be wary of any product promising instant fairness with no ingredient list at all. A missing or vague label is itself a warning sign.