@article{CRSIJ25000014,
                  author = {Margaret C, Enedoh},
                  title = {Identification of Hazardous and Non Hazardous  Commonly Used Skin Lightening Agents in Owerri, Nigeria through the Analyses and Determination of their Chemical Compositions.},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {1},
                  number = {2},
                  pages = {1-9},
                  issn = {APPLIED},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ25000014.pdf},
                  abstract = {Bleaching creams produced by registered companies have regulated concentrations of chemicals used. But various skin lightening agents and non-registered producers of creams especially in West Africa, circulate bleaching creams with no identified active ingredient, and incidentally, these creams remain the highly purchased cosmetics in Nigeria because of their low cost and quick actions. This study analyzes the various chemical components present in some of these readily available and commonly used bleaching creams found in Owerri, Imo State. Nigeria, vis-a-viz, Perfect white bleaching cream, Caro white bleaching cream, JRA Cosmetic bleaching cream, Ima Beauty Skin Lightener, BB Lightening cream, Clinic Clear lightening cream and Stay young bleaching cream. These seven creams were collected/bought locally from cosmetic stores within Owerri municipal and surroundings. They were subjected to elemental analysis by using X-ray fluorescent spectrophotometer and to GC-MS analysis to find out the elements and percentages of organic compounds respectively present in the creams. The results of the analysis show that all the creams contain metals such as Cr, Zn, V, Cu, Sr, Ti, etc, some at near toxic level. Also present are seemingly non harmful compounds like, 1-hexanol, 2-butanol, cyclohexanol and glycerine. Five of these creams - Perfect white bleaching cream, Caro white bleaching cream, BB Lightening cream, Clinic Clear lightening cream, Stay young bleaching cream contain hydroquinone with percentages of 4.42%, 1.2%, 4.42%. 0.49%. 7.23% respectively, Two of the creams as indicated above with 4,42% and another with 7,23% of hydroquinone are therefore hazardous when compared with the limit set by NAFDAC. Excess hydroquinone causes skin burning, stinging, redness, dryness, inflammation of skin cells and by accumulation may affect the organs. JRA Cosmetic bleaching cream appears safer as it contains no hydroquinone and inconsequential amount of heavy metals. The onus lies on the Government and the Government Scientists to avert the risk and consequences of hydroquinone and metal toxicity on the users of these lightening creams especially, perfect white, BB and most especially stay young bleaching creams, by monitoring and educating these roadside manufacturers in Owerri on the potential risks associated with higher levels of such metals and compounds.},
                  keywords = {Bleaching cream, Chemical Composition, Hydroquinone, Hazardous},
                  month = {September}
        }