Kenyans have been urged to exercise caution when purchasing beauty products after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) confiscated banned cosmetics during a market inspection in Mombasa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, the standards agency said its market surveillance officers recovered the prohibited products in Tudor Estate and the Marikiti area as part of routine inspections.
KEBS warned that some cosmetics on the market contain restricted ingredients that pose serious health risks, advising consumers to confirm product certification and quality before making purchases.
The bureau identified mercury, hydroquinone and potent corticosteroids among the harmful substances found in some banned cosmetic products sold in Kenya.
According to KEBS, exposure to mercury can damage the kidneys and nervous system. Hydroquinone may cause skin irritation, uneven pigmentation and blue-black skin discolouration, while potent corticosteroids can lead to skin thinning, stretch marks and an increased risk of infections.
To minimise these risks, consumers have been advised to check beauty products for the KEBS Standardisation Mark of Quality before purchasing them.
The agency also encouraged buyers who are uncertain about a product’s authenticity to verify its status by sending an SMS to 20023. Members of the public can additionally report suspected violations anonymously through the KEBS Whistleblower Policy.
The seizure comes as beauty and personal care products, including skincare creams, lotions, soaps, makeup and hair treatments, continue to be sold across the country, highlighting the importance of consumer vigilance when choosing products for personal use.
