Photo credit of AFP from Channelnewsasia
I shared this piece of news a few days ago on Facebook that Kanebo Cosmetics Inc was discontinuing the manufacture and sale of selected whitening products from 3 ranges of skincare, but was waiting for the info from the Malaysian offices before I posted a quick PSA.
Basically, about 39 complaints were initially received from customers in Japan that they suffered skin staining or discolouration and white blotches on the skin after using some Kanebo Cosmetics products, which contain 4HPB or Rhododenol 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol a product developed by Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. and used in their whitening ranges of skincare since 2008. This ingredient was certified safe by the Department of Health in Japan and over 4 million bottles of skincare products. Update: The number of affected people in Japan has increased to over 2000 (source)
Due to the recent complaints received in Japan, and pending investigation of the cause and effect of Rhododenol on skin, Kanebo Cosmetics has voluntarily decided to temporarily discontinue production of their products which contain 4HPB or Rhododenol and in Japan, to recall the products which have already been sold.
Here are the products and brands in question and what you can do if you are using them or still have stock of them.