Who is the Fairest of them all

Asians love skin whitening personal care products. We seem to be obsessed with our fair skin. I never really noticed how much until my boyfriend pointed out that he couldn't find a personal care product without "whitening ingredient" This brings me back to the days when my mom tried to get me to use Fair and Lovely- India's number 1 fairness cream. As an indian child i was told that being fair is an asset!

Anyway I searched whitening creams on amazon and the results showed 1,158 products. You can get whitening cream for just about any type of skin and for any body part. Wow! we have come a long way from just Fair and Lovely. Now everyone from L'oreal to Estee Lauder makes whitening creams.

What baffles me is why do we need a whitening facial form for men?

Here are some known hazardous chemicals in skin lightening products.
Hydroquinone – The most common bleaching ingredient used in skin lightening products and is also found in film developing products. It is used in cosmetics, hair dyes, and medical preparations. Because it is considered a possible carcinogen (a substance that encourages cells to develop cancer) and has risks of causing respiratory issues, it is banned for use in cosmetics in the UK , EU, Japan and Canada, however, it is still allowed in the U.S.
Mercury – Many skin lightening creams have this chemical in them usually in the form of Mercury Chloride and Ammoniated Mercury, which is a carcinogenic. Toxic levels of mercury can lead to mercury poisoning which causes neurological and kidney damage, and may also lead to psychiatric disorders. In addition, it can lead to severe birth defects.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids – Commonly found in facial chemical peels, these are not ideal to be used without professional guidance. These should not be in anything you use at home regularly.
Arsenic – This is immediately thought of as “poison,” which is exactly what it is. Some skin lighteners do contain this as an ingredient.

If you want to know more here is a link to skin whitening creams banned due to its high level of mercury.
You may want to stay clear of these products.http://www.whiterskin.info/mercury-is-a-dangerous-skin-lightening-ingredient/#Listcreams

Summary of brands of products banned due to their content of Hydroquinone or Mercury.

• Creams – Jaribu, Mekako, Amira, Tura, Yesako, Rico, Madonna, Mrembo, Shirley, Kiss, Uno21, Princess, Zarina, Envi, Viva, Ambi, Lolane, Nadinola, Glotone, Nindola, Claire, Mic, Tonight, Fulani, Clere, Binti, Butone, Malaika, Dear Heart, Miki, Crusader, Nish, Island Beauty, Malibu, Palmer’s, Care Plus, Topiclear, Carekako, Body Clear, A3 , Dream Successful, Symba, Ikb, Cleartone, Clear Essence, O’nyia, Elegance, Mr. Clere, Fairlady, Clear Touch, Ultime, Baraka, Peau Claire, Immediat Claire. Pimplex and New Shirley.
• Lotions – Amira, A3 Cleartouch, Jaribu, A3 Lemon Skin, Kiss, Rico, Princess, Peau Claire, Clear Touch lotion, Fair & White body clearing milk, Sivoclair, Extra Clair, Precieux Treatment and Clear Essence milk.
• Soaps – Movate, Mekako, Jaribu, Tura, Acura, Rico, Fair Lady, Elegance, Miki and Jambo.
• Gels – Ultra Clear, Topiclear and Body Clear.

Finally whatever you decide please read all ingredients very carefully before applying any skin lightening cream or treatment bought from a non-professional outlet. Especially, if bought on the Internet and at local beauty parlours.

Personally I don't use any of these products. I accept my skin colour fair, tan or on the dark side it doesn't matter.