Skin-whitening products are skin care products commonly used with the intention of brightening or whitening skin color or tone. These products come as cleansers, moisturizers, cosmetic products, etc. Additionally, beauty standards in many parts of the world are associated with ‘fairer’ skin tones and the like. Many, however, have mixed opinions on this– some prefer ‘whiter’ skin tones, while others embrace all colors and textures.
To find out public opinions on this in society, Real Research launched a survey on toxic skin-whitening products. The survey aims to find out opinions and consumer behavior with regards to skin-whitening products and the possible harm these products present. Additionally, the survey wants to see what respondents thought of skin whitening products’ health risks. Here are the results.
Highlights:
- 66.2% have used a product that promises to brighten, lighten or whiten skin
- 45.26% use skin-whitening products on their whole body
- 54.32% look out for steroids in skin-whitening products
The Majority Have Used Skin-Whitening Products
The survey starts by asking respondents if they have ever used or tried any product that promises to whiten, brighten or lighten skin. 66.20% are currently using skin-whitening products. Furthermore, 16.61% responded saying they have tried using skin-whitening products in the past. Whereas, 6.61% have not tried, but know someone who does. Lastly, 5.59% have neither tried nor knew someone who does.
Then, the survey asks what kind of skin-whitening products respondents have heard of before. In response, 48.05% have heard of cleansers (facial cleansers, body soap, etc.), whereas, 22.47% heard of serums.
Meanwhile, 14.8% heard of creams (moisturizers, body lotions, etc.), and 5.9% have heard of cosmetic products (foundation, powder, etc.). Lastly, 4.39% heard of IV Drips/ Injectables, and 3.84% have heard of oral medications, pills, or food supplements.
Skin Concerns Addressed With These Skin-Whitening Products
Next, the survey asks what skin concerns respondents want to address with these skin-whitening products. A majority of 60.97% say overall skin tone/complexion, whereas, 15.04% say hyperpigmentation/scars/blemishes. Furthermore, 14.52% say age spots, and 8.9% say melasma/freckles.
Accordingly, the survey also asked what body parts respondents usually use skin-whitening products for. The responses are the whole body (45.26%), face (35.54%), underarms (8.1%), elbows/knees (5.83%), and private parts (4.73%).
Then, the survey asks what ingredients respondents mainly look for in skin-whitening products. To this, 64.04% say Vitamin C, whereas, 10.85% say Glutathione, 8.32% say Kojic acid, and 5.75% say Retinol (Vitamin A).
A further 4.02% also say Niacinamide (Pro-vitamin B3), whereas, 3.2% say AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids), lastly, 3.13% say Alpha-arbutin.
Checking for Ingredients in Skin-Whitening Products
The survey then asks whether respondents check the ingredients of these skin-whitening products before purchasing. A majority of 65.92% say yes, but only the highlight ingredients in front of the packaging. In contrast, 18.54% check all ingredients including those listed on the back of the packaging. Finally, 15.54% do not go through the ingredients of these skin-whitening products.
Then, the survey asks which toxic ingredients in skin whitening products respondents observe. To this, 54.32% say Steroids, while 17.45% say Hydroquinone, and 12.64% say mercury. However, 15.03% look for none in skin-whitening products.
Lastly, the survey concludes by asking what other reasons apart from treating skin concerns respondents purchase and use skin-whitening products for. In response, 55.97% said they wanted to be prettier, whereas, 14.64% wanted to be sexier, and 8% wanted to feel empowered.
A further 6.59% wanted to be healthier, 4.97% wanted a better life in general, and 3.51% wanted to improve their social life.
Methodology | |
Survey Title | Survey on Toxic Skin-Whitening Products |
Duration | June 28- July 05, 2022 |
Number of Participants | 50,000 |
Demographics | Males and females, aged 21 to 99 |
Participating Countries | Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia,… Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe. |
RR Author
Real Research News is the media platform that presents insights and studies of wide-range of topics. It focuses on insights gathered from its survey app.