Cosmetic doctors have called on the UK government to warn consumers about the dangers of skin whitening antioxidant glutathione.
Glutathione is used topically, orally or intravenously as a treatment for pigmentation disorders and to counter the side effects of cancer treatments and treat skin pigmentation disorders.
However, concern is growing over the use of the antioxidant by unqualified or unlicensed practitioners, including in some salons, to lighten the colour of the skin.
The issue was brought to light by an article published in the The BMJ on 31 August titled, Unethical skin bleaching with glutathione.